Education Internship (Summer)

Are you a college student interested in pursuing a career in environmental or formal education? Gain experience this summer at the Utica Zoo! Our hands on education internship offers students the opportunity to teach people of all ages about the importance of the natural world and promote positive conservation practices.

The Education and Ambassador Animal Intern is a member of the Utica Zoo’s education team reporting to the Lead Education Specialist. This position offers experience in all facets of the zoo education field, including program development, implementation, and evaluation, as well as ambassador animal handling, training, and husbandry. The Education and Ambassador Animal intern will assist with education programming including outreach, summer camp, ambassador animal encounters, birthday parties, and guided tours. Summer education internships are full-time (32-40 hr/wk). These positions are unpaid and interns are expected to have their own housing and transportation; Housing is also available through our local community college if needed. Proof of a negative Tuberculin test (must be within 6 months of the start of the internship) and COVID-19 vaccination are required.

Duties:

  • Assist outreach education staff with offsite programming, traveling and presenting to locations including school programs, camp programs, assisted living facilities, festivals, and events.
  • Assist zoo camp staff to prepare and facilitate camp activities, assist with animal presentations, monitor students during breaks, and guide campers through the zoo.
  • Learn and maintain ambassador animal handling certification; Once trained, responsible for knowing and abiding by proper handling, transportation, presentation, training, and interaction protocols for a diverse collection of animals in preparation for and during programs.
  • Understand and employ best practices in conservation messaging to connect Zoo audiences to conservation issues, threats, and solutions with the goal of encouraging environmental stewardship.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Preference given to candidates pursuing a degree in formal education, outdoor/environmental education, zoology, ecology, or a related field
  • Preference given to candidates with public speaking or teaching experience.
  • Must be comfortable working in close proximity to wild and domestic animals in a zoo setting as well as handling select ambassador animals.
  • Ability to interact with a variety of constituencies, ages, and learning abilities while maintaining a positive and respectful attitude
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and participate in physical activities required of the position.
  • Accepted applicants must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative TB Test (Must be within 6 months of the start of the internship).
  • Accepted applicants must provide proof of employment eligibility
  • Flexible start and end dates offered. Interns must be flexible with their schedule, and have the ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

How to Apply

Send your resume along with a cover letter to HR@uticazoo.org. If you have any questions or want more information about the internship position, feel free to contact the Utica Zoo Education Department at 315-738-0472 ext. 36. 

The Utica Zoo will close at 3pm on 12/31 and will reopen with normal hours on 1/1!