Animal Behavior and Wellbeing Intern

Animal Behavior and Wellbeing Intern

Omaha Zoo - Omaha, NE

Overview

Position Type: Seasonal

Description

Job Title: Animal Behavior and Wellbeing Intern

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal

Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date.

SCHEDULE: The fall session runs September 22nd - December 14th, 2026. All interns must be available during this time.

• Orientation: First day of each semester from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
• Weekly Schedule: Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week and attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an Animal Behavior and Wellbeing (ABW) Intern under the direction of the Manager of Animal Behavior and Wellbeing. Interns will assist the Manager while working along with the keeper staff in all aspects of the day-to-day husbandry, training, enrichment, and welfare requirements for the animals in the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium collection. Interns may also participate in training and enrichment programs with the Zoo animals as well as potentially give public presentations.

The Animal Behavior and Wellbeing currently works with a wide variety of animals in various taxa. The focus of the department is to promote awareness and stewardship of the animal kingdom through enrichment and operant conditioning. The program consists of collection animals each having specific outlined objectives or teaching points that support the mission of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to inspire, educate, and engage people to serve as life-long stewards for animals, their habitats, and their conservation.

This internship is designed to provide an opportunity to form a knowledge base as it pertains to animal behavior and the causes that impact behavior in an AZA accredited facility in the following areas: general knowledge, animal welfare assessments, daily husbandry, nutrition, data collection and record keeping, environmental enrichment, operant conditioning, conservation issues, and guest interactions.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of conservation science staff in the ABW department.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
• Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
• Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
  • Creating ethograms and collecting behavioral data
  • Analyzing behavioral data and presenting to animal care teams as needed to improve enrichment, training, and welfare programs
  • Preparing, offering, logging, approved Enrichment in accordance to the animals' life strategy plan.
  • Assisting in developing and implementing operant conditioning techniques for the collection animals.
  • Assisting with and potentially individually providing animal demonstrations and encounters.
  • Assist the ABW manager and animal area staff in animal welfare assessments as needed
  • Other duties may be assigned.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices.
• Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
• Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and animal team members.
• Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
• Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo's mission statement.
• Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
• Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening. A negative TB test is also required.

EXPERIENCE: Experience is not necessary, but consideration will be given to an individual's past direct experience with exotic animals in other zoological, aqua cultural, ecological and biological areas such as in schools, aquariums, nature centers, agricultural operations, animal merchandizing or conservation centers.

EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to enrichment and operant conditioning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position at times involves considerable physical exertion, such as regularly climbing of ladders, lifting of heavy objects (up to or more than 50 pounds) and/or assuming awkward positions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, and moisture. The position may involve exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns.

PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns may interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public. As an intern in the Behavior Husbandry Department, you will be expected to be proficient and comfortable interacting with the public and Keepers. Guest concerns, questions or complaints should be promptly addressed to the Manager, Intern Coordinator or Lead Education Manager.

TO APPLY:

• Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top their choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
• Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered.
• • Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.
• Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.

DISCLAIMER

We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.

Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.