SAMi Partnership Intern: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Overview This is a limited-term, grant-funded, paid internship with the Conservation Engagement team at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA). The internship begins in early September 2026 and lasts until March 2027 (up to 7 months). Interns will work approximately 32 hours per week; the exact schedule will be confirmed after hire. Compensation Internship stipend: $2,500 per month (up to 7 months; total stipend up to $17,500). Stipends are considered taxable income. Reports to SAMi Partnership Coordinator. Mission & Zoo Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1905, the 29‑acre zoological park attracts over 800,000 visitors a year and is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). The zoo sits within the 700‑acre Point Defiance Park, offering views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. PDZA is operated by Parks Tacoma. Internship Purpose The SAMi Partnership Internship is a unique opportunity for a recent graduate of Tacoma Public Schools’ Science and Math Institute (SAMi) to gain hands‑on experience in conservation education, program logistics coordination, and impact evaluation. Interns will support the administration of a newly developed program evaluation system and contribute to strategic planning for future partnered programming between PDZA and SAMi. Essential Duties Program Impact Evaluation: use evaluation tools and strategies to collect data on partnership impact; review and analyze data from conversations, observations, and online surveys; provide input on evaluation feasibility and efficacy to plan long‑term evaluation methodology. Partnership Representation & Engagement: represent PDZA at SAMi events and vice versa; engage with PDZA committees and work‑units; collaborate with SAMi teachers and mentor groups to support evaluation activities. Promoting a Culture of Conservation: champion empathy for wildlife best practices among SAMi staff and students; encourage participation in partnership with PDZA; synthesize lived‑experience to strengthen student learning outcomes. Continuous Improvement: provide constructive feedback on evaluation methods, partnered programming, and fellowship experience; track time spent on evaluation protocol to support planning. Minimum Qualifications Recent graduate of Tacoma Public School’s SAMi High School (classes of 2024, 2025, or 2026). 18 years or older with a high school diploma from SAMi and good academic standing. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite/Windows or other digital tools for word processing, data analysis, information sharing, and presentations. Demonstrated interest in educational program coordination and conservation learning. Demonstrated interest in positive and productive partnership between PDZA and SAMi. Strong interpersonal, active listening, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members. Ability to work collaboratively with community members of diverse backgrounds. Preferred Experience Engagement with PDZA during time at SAMi through internships, youth leadership development programs, zoo conservation courses, or other relevant zoo‑based experiences. Work Environment Indoor and outdoor settings, varied weather conditions. Frequent interaction with high school students, educators, zoo staff, and the public. Possible close contact with wild animals. May require evenings, weekends, and variable hours. Physical Requirements Ability to walk or move independently in office, classroom, zoo grounds, and varied outdoor terrain. Ability to sit or stand at a workstation for extended periods. Manual dexterity for computer work and field equipment. Ability to hear, speak, and see for communication and information processing. Potential Hazards Exposure to dissatisfied program participants and challenging interpersonal interactions. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, exhaust fumes, and wild animals. Stipend & Employment Status Interns are not officially classified as employees of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, ACE for Wildlife Network, The Zoo Society, or Parks Tacoma. Interns receive a $2,500 per month stipend, paid monthly throughout the internship term. #J-18808-Ljbffr Parks Tacoma