Jungle Intern

Job Details Job Location: Omaha Zoo – Omaha, NE 68107 Position Type: Seasonal Job Title: Jungle Intern FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Seasonal Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour Schedule SCHEDULE: The fall session runs September 22 – December 14, 2026. All interns must be available during this time. Orientation: First day of each semester from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; must be available to attend in‑person. Weekly schedule: up to 24 hours per week, including one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week, willingness to work weekends and holidays. Schedules set with Intern Coordinator and area supervisors. Description Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern for the Lied Jungle, America’s largest indoor rainforest exhibit. The 80‑foot tall, 1.5‑acre display offers immersive walkthroughs of three geographic ranges. Educational Opportunities and Responsibilities Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of animal care staff in the Jungle. Attend weekly professional development sessions. Complete learning goals on internship checklist. Participate in and complete a mid‑point and final evaluation. Assist in tasks as assigned, including: Cleaning and general maintenance of exhibits and building. Daily care of animal collection. Recordkeeping. Animal enrichment. Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health. Diet preparation and feeding. Help perform building upkeep, cleaning, and maintenance to ensure USDA and AZA Standards are met. Complete a life history report on an assigned species. Design an enrichment device and address construction needs, safety concerns, and implementation strategy for the assigned species. This position offers limited direct animal interaction and no participation in animal training. Interns may observe animal care staff demonstrate proper handling, restraint, and operant conditioning techniques when applicable. Interns cannot work within 6 feet of all primates, otters, pygmy hippo, and bats or while prepping their food without wearing a KN95 mask pursuant to disease mitigation protocols. Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications Must be at least 18 years old. Must follow safety guidelines and demonstrate safe working practices. Effective time‑management skills and the ability to work in a fast‑paced, flexible environment. Strong communication skills; clearly and effectively communicate with keeper staff about daily husbandry, safety questions, and building operation. Team‑oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff to support Zoo goals and mission. Attend shifts on time and as scheduled. Follow detailed instructions. Pass pre‑employment background check, drug screening, and a negative TB test. Previous experience working with mammals at an AZA institution is preferred, but not required. Interns currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college or university. Minimum one year of coursework in a major field related to biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc. is preferred. Knowledge of mammal natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred. Motivated to expand knowledge base as it applies to mammals. Physical Demands This position requires regular climbing stairs and ladders, climbing over barriers (up to 4’ high), lifting heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), and working in hot, humid conditions. Applicants should consider these requirements; those unable to meet them may be reassigned. Work Environment Routine exposure to hot and humid conditions. Public Contact Interns will interact with the public frequently and are expected to exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including informal educational presentations. DISCLAIMER We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit and accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part‑time job requirements. This position does not provide any medical coverage. EEO STATEMENT Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. #J-18808-Ljbffr Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium