Summary

Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering an internship position with our Animal Wellbeing Team. This position is available for upper-level undergraduate students and students 1-2 year post-college. This internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife and will provide valuable training in animal behavior and wellbeing, laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences.

Essential Dates

• This is a 12-week internship.
• Completed applications are due May 1, 2026.
• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the submission window may be closed earlier if a candidate is found before that date.
• Anticipated start date for position is June 1, 2026.

Project Objectives

• Evaluate and implement different projects across a variety of species, with a focus on reptiles: Komodo dragons, giant tortoises, and the Louisiana pinesnake.
• Investigate how elevated feedings impact pull strength and activity levels in Komodo dragons and giant tortoises (project funded by the AZA Animal Care and Wellbeing Grant Fund).
• Investigate what impact outdoor enclosures have on Memphis Zoo’s captive breeding population of Louisiana pinesnakes.
• Observations of behavioral and habitat use of gorillas, tigers, wolves, and flamingos.
• Assist with a variety of other ongoing projects including enrichment builds and evaluations, potentially some animal training.
• Develop foundational research skills, including conducting literature reviews, managing and analyzing data, maintaining a laboratory notebook, as well as how to trouble-shoot and cope with the problems that come up while conducting research.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Must be an upper-level undergraduate student OR a 1-2 years post college student.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
• Prior research experience in the biological sciences.
• Strong interest in pursuing graduate school or careers in ecology, physiology, conservation, or related professions.
• CAD or coding skill and experience.

Competencies

• Collaboration.
• Curiosity-Driven Thinking
• Detail-Orientation.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Positive Attitude.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative.
• Written/Verbal/Oral Communication.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Animal Wellbeing Team Manager.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This internship position works up to 40 hours a week and often requires flexible hours including day, evening, and weekend hours. A mixture of field work, lab work, travel, and administration are to be expected.

This position is considered nonexempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of the internship, the intern will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (lab/office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds or field sites). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this internship.

This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. Position also requires ability to navigate through Zoo grounds and to/around field sites.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Requirements

• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.

Paid Housing

Free housing for interns may be provided in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium located near the zoo. The condominium has two bedrooms and houses up to 4 people/room. Interns may be required to share a bedroom with a same-sex roommate.

EEOC and Inclusion Statement

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter, with earliest available start date (2 page max)
• CV
• Unofficial college transcript.
• Three professional or academic contact references.
• All above files should be submitted in a single PDF with the file name “AWB INT SUM 26_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents” through the online Job application portal.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For additional questions, please contact Dr. Melanie Richter at mrichter@memphiszoo.org.

How to Apply:

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.