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The Santa Barbara Zoo has a long-standing internship program which focuses on bridging the gap between classroom learning and on-the-job experience. All of our internships facilitate practical learning experiences and allow students to explore career opportunities available within a zoo.
ANIMAL CARE INTERNSHIP
DEVELOPMENT / MEMBERSHIP INTERNSHIP
PRIVATE EVENTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS INTERNSHIP
GRAPHICS INTERNSHIP
ANIMAL RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP
MARKETING INTERNSHIP

 ANIMAL CARE INTERNSHIP
General Purpose:
The Animal Care Internships at the Santa Barbara Zoo focus on behavioral research while developing an understanding of animal care and husbandry, along with zoo management.

Qualifications:

  • Have a sincere interest in animal behavioral research in a zoo environment and future career development.
  • The internship may be physically demanding, subjecting interns to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors. Interns may be required to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold and rain.
  • Completion of 2 years of college
  • Overall grade point average of 2.5 (out of 4.0)
  • For the welfare of employees and animals, proof of a current tetanus vaccination and TB test are required for internships prior to the start of the internship.

    Dates/Hours:
    Internships are available on a year-round basis according to department needs. Animal Care Interns must commit to a minimum term of eight weeks with a maximum term of 12 weeks. (Five days a week, 40 hours per week).

    The Animal Care Internship is unpaid. Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the successful intern.

    Application Process

  •  DEVELOPMENT / MEMBERSHIP INTERNSHIP
    General Purpose:
    Assist with development and membership projects. Intern will gain work skills for future employment in non-profit or profit field.

    Qualifications:

    • Good oral and written communication
    • Computer literate (MS Word, Excel)
    • Enthusiastic; ability to work well with others
    • Interest in the Zoo's work and mission

    Potential Duties/Projects:

    • Special Events: Assisting with the creation and implementation of membership and fundraising special events, including Zoofari Ball, Members' Night, Breakfast with the Animals, President's Council, Director's Lunch, Dignitarios, cultivation receptions and more.
    • Special Projects: Working with the staff on special projects, including Foster Feeder Annual Appeal and fulfillment, Memorial/Honor program tracking and marketing, The Zoo Campaign meetings and activities, and more.
    • Membership: To assist in the planning and implementation of activities relating to increasing the number of new members/retaining current members, including summer sales, raffle table, e-newsletter and blasts, ZooNews, special promotions, researching new programs, Member Appreciation Month and more.

    Skills Gained:
    Ability to work in non-profit environment; learn about the workings of a large non-profit institution; public relations and marketing skills; special event, membership and fundraising skills.

    Benefits:
    Free entrance to the Zoo while an intern; ability for behind the scenes encounters with animals; opportunity to attend special events.

    Dates/Hours:
    Internships are available on a year-round basis according to department needs. Position is open until filled. More than one intern position is available. Hours are flexible. Zoo office hours are from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

    Application Process

     PRIVATE EVENTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS INTERNSHIP

    General Purpose:
    Assist the Guest Services Department and the Private Events Department with developing, marketing and organizing private and special events.

    Qualifications:

    • Excellent written and oral communication skills
    • Computer literate, with knowledge of both Microsoft Word and Excel
    • Enthusiastic; "people" person and outstanding customer service skills
    • A desire to pursue a career in event planning is a plus, but not mandatory

    Potential Duties/Projects:

    • Internal Events: Assist in the set-up of Special events, including Boo at the Zoo, Breakfast with the Animals, Member's Night, Zoofari, and many more.
    • Coordinate and communicate with both internal and external customers, including Zoo staff, vendors, private event clients, and Zoo visitors to ensure the success of each event.
    • Private Events: Assist the Private Events Coordinator with all aspects of Private Events, including booking, invoicing, marketing, etc. You will see the entire event process, from booking an event to invoicing after the event.
    • Assist the Private Events Coordinator with direct mailings.
    • Work in conjunction with the Private Events Coordinator to expand our new Advance Ticket Program. The program is in its second year and we are looking for growth through mailings and direct contact with local hotels and companies.

    Skills Gained:
    Experience working in a non-profit environment. Applicant will develop and enhance his/her communication, organizational, and critical thinking skills as well as learn how to work within a large, non-profit institution.

    Benefits:
    Free entrance to the Zoo during duration of internship; opportunities to attend Special Events; great experience to add to your resume.

    Dates/Hours:
    Flexible, however must be available on some weekends. Hours are TBD depending on applicant's schedule, but will range from 5 to 15 hours per week. Zoo office hours are 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. One (1) internship positions is available. Open until filled. Internship is available on a year-round basis according to department needs. NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING INTERNSHIPS - CHECK BACK SOON!

    Application Process

     GRAPHICS INTERNSHIP
    General Purpose:
    To work with the Education Curator to create graphic signage for Zoo grounds.

    Position Description:

    • Conduct research and photo searches
    • Assist with fabrication and maintenance of permanent and temporary Zoo graphics
    • Work independently under direction of staff to meet deadlines

    Qualifications:

    • Good research and writing skills
    • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and PageMaker
    • Education and/or experience in graphic design
    • Ability to work within an organizational hierarchy as a team member
    • Desire to interact with children, adults and families
    • Represent the Zoo by being friendly, knowledgeable, well-groomed, and helpful with all guests
    • Serve as an ambassador of the Zoo within the community

    Dates/Hours:
    Internships available on a year-round basis according to department needs. Hours are flexible, 10-20 hours per week preferred. Zoo office hours are from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

    Application Process

     CONSERVATION AND ANIMAL RESEARCH INTERNSHIP

    General Purpose:
    The conservation and research internship at the Santa Barbara Zoo exists to provide the intern with direct experience with conservation and research activities in a dynamic setting with a variety of program partners, including federal, state, and NGO entitities. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to prepare for graduate school and/or a career in zoo or field conservation.

    Essential Qualifications:

    • Fluent in English
    • Have a strong interest in zoo conservation and research
    • Willingness to work independently in remote and inclement field conditions
    • Excellent interpersonal skills
    • Valid driver's license
    • Must submit an application, letter of interest and a CV or resume

    Essential Qualifications:

    • Degree in Biology or Psychology
    • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Access
    • Proficiency with statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS)

    Job Responsibilities:

    • The research intern will be involved in the daily activities of the the Conservation and Research branch including: field data collection (e.g., behavioral data collection on wild condor nestlings from observation blinds, herpetofaunal surveys, using radio telemetry to track species of interest); zoo data collection (e.g., behavioral data collection on collection species); data entry; assisting with routine filing and paperwork; conducting literature reviews; assisting with the training of new project volunteers; assisting with community outreach efforts; preparation and presentation of research to an audience.

    Dates/Hours:
    5 days/40 hours a week, with a four month minimum commitment. Available year-round.

    Other Info:
    Though this is an unpaid internship, housing arrangements may be available on zoo grounds.

    To Apply:
    Please submit letter of interest and CV or resume to Estelle Sandhaus.

     VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERN/EXTERNSHIP

    General Purpose:
    The veterinary intern/externship at the Santa Barbara Zoo exists to educate, enlighten, and provide unique experiences in zoo veterinary medicine to encourage conservation and preservation of all species.

    Qualifications:

    • Must be enrolled in vet school or enrolled in a Vet Tech Program
    • Fluent in English.
    • Have an interest in zoo veterinary medicine.
    • Must submit an application, letter of interest and a resume.
    Job Responsibilities:
    • The intern/extern will be involved in the daily actives of the vet department including: cleaning, animal care, assisting in procedures, filing, computer work, and assisting the veterinarian and vet technician in their regular duties.

    Dates/Hours:

    • Interns/externs must commit to a minimum term of 4 weeks, 5 days/40 hours a week.
    • Available on a year-round basis.

    Other Info:

    • Priority given to veterinary students.
    • The intern/externship is unpaid.
    • Housing arrangements may be available on grounds.

    Application Process

     MARKETING INTERNSHIP

    General Purpose:
    Assist Director of Marketing at Santa Barbara's most popular visitor attraction. Intern will gain work skills for future employment in non-profit or profit field.

    Qualifications:

    • Good oral and written communication
    • Computer literate (MS Word, Excel)
    • Enthusiastic; ability to work well with others
    • Interest in the Zoo's work and mission
    • A self-starter who is not afraid to initiate contacts at hotels, visitors center, and local businesses

    Potential Duties/Projects:

    • Marketing: Assist in general marketing department activities.
    • Corporate Sponsorship: Begin compilation of Santa Barbara Zoo Corporate Sponsorship database.
    • Entertainment: Assist in creation of Zoo's first animal show.
    • Hotel Sales Program: Assist in creation and implementation of Zoo's first hotel affinity program.
    • Special Events: Work with Assistant Marketing Manager in implementation of new and revised special Zoo events and parties.

    Skills Gained:
    Ability to work in non-profit environment; learn about the workings of a large non-profit institution; marketing and public relations skills; special event creation and implementation; gain venue programming and entertainment experience.

    Benefits:
    Make important contacts at local businesses, free entrance to the Zoo while an intern; ability for behind the scenes encounters with animals; opportunity to attend special events.

    Dates/Hours:
    Internships are available on a year-round basis according to department needs. Position is open until filled. More than one intern position is available. Hours are flexible. Zoo office hours are from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

    Application Process

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