Terrestrial Department Internship

About the Terrestrial Department Internship

The Greensboro Science Center is looking for qualified interns for terrestrial internships. The GSC combined staff from the Zoo and Herpetology sections into one team – the Terrestrial Department. Interns will assist keeper staff in this department in all aspects of daily animal husbandry and care. Interns should expect to learn AZA skills to prepare them for a full time career in this highly competitive field. Interns will assist with a particular string as assigned which may include carnivores, hoofstock, reptiles, and small and large mammals. Please note that terrestrial internship strings do not include care for otters and penguins. Candidates interested in gaining experience with those species should apply for an aquarium internship. String assignments are made after internship offers have been accepted and are based on staff feedback from the interview process as well as preferences from candidates. The animal collection consists of more than 1,200 animals including 30 species of mammals, 10 species of birds, 127 species of fish, 36 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, and 79 species of invertebrates.

What would I be doing as a Terrestrial Intern?

  • completing daily observations of animals on your assigned string
  • cleaning exhibit and holding spaces
  • preparing diets
  • implementing enrichment and animal welfare practices
  • observing and assisting in administration of preventive health care
  • observing and assisting in husbandry training
  • ensuring personal and animal safety by following established protocols
  • learning about SSP breeding programs and conservation efforts
  • learning modern practices that adhere to USDA and AZA standards
  • attending lectures on zoo topics with fellow interns

What would my schedule be like?

Terrestrial Interns, when possible, are typically on-site for a 40 hour, 5-day schedule. Still in school? We’ll work around your schedule, as long as you have at least 3 full days available during the week/weekend. The selected applicant will be expected to start at the end of August and continue through the beginning of December. A minimum of 380 hours and a maximum of 400 hours are required during that time frame for the successful completion of an animal care internship. Please note that in order to receive credit as a GSC intern, you must complete that number of hours regardless of any school or program requirements which may be less than that.

Who would I be learning from?

  • Amanda Bissert, Terrestrial Curator
  • Carolyn Mikulskis, Senior Keeper
  • Keepers, including string leads and relief staff

What are you looking for in an intern?

  • Interns must be able to work in a team environment as well as independently, and must have good communication skills
  • Interns must be detail-oriented, excellent listeners who can abide by rules and protocols for their own safety—as well as the safety of the animals in their care
  • Interns must be able to lift 50 lbs and be able to perform physical work outside in varied weather conditions
  • Interns must complete all intern paperwork and pass a background check
  • Interns must have proof of a current negative TB test that will not expire during the course of their internship (i.e. must be less than 1 year old)
  • Interns must have college-level schooling in zoology, biology, or any other animal-related field AND 6 months of related animal care experience
  • Preference will be given to senior-level or recent college graduates pursuing zookeeping as a career

How do I apply?

To apply, please complete this application (you will need a resume, cover letter, and list of the names and contact information of three people who can provide professional references for you) by 11:59PM EST on deadline date for the best chance of consideration. Interviews will start before applications are closed so applying early is highly recommended.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You will receive a bounce-back email to confirm receipt of your application materials. No phone calls, please. Should you have any questions, please send them to internships@greensboroscience.org. Due to the large number of applications we typically receive, only selected applicants will be contacted for interviews. We are unable to contact all applicants directly.

Internship opportunities are unpaid and housing opportunities are unavailable. Completion of an internship at the GSC does not come with the promise of future past-time or full-time employment.