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Summer Internship: Conservation Wildlife Ecology/Biology

Utah's Hogle Zoo
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Organization: Utah’s Hogle Zoo (AZA Member) 

Internship: Summer 2026 Conservation Internship (Wildlife Ecology/Biology)

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

 

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Wildlife Ecology/Biology Intern will assist with the Zoo’s research and conservation programs for imperiled native Utah species, notably the western (boreal) toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) and other amphibians. Data collected through this program contribute to the management and recovery of these species, in collaboration with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other partners. This internship primarily involves fieldwork within Utah’s mountain ranges. Other fieldwork may include wildlife monitoring along the Jordan River corridor and Wasatch Front using trail cameras and acoustic monitors and restoring habitat along the Jordan River. Conservation interns will engage with Zoo guests and volunteers, as well as community scientists. They will help increase awareness about the Zoo’s conservation programs and impact, participate in and support conservation events and communications sponsored by the Zoo and its partners, and assist with other activities as needed. Because conservation is an interdisciplinary field, this internship aims to expose interns to both the ecological and social aspects of wildlife conservation.

 

REPORTS TO: Director of Conservation

 

DATES: Summer May 18- August 17, 2026 (start and end date may be flexible based on school schedule)

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

After completing this internship, interns should be able to:

  • Explain how modern zoos support wildlife conservation and are working to reduce threats to wildlife 
  • Describe the principles and benefits of community science and community engagement in conservation
  • Demonstrate competency in practical field-based skills and safety protocols for outdoor fieldwork
  • Identify and distinguish among amphibian taxa in montane wetland communities
  • Safely handle wild amphibians following widely accepted standards and best practices 
  • Measure and collect data on wild amphibians and their habitats using standardized data forms 
  • Use ArcGIS Survey123 to record survey data
  • Use field-monitoring equipment, such as water quality meters, trail cameras, and acoustic monitors
  • Download and analyze trail-camera data and use the Wildlife Insights platform
  • Demonstrate basic geospatial and orienteering skills, including navigation using handheld GPS and maps
  • Train and supervise community scientists and volunteers in field settings
  • Communicate ecological principles accurately and effectively to the public 

 

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

  • Final project: Design and conduct a final project. Subject to approval by the Conservation Department, interns may choose their own project topics, which should align with their interests and learning goals
  • Presentation: Give a 10- to 15-minute PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the final project 
  • Journal: Keep a weekly journal to be shared with their supervisors in the Conservation Department

 

EXPECTED DUTIES*

  • Monitor rare amphibians and their habitats by conducting visual encounter surveys, collecting biometric data, identifying individuals (PIT tags), measuring water-quality parameters, and assessing habitat quality
  • Record and manage survey data using ArcGIS Survey123
  • Monitor mammals, bats, and birds using trail cameras and acoustic monitors
  • Sort, identify, and analyze data from trail cameras and acoustic monitors
  • Help plan and organize fieldwork trips (both daily and multi-day trips)
  • Assist with training and managing community scientists in the field
  • Interact with partner organizations (e.g., Forest Service, Division of Wildlife Resources, other NGOs)
  • Engage with Zoo guests and volunteers to communicate scientific and conservation messages and increase awareness of the Zoo’s conservation and sustainability programs. This may include representing the Zoo at on-grounds or off-site public events
  • As needed, assist the Zoo’s Animal Care team with the care of the western toad assurance colony and management of the colony during the reproductive period (e.g., tadpole care)
  • As needed, assist with monitoring activities or other conservation action for Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Utah
  • As needed, collaborate with the Zoo’s Events Team to plan and conduct conservation-themed events 
  • As needed, contribute to community outreach by developing social media content

 

* Duties are subject to change at the discretion of the Conservation Department, to align with any shift in Zoo priorities and needs.

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Applicants must be:

  • Currently enrolled in a relevant undergraduate program with junior or senior standing or a relevant graduate program, OR be a recent graduate of an undergraduate program
  • In good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA)
  • Organized, with good time-management skills, and able to work independently
  • Able to stand or walk for extended periods (3+ hours) and safely lift 40lbs.
  • Able to hike at high elevations (>5,000m) in mountainous terrain (typically unmaintained, densely vegetated terrain) at a pace of about 1,000ft/mile, and in occasional inclement weather
  • Comfortable camping outdoors and cooking at campsites unsupervised (experience with fieldwork and camping is preferred, but not required)
  • Able to drive an AWD truck on uneven terrain (valid driver’s license is required)
  • Able to swim without the assistance of other people or inflatables/floats
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • TB-negative (proof of a negative TB test is required) 
  • Able to pass a drug test and background check

 

 

WORK SCHEDULE: 30–40 hours/week (average of 35 hours/week), including some weekends, holidays, evenings, and multi-day overnight trips

 

COMPENSATION: Thanks to support from the Hugh H. Hogle, MD, Internship Award and the Species Protection Account (SPA is administered by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources), this internship position comes with a stipend, which will be paid once per month over three months. Professional development opportunities will also be provided. College credit may be available for eligible students through their college/university. No housing is provided. Interns receive a 50% discount on food and beverage at the Zoo and a 30% discount in the Zoo’s gift shop. For all Zoo-led field activities, transportation, food, and camping gear will be provided.

 

 

TO APPLY: Applications are due by February 15, 2026. 

 

Please visit https://www.hoglezoo.org/internship-opportunities/  to fill out an application.  Attach a resume, cover letter, and informal transcript to application or send to volunteeroffice@hoglezoo.org.  Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

 

Applicants will be contacted for interviews at the end of February, please do not expect to hear from us before then. Please e-mail volunteeroffice@hoglezoo.org with any questions.

 

 

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive internship program representative of a variety of backgrounds, age groups, perspectives, experiences, abilities, and strengths.