Health and Safety Intern
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Safety & Security Manager, the Health and Safety Intern will assist with providing a healthy and safe environment for employees, guests, volunteers, and surrounding communities. The Health and Safety Intern will assist with promoting proactive health and safety policies, programs and procedures that include the four fundamental elements of effective health and safety and emergency management programs.
This is a paid position with 40 hours working 5 days a week. Housing is not provided but can be arranged by the intern at a local university, find more information at https://www.gvsu.edu/internhousing/.
The Zoo Internship Program is not represented at the hiring parties, please apply online. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close once a strong pool of candidates is reached—apply early!
Pay Rate: $15.25
Start Date: Week of 5/18/2026
End Date: No later than 8/7/26
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- The Health & Safety Intern will, under the guidance of the Safety Manager
- Perform Safety Inspections and Safety Audits
- Perform Hazardous Analysis and Risk Assessments
- Assist with investigations of injuries, accidents, near misses
- Assist with Safety Training
- Assist with Drills to include Animal Escape, Weather Related, Active Shooter, Venomous Bite, Injury Requiring Medical Response, and Fire Drill.
- Participate in the Safety Committee and Responsibilities
- Assist with Safety and Security through Video Surveillance and Access Control
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
- Thorough understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) requirements
- A greater understanding of all practices and procedures that ensure the safety and security of zoo animals, staff, and guests.
- Knowledge in the processes of safety assessments and inspections.
- Understanding the role of Safety and the importance of Zoos & Aquariums in conservation.
EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other team members, including employees, volunteers, and guests.
- Presentation of project or position to other interns, senior management, and possibly other staff.
- Attendance at and participation in all intern activities hosted by the zoo.
- Ability to learn departmental systems and follow systems
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be enrolled in a relevant college level program or have graduated in the last 12 months from a relevant college level program.
- Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact positively and appropriately with co-workers, supervisors, managers, and members of the public.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Intern will work in various environments both inside and outside and may occasionally be exposed to inclement weather, pollen, mold, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants
- Must be able to work seated at a desk for data management projects for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to work near exotic and domestic animals.
- Must be able to tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes and other zoonotic contaminants.
- Must be able to tolerate exposure to anti-bacterial, disinfectants and other cleaning compounds.
- Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Must be able to tolerate occasional exposure to inclement weather, high humidity, and to extreme hot and cold temperatures.
- Incumbent will work in various environments both inside and outside and may occasionally be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations.
- Must be able to work near exotic and domestic animals.
- Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.
John Ball Zoo is a drug-free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.