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Zoo Education and Interpretive Programs Internships 2024

Idaho Falls Zoo
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The City of Idaho Falls is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Thank you for your interest in Idaho Falls Zoo's Zoo Education & Interpretive Programs internship. Please consider your personal experience, interests and career goals when deciding if Idaho Falls Zoo’s internship program fits your needs and availability.

    2024 internship sessions: 

  • WINTER: January 8th – March 30th 
  • SUMMER: April 29th – August 3rd
  • FALL: September 16th – December 14th

Associated costs: Internships are unpaid. Transportation and housing are the sole responsibility of the intern. Interns are required to purchase at least 1 uniform shirt to wear during their internship. The cost per shirt is $15.00. All interns must provide proof of an unexpired tetanus immunization. 

Application Process: 

  • Carefully read the internship discription below.

 

 

  • Idaho Falls Zoo will contact you via email within 14 days of receiving your application. Check your email’s junk folder if you have not received our message after 14 days. 

 

  • Attend an interview with zoo staff members. Both in-person and Zoom interviews are available.

 

  • Idaho Falls Zoo will contact you via email within 14 days of your interview to inform you whether or not you have been selected for the internship program. Check your email’s junk folder if you have not received our message after 14 days. 

 

  • If selected, submit and pass a City of Idaho Falls background check. The background check form will be provided after a successful interview.

 

  • If selected, provide proof of current tetanus vaccination. 

 

We recognize and appreciate the time and effort it takes to go through the application process. Please direct any questions that cannot be answered by your academic institution’s internship coordinator to Kathryn, in the zoo’s volunteer department at kfarley@idahofallszoo.org or 208-612-8453.

The following is a general description, and does not contain an exhaustive list of possible duties:

Zoo Education & Interpretive Programs

GENERAL PURPOSE: To help prepare individuals for careers in conservation, environmental, interpretive, natural science or other field of education by providing practical, hands-on experience interning at an AZA accredited facility. Under the mentorship of zoo education staff, Zoo Education & Interpretive Program interns assist in a variety of informal education initiatives. Some assignments may include working with Idaho Falls Zoo’s (IFZ) ambassador animals (after completing training) in programs both on, and off, zoo grounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Zoo Education & Interpretive Program interns support IFZ staff in preparing and presenting education programs which may include: 

  • Communicating accurate information in an interpretive, empathetic manner
  • Presenting ZooMobiles, IFZ’s outreach program, to local school and community venues 
  • Interacting with guests at Exploration Stations around the zoo 
  • Assisting education staff during camps and classes 
  • Providing educational programming at zoo events
  • Supporting fieldtrip groups 
  • Sharing and encouraging IFZ’s conservation initiatives 
  • Pitching in to keep the zoo clean and inviting

This internship is dynamic and fast-paced. At times, it can be physically and mentally challenging. It can also be dirty, unglamorous and prone to changes in plan. However, the opportunities in Zoo Education & Interpretive Program internships are unique and personally rewarding. Considering this, ideal Education & Interpretive Program candidates:

  • Have great people skills 
  • Enjoy working with people of all ages (especially children) 
  • Work well both independently and as a team member  
  • Are energetic, positive and creative 
  • Are passionate about wildlife and conservation
  • Are dedicated to IFZ’s high guest-service and animal welfare standards

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

1.    Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or equivalent; AND 

B. Currently enrolled in a university/college program related to education, biology, wildlife management, zoology, or conservation 

OR 

C. Graduation from such a program within the last 12 months 

2.    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Experience working with the general public, especially children 
  • Detail oriented and organized
  • Ablity to follow precise written and verbal directions 
  • Dependable and punctual
  • Exhibit a strong work ethic 
  • Prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions

3.    Special Qualifications:           

  • Must be able to lift 30 pounds
  • Must commit to a work schedule which may include some Saturdays and holidays
  • Must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license
  • Must provide proof of unexpired tetanus vaccination 
  • Must pass a background check prior to internship start date

 

PREFFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

  • General knowledge of informal education practices 
  • Familiarity with basic biology and ecology principles 
  • Previous animal handling experience 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Intern duties involve a variety of physical and cognitive tasks. Physical requirements include walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting, etc. Interns may be exposed to adverse weather, and are expected to continue regular duties in every weather condition. Interns may encounter environmental hazards and/or dangers inherent to unpaved surfaces and working in close approximation to animals or equipment. On occasion, interns are asked perform tasks independent of direct supervision from zoo staff.