Salary

$2,500.00 Monthly

Location

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, WA

Job Type

Intern

Department

Zoological and Environmental Education

Opening Date

01/12/2026

Closing Date

2/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description

 

POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
* This 12-week internship session will begin April and conclude June 2026 in the Rocky Shores–Arctic Tundra area *

POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo is operated by Parks Tacoma. For more information, visit www.pdza.org

Our Animal Care internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: habitat maintenance, nutrition and diets, environmental enrichment, public presentation/interpretation, water quality and filtration, species natural history, training, and husbandry.

This Internship will take place in the Rocky Shores-Arctic Tundra area, and is a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside zookeepers and gain valuable on the job training.

Essential Duties

Under the guidance of experienced Staff Biologists, interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of expertise, including, but not limited to:

  • Daily Animal Care: Cleaning and general maintenance of exhibits and holding areas

  • Animal Observation and Record-keeping: Nutrition and diets. Diet preparation. Appropriate vitamin supplementation. Environmental enrichment. Implementation and analysis.

  • Animal Training: Understanding and practicing the principles of animal training (reinforcement, operant conditioning, benefits of training). 
  • Water Quality and Filtration: Monitor the water quality parameters of the filtration systems in the habitats. 
  • Public Presentation: Sharing to guests the stories and natural history of the animals in our care.    
  • Project Completion: Interns will be expected to design, budget and implement a small project.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please consider the breadth of your life experience when interpreting our listed duties and qualifications.

  • Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification.

  • Must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career towards the care and protection of wild life.

  • Paid or volunteer experience working with animals. Examples may include, but are not limited to, zoological institutions, wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, laboratories, or other related facilities.

  • This is an in-depth program requiring a 40 hour per week commitment, for a minimum of 12 weeks. Eligible candidates must be able to commit to 40 hours a week for 12 weeks.

Additional Information

Physical Demands:  Interns must be capable of the physical requirements required to work with animals, specifically:

  • Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.

  • Pushing, climbing, walking, kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals.

  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.

Hazards:

  • Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.

  • Exposure to animal bodily fluids/products.

  • Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.

  • Contact with dissatisfied visitors.

Environment:

  • Indoor and outdoor environment throughout the year

  • Adverse weather conditions.

  • Cold water while interacting with animals and cleaning exhibits.

  • Confined or dark work areas.

Internships are limited-term programs, with stipend payments generously provided by The Zoo Society.
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Stipends are considered taxable income and should be reported to the IRS on your tax return.
Interns are not classified as employees of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, The Zoo Society or Parks Tacoma.
Employer
Parks Tacoma
Address
4702 S. 19th St.

Tacoma, Washington, 98405
Website
https://www.parkstacoma.gov/