Salary

$1,000.00 Monthly

Location

PDZA & NW Trek, 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

 

NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK

* This 12 week internship session will begin April 2026 and conclude June 2026 *

NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK is dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting, and researching native Northwest wildlife and their natural habitats. The 725-acre zoological park was established in 1975 and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. 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. Northwest Trek is operated by Metro Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.nwtrek.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 is a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside zookeepers and gain valuable on the job training.

Essential Duties

Under the guidance of experienced zoo, aquarium and wildlife park staff, interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of expertise, including, but not limited to:

Daily Animal Husbandry: 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: The schedules of reinforcement, the types of operant conditioning, as well as the benefits of training,

Water Quality and Filtration: Our filtration process, water quality parameters and monitoring.

Public Presentation: Messaging as well as post presentation Q & A. Learning the natural history of the animal species we care for, their behavior, and scientific names.

Project Completion: Interns will be expected to design, budget, build and use a small project.  

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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.

  • Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

    • If selected for internship, a driving abstract will be requested at program start date

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, interns are not classified as employees of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the Northwest Trek Foundation or Parks Tacoma. 

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Stipends, generously provided by the Northwest Trek Foundation, are considered taxable income and should be reported on your tax return.

 

Employer
Parks Tacoma
Address
4702 S. 19th St.

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