Job Description

The Conservation Education Internship will provide an introduction to zoo education, and the larger informal education field, for individuals seeking an education degree. During this experience, interns will shadow each aspect of the Conservation Education Department, including summer camps, outreach programs, on-grounds interpretation, early childhood programs, direct conservation work, and much more. The goal of this experience is to help education majors develop a better understanding for how informal education experiences can support their classroom instruction and how to maximize their future interactions with informal educators. While this internship will primarily take place Monday-Friday during regular Zoo hours, it may include some evening and weekend shifts. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position. All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants should be current students or recent graduates of Harris-Stowe State University
• Minimum age requirement is 18.
• Applicants need not be currently enrolled in college/university, but prior college coursework is required.
• All successful candidates will be required to submit to a background check.

Summer 2026 Paid Internship Opportunities:


In addition to departmental specific duties, interns will meet with their peers for regular learning opportunities such as tours, career panels and professional development, as well as demonstrate their learning at the completion of the internship through a presentation. With support from our zookeepers, educators and researcher mentors, interns will learn how a zoo operates while gaining valuable new skills and a better understanding of future career opportunities. The most successful candidates will be curious, motivated and open to learning.


The Saint Louis Zoo is committed to playing a pivotal role in diversifying the future workforce of zoos and conservation organizations. The Saint Louis Zoo paid internship program is designed for emerging zoo professionals from socioeconomic populations who are underrepresented in the animal care and zoo industry. Candidates who have financial need (those who otherwise would not be able to pursue an unpaid internship) and reside in the Greater St. Louis bi-state metropolitan area are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered.


Required Materials:

Please have these materials ready to be uploaded to your application.

• A letter of intent
• Resume

Application deadline: March 1, 2026

The earliest start date for summer internships will be May 26, 2026, and interns will complete 300 hours, at a pay rate of $15/hour.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Summer work, Summer internship, Monday to Friday, Afternoon shift,

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