Animal Care Behavioral Observation Internship - Fall 2027

Animal Observations, Animal Behavior, Animal Wellbeing, Animal Welfare Science, Enrichment and Training, Accreditation Standards related to Animal Wellbeing 

• Student or recent graduate (2 years or less) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine or related program. 
• 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred. 

• TB test required. 

• Prior animal care or animal welfare knowledge and / or experience preferred. 

• Knowledge of and / or experience with conducting formal observations on zoological animals is preferred, but not required 

• Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully. 

• Proficient on Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets 

• Able to use tablet to input data. 

• Strong computer skills, ability to work with pivot tables and excel spreadsheets. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Must be professional in appearance and behavior at all times. 

• Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, rain, snow). 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day) required. 

• Subject to BMV check. 

• Subject to Criminal Background check. 

Hours:    20 to 40 hours/week for 12 to 16 weeks  

RISE Scholarship Opportunity Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet all other program eligibility requirements. 

Scholarship application windows: 

• Winter: October 1 - November 30 

• Spring: December 1 - January 31 

• Summer: February 1 - March 31 

• Fall: May 1 - June 30 

 To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships