About the role#
Animal Care Interns support staff in a professional environment focused on native fish and reptiles, as well as native and exotic amphibians. After receiving hands-on training, interns are expected to manage husbandry tasks independently and complete individual project work. This is a part-time, paid position for the Fall 2026 semester, running from September through December with a 12-hour weekly commitment. There is potential to extend the internship into the Spring semester.
What you'll do#
- Prepare diets and feed animals.
- Clean and maintain animal enclosures in both exhibit and back of house areas.
- Administer medications to animals.
- Create and install naturalistic habitats.
- Handle animals and maintain daily records of husbandry tasks and animal wellbeing.
- Research natural history and captive husbandry practices.
- Create and deliver 20 to 30 minute educational programs regarding species natural history, conservation, and captive care.
What you'll need#
- Enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and reliable approach to work.
- Ability to work independently to complete all assigned responsibilities.
- Willingness to work in environments that may be wet or dirty.
- Physical ability to lift or move up to 60 pounds, stoop, balance, and climb ladders.
- Preferred majors include animal science, wildlife biology, pre-vet, aquaculture, environmental science, environmental engineering, economics, agriculture, or related fields.
Location & details#
- Location: Burlington, Vermont.
- Modality: On-site.
- Work conditions: This role takes place primarily indoors in guest and back of house areas. Occasional outdoor collection trips may involve hiking, wading, or traversing streams. You will work in close proximity to animal care staff, particularly during the initial training period.
