JOB TITLE: Wildlife Care & Operations Internship - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance LOCATION: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA POSTED DATE: 2026-09-07
JOB DESCRIPTION: We are excited that you are continuing to grow your career with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and recognize that our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives. HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION This internship offers hands-on experience supporting the daily care and wellbeing of wildlife, including food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment to promote welfare. Interns will observe and document wildlife behavior, participate in briefings and trainings, and gain valuable knowledge of wildlife care practices, welfare standards, and zoo operations. In addition to supporting wildlife care, interns will assist with operational tasks that keep the park running smoothly. This includes maintaining clean and safe guest-facing areas, supporting opening and closing routines, and collaborating with departments like maintenance, horticulture, education, and guest services to gain a broader understanding of how cross-departmental efforts contribute to the success of a zoological institution. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Support wildlife care staff with routine husbandry tasks such as food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment to promote animal welfare. - Observe wildlife behaviors and conditions throughout the day, accurately documenting and reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising wildlife care team. - Actively participate in educational opportunities, including trainings, briefings, and team discussions to expand knowledge of Wildlife care practices, welfare standards, and zoo operations. - Help ensure guest-facing areas (e.g., pathways, signage, viewing areas) are clean, safe, and presentable. Support the daily opening and closing routines of the park section. - Work alongside departments such as maintenance, horticulture, education, and guest services to gain a broader understanding of how daily operations contribute to the success of a zoological institution. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR JOB EXPERIENCE - Training and/or experience that would demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills listed. EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE - Desire to pursue a career in the zoological field. - Communicate effectively (verbal and written). - Able to learn the proper methods and procedures for hygienic animal care, feeding and handling. - Able to deal tactfully and courteously with the public. SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER - Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Companion Passes - Complimentary Tickets - Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Local and In-House Discounts - Employee Assistance Program - Wellness Program IMPORTANT DETAILS - Location: Escondido, CA - Position Type: Internship About The Salary Ranges The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time. Fraudulent Recruiting Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person. If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail . If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately. At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to and provide the job title and location to which you are applying. As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace. Please remember to notify your current Manager that you are applying. Thank you for your commitment to conservation around the globe!
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit organization founded in 1916. Based in San Diego, California, it operates the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The organization focuses on conservation, zoology, and research to support wildlife. It employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people and maintains conservation projects across 150 countries.
How to get in at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
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