The Opportunity
The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is currently seeking a number of individuals to fulfill a full-time internship. We have positions available in all areas of animal care within the zoo including primates, carnivores, giraffe, birds, small mammals, reptiles, animal ambassadors, nutrition, and more. We have positions available for the summer, fall, and spring semesters. The goal for this position is to help you build your resume with hands on keeper experience and job skill coaching to prepare you for a paid position in the zoological field. This position will be under the general supervision of the keepers and Animal Care Supervisor and will provide firsthand experience with husbandry, operant conditioning, enrichment, assisting with medical procedures, record keeping, guest experiences, diet preparation, and more. We will also provide career coaching and prepare you to apply for paid keeper positions within the industry.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo •
About the Zoo
Founded in 1965, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo has been an important part of the Lincoln community for over 50 years. The Zoo is home to over 400 different animals who receive high-quality care from our trained team of Zoo professionals. The Zoo has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, Time Magazine, ABC News, USA Today, Buzzfeed, CNN, National Geographic, Forbes, Boston Globe and more.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is one of the fastest growing zoos in the country according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In 2019, the Zoo completed work on the largest expansion in its history. This expansion added 10 acres to the Zoo’s property and featured a year-round giraffe feeding experience, Sumatran tiger habitat, indoor play area situated next to the spider monkeys, and a play stream. In 2021, Lincoln Children’s Zoo expanded even further to add new residents: cheetahs and giant anteaters. This expansion included the addition of a 25-foot-tall play structure and the Cheetah Chase Theater, which allows guests to watch a cheetah run, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo creates memorable, educational, and enriching experiences for children of all ages and provides families the opportunity to learn firsthand about the natural world. Along with creating fun and educational experiences, the Zoo is committed to animal conservation efforts and saving animals from extinction. Home to over 30 species categorized as vulnerable or near-extinction, the Zoo is devoted to preserving and protecting animals for future generations.
383,169
ZOO GUESTS
397
ANIMALS
6 TH 116
FASTEST GROWING ZOO IN THE U.S.
CORE VALUES
We are there for each other.
SPECIES
53,521
ZOO MEMBERS
34
SPECIES SURVIVAL PLANS
We generate enthusiasm.
OUR MISSION:
To enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things.
We are humble. We go above and beyond.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
THINGS TO DO IN LINCOLN
ATHLETICS
MILES
OF WALKING & BIKING TRAILS
STATE RECREATION AREAS
MORE PARKLAND PER CAPITA THAN AUSTIN, PORTLAND AND MANY OTHER US CITIES!
MUSEUMS
Sheldon Museums of Art • Morrill Hall
• Nebraska History Museum • Great Plains Art Museum • & More!
MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS VENUES
Multiple music and theater venues featuring local performers and national touring groups, including Broadway tours! Experience athletic events at the college and professional level with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Lincoln Saltdogs, and Lincoln Stars.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo •
Intern Level 1 & 2
Your position here at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is to assist the Animal Care Team and provide excellent animal husbandry. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Essential Functions
• Responsible for the husbandry, training, enrichment, and welfare evaluations for all animals in assigned area.
• Keep all areas of assigned string, clean and organized including but not limited to guest viewing area, keeper areas, storage areas, and office spaces.
• Follow all safety guidelines and demonstrate ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of participants and animals.
• Assists in diet preparation, dish washing, washing enrichment, and maintaining animal kitchen standards.
• Aids in maintaining cleanliness in all animal exhibits.
• Ability to multi-task and be detail oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• Provide excellent and professional communication with all Lincoln Children’s Zoo staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Create a positive guest experience.
• Create a positive working environment for all.
• Continue to uphold the Zoo’s mission on site, at Zoo functions, and whenever in Zoo attire.
• Other duties as assigned.
Essential Qualities and Requirements
• Working towards a career in animal care
• Able to commit to at least 25 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks
• Able to work both independently and within a team environment Able to work in all types of weather conditions
• Able to stand for long periods of time, lift 25lbs
• Provide a safe environment for the animals, themselves, keepers and guests by identifying, fixing, or reporting potential safety hazards
• Must follow all written and verbal instructions and protocols
• Willing to work a varying schedule, including weekends or holidays
• Must be 18 years of age at the start of the internship
• Must be punctual and reliable
• Acquire a negative Tuberculosis (TB) test
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19
LCZ Intern Purpose Statement
To provide support for other Zoo departments in a way that allows them to fulfill the overall Zoo mission and to provide positive opportunities for citizens to be involved in the community.
Definition of an Intern
An intern is an advanced student or graduate gaining supervised practical experience at the Zoo. An intern must be officially accepted and enrolled by the Zoo prior to performance of any tasks. Unless specifically stated, interns are not considered as ‘associates’ of the Zoo.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo does not discriminate against an otherwise qualified intern based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any status protected by Federal and State law and regulations.
Interns are viewed as a valuable resource to the Zoo and will be given meaningful assignments, treated with respect, effectively supervised, and recognized for volunteer services provided. In return, interns should actively perform their duties to the best of their abilities and remain devoted to the goals, operations, and mission of the Zoo.
To Apply
To apply for our Animal Internship, please send a resume and cover letter to:
Olivia Wells
Zelle Human Resources
olivia@zellehr.com
