Racine Zoo is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Covering 32 acres, the Zoo is home to over 300 animals representing over 75 species. The mission of the Racine Zoo is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. We love enthusiastic interns to join us for some invaluable experience!
Animal Welfare Internship
Racine Zoo is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic interns to work alongside Animal Care Specialists to assist in maintaining the animal collection. Interns are involved in various aspects of animal care, including daily husbandry, diet preparation and delivery, exhibit maintenance, behavioral enrichment preparation, animal observations, and informal educational interactions with Zoo guests.
Internship candidates must have completed one year of college and be working towards a degree in biology, zoology, animal behavior, or any other related field. Candidates must have excellent communication skills, observation skills, and have the ability to work in a team environment. They must be reliable, trustworthy, and be able to follow oral and/or written instructions. Zoo keeping is a physically demanding profession, and interns are subjected to a variety of physical and environmental challenges. Interns may be required to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Tasks are occasionally strenuous and interns must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. A current negative TB test is required and a tetanus vaccination is highly recommended. Intern positions are experience based and are therefore unpaid. Housing is not provided. It is required that an intern dedicates 12 weeks with a minimum of 4 days per week (schedules may be flexible based on the candidate’s availability). They must also complete a project and/or paper that will benefit the zoo.
Spring Semester Internships:
Deadline for application: December 31
Summer Internships
May – August
Deadline for application: March 1
Fall Semester Internships:
Deadline for application: September 15
It is advisable to apply as early as possible.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resumé, and a list of three references to:
Racine Zoo
Attention: Angie Sagert
Intern/Volunteer Coordinator
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
or email akutchery@racinezoo.org with the subject line "Animal Welfare Internship"
No phone calls, please.
Conservation Education Internship
Conservation Education interns assist the Conservation Education Department in promoting awareness of conservation issues through engaging, educational, and entertaining zoo experiences.
Typical Duties and Results:
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Performing educational outreach animal encounters both on and off campus
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Conducting guiding tours of the Zoo as well as delivering animal chats and presentations
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Assist in Zoo Camp and Slumber Safari zoo sleepovers
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Assisting with signage and interactive displays along with program development and research
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Work with a variety of animals that include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and arthropods
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Fulfill project that is beneficial to the Zoo and is completed within time frame of internship
Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed one year of a college degree program in biology, animal behavior, zoology, education, or other related field. Candidates must also have excellent communication skills, enjoy working with people of all ages, and be able to work in a team environment. They must be self-motivated, reliable, prompt, able to lift 50 pounds, and able to work in all weather conditions. Internships are experience-based and are therefore unpaid (housing is also not provided). It is required that an intern dedicates 24 hours per week over the course of three months, or 288 total hours (schedules may be flexible based on the candidate’s availability).
Must have, or be willing to learn basic first-aid, and CPR. Negative TB test required. Ability work outdoors, lift heavy objects, and risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.
Dates are flexible. Currently recruiting for spring and summer semesters.
To apply, please send a resumé and cover letter to:
Racine Zoo
Attention: Ryan Retzke
Conservation Education Supervisor
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
or email rretzke@racinezoo.org with the subject line "Conservation Education Internship"
Applications considered on a rolling basis
No phone calls, please.
Summer Camp Coordination Internship
Summer Camp Coordination interns assist the Summer Camp Coordinator with all aspects of coordinating our Summer Camp program, including organization of rosters, planning activities, and curriculum design.
Job Classification: Compensation school credit; reaches 288 total hours
Typical duties and results:
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Assist in camp counselor training and onboarding
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Organizing registration paperwork and rosters
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Assist with planning, organization, and preparing of camp crafts, snacks, shirts and other supplies each week
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Performing educational animal encounters for summer camp as well as other zoo guests
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Work with a variety of animals that include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and arthropods
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Fulfill project that is beneficial to the Zoo and is completed within time frame of internship
Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed one year of a college degree program in a related field. Candidates must also have excellent communication skills, enjoy working with people of all ages, and be able to work in a team environment. They must be self-motivated, reliable, prompt, and able to work in all weather conditions. Internships are experience-based and are therefore unpaid (housing is also not provided, however, nearby housing options are available for a fee). It is required that an intern dedicates 24 hours per week over the course of three months, or 288 total hours (schedules may be flexible based on the candidate’s availability).
Must have, or be willing to learn basic first-aid, and CPR. Negative TB test required. Ability work outdoors, lift heavy objects, and risk periodic exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.
Start/end dates are flexible.
To apply, please send a resumé and cover letter to:
Racine Zoo
Attention: Ryan Retzke
Conservation Education Supervisor
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
or email rretzke@racinezoo.org with the subject line "Summer Camp Coordination Internship"
Applications considered on a rolling basis.
No phone calls, please.
Graphic Design/Marketing Internship
The Zoo is seeking enthusiastic and self-motivated interns to help create promotional materials for events, manage our social media pages, take photos at events, and more. Graphic design experience required (can include school projects, personal projects, or professional work). Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) is required. Photography knowledge and experience with TikTok is a plus. This is a great opportunity for any college student seeking a degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, public relations, or related field and requires an internship upon graduation.
To apply, please send a resumé, cover letter, and 3 examples of graphic design work to:
Racine Zoo
Attention: Beth Heidorn
Executive Director
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
or email bheidorn@racinezoo.org with the subject line "Marketing Internship"
Applications considered on a rolling basis.
No phone calls, please.
Special Events Internship
The Racine Zoo is seeking energetic and enthusiastic interns to help manage many of special events hosted at the Zoo. Special Events interns will be responsible for assisting with special events, interacting with Zoo guests, and working on other special projects.
To apply, please send a resumé and cover letter to:
Racine Zoo
Attention: Beth Heidorn
Executive Director
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
or email bheidorn@racinezoo.org with the subject line "Special Events Internship"
Applications considered on a rolling basis.
No phone calls, please.
Volunteer Coordination Internship
Volunteer Coordination interns assist our education department in managing our volunteer program. Duties include working with Volgistics scheduling software, communication, training and orientation, and creation of new volunteer opportunities.
To apply, please send a resumé and cover letter to:
Racine Zoo
Attention: Ryan Retzke
Conservation Education Supervisor
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
or email rretzke@racinezoo.org with the subject line "Volunteer Coordination Internship"
Applications considered on a rolling basis.
No phone calls, please.
