How To Apply

Application

A student intern MUST be receiving academic credit from, or fulfilling an academic requirement for an accredited educational institution. In most instances, student interns are upper division majors or minors in the areas of biological science, horticulture, pre-veterinary medicine, education, conservation biology or related disciplines.

Internships are unpaid and are 10 to 14 weeks in length and 30 to 40 hours per week.

Applications MUST Include:

• Completed application form
• Cover Letter including a paragraph explaining why you are interested in an internship at the Minnesota Zoo;
• Resume;
• Official Transcripts; and,
• Letter of recommendation from an advisor or supervisor

Please note: Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

Application Deadlines:

All application materials must be received by the following deadlines unless otherwise noted in the internship descriptions.

Internship Period	Application Deadline
Spring Internship: (February - May)	DUE December 1st
Summer Internship: (May - September)	DUE March 15th
Fall Internship: (September - November)	DUE August 1st
Winter Internship: (November - January)	DUE October 1st

 

World of Birds Show Internship

The World of Birds Show oversees the daily management and care of the entire collection of bird show birds, about 25 birds (plus 30 pigeons and eight rats) representing more than 20 different species. The World of Birds Shows are presented outside in the Weesner Family Amphitheater from Memorial Day to Labor Day at 11, 1 and 3 daily and inside the main building the remainder of the year. Bird shows emphasize the natural abilities of birds, the diversity of species on our planet, and the importance of conservation education.

Year-Round Internship:

Approximately 400 hours

Responsibilities for the World of Birds Show Internship include cleaning, husbandry, diet preparation, feeding, and monitoring of birds in the collection. Additional responsibilities include participating in bird shows, Zoo Camp demonstrations, and providing interpretive information about the birds in our collection as well as general information about the Zoo for Zoo guests.

Duties to include:

• Daily husbandry of raptors, parrots, and other exotic species in the Bird Show collection
• Daily maintenance of bird enclosures and stage
• Daily diet preparation for birds in the collection
• Learn about training and assist in training sessions and record keeping
• Provide Zoo Camp demonstrations and other education programs as needed
• Interact with Zoo guests and volunteers
• Accurate record keeping
• Assist in developing and implementing a conservation message
• Communication with Bird Show staff, interns, and volunteers
• Assist in backstage operations during shows
• Assist with additional tasks as needed

For more information, please contact:
Internship Coordinator Jill Wallin, Human Resources
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
E-mail: jill.wallin@state.mn.us
Phone: 952.431.9219
Toll-free: 800.366.7811 ext. 219
Fax: 952.431.9211
TTY: 800.627.3529
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