Volunteer & Internship Opportunities

We are currently accepting applications for Interpretive Volunteers. Applications for the 2024 season (April-October) are available now through February 5, 2024.

Interpretive Volunteers help motivate visitors to appreciate the earth and its wildlife and to conserve its resources through interacting with visitors, answering questions, and explaining exhibits. Training is provided. Individuals must have good communication skills and be enthusiastic and interested in meeting and working with many types of people. Hours and days are flexible.

Interpretive Volunteers are primarily needed from April-October. Interviews are conducted in February, and training takes place in late March/early April.

Must be 18 years of age or older. This position requires a six-month minimum commitment.

Questions about the zoo’s Interpretive Volunteer opportunities can be emailed to Kelly at [email protected].

Animal Care Volunteers work directly with the zookeepers to perform routine feeding, cleaning, and general husbandry for domestic and wild animals. Training is provided. Individuals must be able to stand, climb, stoop and bend for extended periods of time as well as carry up to 50 pounds. A minimum of one four-hour shift a week is required.

Must be 18 years of age or older. This position requires a six-month minimum commitment.

Cosley Zoo is looking for creative, enthusiastic, and responsible individuals interested in environmental education and working with visitors of all ages. Education Interns will take a leading role in creating and presenting informal programs to zoo visitors on a daily basis through the use of live animals, biofacts, and various other interpretive techniques.

Interns will be provided with a wide variety of opportunities to gain experience and further develop their education and interpretation skills. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, preparing and presenting interpretive programs, completing internal training including animal handling, and assisting with special events, birthday parties, and the development of new programs.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and will have completed a minimum of one year of course work at an institution of higher learning with an interest in conservation and education. This is an unpaid internship requiring a minimum of 20 hours per week for no less than three months. Hours and days are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Shifts must be completed in four-hour increments and must include at least one weekend day.

Education Internship Sessions Available:

Cosley Zoo is looking for hardworking, enthusiastic, and responsible individuals who are interested in a career working with animals. Animal Care Interns will be provided with a wide variety of opportunities to gain experience and further develop their animal care and handling skills.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to, cleaning and general husbandry for domestic and wild animals, diet preparation, behavioral enrichment set-up and documentation, behavioral observations, and special projects.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and will have completed a minimum of one year of coursework at an institution of higher learning with an interest in conservation and animals. This is an unpaid internship requiring a minimum of 20 hours per week for no less than three months. Shifts must be completed in four-hour increments. Hours and days are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Animal Care Internship Sessions Available:*

*Only applications submitted in the stated application windows will be considered for each internship season.

Long-term volunteer and internship positions require a $50 onboarding fee on the first day. This fee covers all current training materials and a volunteer shirt.

Individuals in grades 7 through 12 may visit our Teen Opportunities page to find out how to get involved.