JOB
SESSION LENGTH: 40 hours/week for 12 weeks, September through December 2026
LOCATION: Rocky Shores / Arctic Tundra, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is operated by Parks Tacoma.
OUR MISSION - Awakening a connection to Wild Life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest. To learn more visit pdza.org.
Our
Animal Care internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: habitat maintenance, nutrition and diets, environmental enrichment, public presentation/interpretation, water quality and filtration, species natural history, training, and husbandry.
This Internship will take place in the Rocky Shores-Arctic Tundra area, and is a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside zookeepers and gain valuable on the job training.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Under the guidance of experienced Staff Biologists, interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of expertise, including, but not limited to:
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Daily Animal Care: Cleaning and general maintenance of exhibits and holding areas
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Physical Demands: Interns must be capable of the physical requirements required to work with animals, specifically:
Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
Pushing, climbing, walking, kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
Hazards:
Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.
Exposure to animal bodily fluids/products.
Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
Contact with dissatisfied visitors.
Environment:
Indoor and outdoor environment throughout the year
Adverse weather conditions.
Cold water while interacting with animals and cleaning exhibits.
Confined or dark work areas.
Internships are limited-term programs, with stipend payments generously provided by The Zoo Society.Stipends are considered taxable income and should be reported to the IRS on your tax return.Interns are
not classified as employees of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, The Zoo Society or Parks Tacoma.
