Utah's Hogle Zoo
Internship Opportunities
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is committed to providing quality internship experiences throughout the organization. Our internships have been developed to give interns a realistic, educational experience in areas related to their major area of study and anticipated career path. Interns will receive support from industry professionals that understand the importance of hands-on, educational opportunities for aspiring zoo professionals.
Internships are designed for current college students who have completed sophomore year or who have recently graduated from an accredited college or university. To be considered, all applicants must complete an online application. In addition to completing the application, a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript must be submitted with the application.
Summer Term is May through August. Applications open in December.
Applicants may choose to apply for up to three internships. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.
Summer Term, May through August. Applications open in December.
Make an impact while you learn.
Our conservation internships go beyond classroom knowledge—they immerse you in real-world wildlife conservation.
What You’ll Do:
- Conduct fieldwork in Utah’s mountain ranges and along the Jordan River corridor.
- Support habitat restoration projects and community science initiatives.
- Engage with Zoo guests and community partners to raise awareness about conservation programs and their impact.
What You’ll Learn:
- How modern zoos contribute to wildlife conservation and the role of community science.
- Practical outdoor research techniques, animal handling, and safety protocols.
- Recording and managing data with ArcGIS Survey123, using field-monitoring tools (water-quality meters, trail cameras, acoustic monitors), and basic GPS navigation.
- Training community scientists and effectively sharing ecological principles with the public.
Why It Matters:
You’ll gain hands-on experience in an interdisciplinary field, combining ecological research with community engagement to help protect Utah’s native species.
Summer Term, May through August. Applications open in December.
Play a direct role in caring for wildlife.
Our animal care internships provide hands-on experience for college students and recent graduates interested in zoo animal management.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist with daily husbandry: diet preparation, exhibit cleaning, and maintenance.
- Support animal enrichment and observe behavioral responses.
- Participate in training demonstrations and learn positive reinforcement techniques.
- Record observations and help maintain accurate animal care records.
- Interact with Zoo guests to share knowledge and promote animal welfare.
What You’ll Learn:
- USDA and AZA regulations
- Animal husbandry, nutrition, and enrichment
- Training fundamentals and behavioral ethograms
- Public education and species knowledge
Why It Matters:
Animal care internships help ensure the highest standards of welfare for the Zoo’s animals while preparing future professionals for careers in zoological management. Interns contribute directly to the health, enrichment, and education programs that inspire conservation action among guests and the community.
Summer term, May throught August. Applications open in December.
Animal care internships offer valuable learning experiences and practical exposure to working with animals in a zoological environment. Interns will gain hands-on experience by learning from zookeepers about various aspects of animal care, including animal wellbeing, husbandry, safety & risk management, nutrition, data collection, record keeping, and animal behavior.
Conservation Internship (Fall 2024) Description
Part time, two positions. The area of conservation is a multidisciplinary field and this internship, based at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, aims to reflect that. Focus areas will include; increasing guest awareness to the conservation work conducted by Utah’s Hogle Zoo, field-work, and zoo-wide waste management and energy efficiency.
For more information and or questions about our various internship programs, please contact: [email protected].
Zoo Volunteers are dedicated to furthering the mission of Utah’s Hogle Zoo of “Creating Champions for Wildlife.” Volunteers assist keepers in providing the highest level of animal welfare and supporting zoo programs that inspire conservation action through guest education, adventure, and life experiences.
Hogle Zoo strives to provide inclusive service opportunities that promote wildlife stewardship while fostering worthwhile, purposeful experiences for our volunteers.
