RWP Zoo : About the Zoo

Get Involved: Intern

Intern
Photo courtesy of Carol Bennett
An Intern setting up an enrichment pinata for the Tamarin

Dana
An Intern, Dana Kirschmann, working in the commissary.

Roger Williams Park Zoo has a variety of internship programs. We are always accepting internship applications. Applications can be mailed or faxed, and that information is located on the application. If you have any questions, please contact the Manager of Volunteer Resources, Volunteer@rwpzoo.org or Phone (401) 785-3510 ext 356.

All internships are unpaid. We also can not provide housing for any of our interns. All interns are required to submit to a background check and to conform to a professional manner and appropriate dress code. There are several types of internships at RWP ZOO:

1. ZOOWIDE INTERNSHIP The program is designed for people who are considering a career in the zoo field. The curriculum provides an introduction to the daily functioning of a zoo and exposure to different zoo vocations. This un-paid internship is available in the Fall, Spring and Summer.
Deadlines are as follows:

Fall applications are due by July 1st
Spring applications are due by November 1st
Summer applications are due by April 1st.

Those applying for the ZooWide Internship must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Submit a complete application and essay.
Be tested for TB, offering proof of a negative result.
Be able to work 32 hours a week for 13 weeks (8 weeks in Summer).
Be willing to work hard under difficult conditions.
Submit to a background check
Conform to the dress code of Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Keep a work journal.
Attend intern orientation and debriefing.
If receiving credit from a university, provide written approval from advisor for project proposal and final paper.

The program offers hands-on work in the following areas: Tropics, North America, Africa, Education, Australia/Asia, Horticulture, Commissary. Note: Activities will include visual inspection of animals, walking up and down stairs, lifting heavy objects, and cleaning/disinfecting of areas and food preparation for the animals. Interns will be working around wild animals, it is imperative that keepers' instructions are followed very closely. Contact the Manager of Volunteer Resources, Volunteer@rwpzoo.org or Phone (401) 785-3510 ext 356 with any questions.

Click here for a Zoowide Internship Application

2. EDUCATION INTERNSHIP This program offers a view into the education of all ages on topics from animals to conservation. The Curator of Education conducts phone interviews with potential candidates. This in an unpaid internship. Spring, Summer, Fall internships are available; dates are flexible. Max 2 per semester. Contact the Manager of Volunteer Resources, Volunteer@rwpzoo.org or Phone (401) 785-3510 ext 356. This opportunity is currently full for summer.

3. VETERINARY EXTERNSHIP: Veterinary externships are only available for students enrolled in veterinary or veterinary technician school. The externship is intended to fulfill clinical rotation requirements per the individual’s school curriculum, commonly the year preceding graduation. Inquiries should be directed to the Veterinary Department through info@rwpzoo.org.

Related:
Interested in Volunteering? Click here to learn more about volunteering opportunities at the zoo.


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