The Primates Department at Audubon Zoo is seeking applicants to fill our upcoming internship positions.
Internship Overview:
This internship provides an exciting and unique opportunity to gain experience working with our collection of Primates at Audubon Zoo. Interns will work with 11 different species of primates including prosimians, callitrichids, New World and Old World monkeys, and both lesser and great apes.
We are a close-knit team looking to teach and mentor those who are interested in working in this rewarding profession. Interns will gain valuable experience while working with experienced primate keepers to learn aspects of zoo animal care such as husbandry, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, conservation, and public presentations. We are looking for hard-working individuals who are passionate about the field of zookeeping and have a strong passion for educating our guests about wildlife and conservation.
Time Commitment:
Internships are unpaid positions and require at least 32 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks. This may include weekends and holidays. Exact start/end dates are flexible. No housing is provided.
Environmental/Working Conditions:
This internship includes manual labor and work in all weather conditions (e.g. heat, humidity, rain). Applicants must have current proof of a negative TB test and proof of a COVID vaccine.
Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate an interest in animal care and public education. Previous animal care experience is preferred.
Must be comfortable with all the physical challenges that come along with the position, including but not limited to: walking/standing for extended periods of time, lifting/carrying heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling, scrubbing, raking, etc.
Must be able to follow both written and verbal instructions and effectively communicate with staff and other interns.
2022 Session Dates and Application Deadlines:
In order to fulfill internship program requirements, we encourage candidates to begin their seasonal placements within the first month of the ranges indicated below. Dates are flexible!
- Fall (August-November): Application Deadline: August 15
- Winter (November-January): Application Deadline: October 1
- Spring (January-April): Application Deadline: December 1
- Summer (May-August): Application Deadline: March 1
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should send a resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and stating why you are interested in this position to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by the above deadlines. Please be sure to indicate your preferred session(s) in your application materials.
In the event their preferred placement has been filled, qualified applicants may be referred to other Audubon departments. By submitting application materials, the candidate agrees to release their information to our internship staff.
COVID-19 PROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR ALL INTERNS AS FOLLOWS:
All Audubon Nature Institute employees, interns and volunteers must submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or request a medical or religious exemption. Those granted a vaccination exemption must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours every time they come on campus.
Applicants coming on campus will need to present one of the following:
(a) Proof of at least at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine that has received full approval or emergency use authorization from the U.S. FDA or the WHO
– OR –
(b) a negative PCR or antibody COVID test taken within the last 72 hours to come onsite.
Acceptable proof of vaccination includes:
- LA Wallet App SMART Health Card
- An original, digital photo, or photocopy of CDC Vaccination Card (both sides)
- An official vaccine record issued by another state, a foreign nation or the WHO (World Health Organization)
For more information, contact Audubon’s Human Resources department at (504) 212-5334 or Education and Volunteer Resources department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..