Description
Special Projects Internship - Summer 2025
The Intern of the special projects team will learn and assist with the Dallas Zoo’s construction and infrastructure improvements. The intern will collaborate with the Assist. Director of Special Projects, animal department as well as the facilities department to help identify repairs, improvements, and renovations, Interns will learn about the guidelines in construction practice/procedures set by the Assoc. of Zoos and Aquariums. This internship is perfect for students pursuing a degree in architecture or landscape architecture.
Educational Value:
• Overview of federal, state and local construction/building requirements.
• Overview of OSHA and ADA Standards
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water, and energy use.
• Research sustainability practices in construction and operations.
• Gathers and maintains all related files including plans, bid documents, contract files, warranty documentation, operational manuals, and any other relevant materials for the projects.
• May attend meetings and work closely with the Assistant Director of Special Projects and the Senior Director of Facilities Maintenance Operations.
• Performs such other functions as determined by mentor.
All interns will be required to participate in at least one service-learning project and attend professional development sessions designed especially for Zoo interns.
The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program provides a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate students at an accredited college/university in the United States. Interns become actively involved in the Zoo's animal care departments, conservation/research efforts, operations, and administrative positions.
Interns will work 20-40 hours per week for up to 12 weeks during one of three sessions offered year-round. Each placement is designed to help the intern gain experience related to their education. Most internship positions are unpaid, and the Zoo does not provide transportation, housing, or a stipend.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must be available 20-24 hours per week for up to 12 weeks (dependent on area) including holidays and weekends.
• Flexible, self-motivated, and a team player.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions (Bilingual is a plus).
• Work safely and as instructed around animals, tools, and equipment.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests.
• Have good observational skills.
• Able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, carry up to 50lbs, and actively work in inclement weather.
• Have a valid US driver’s license with reliable transportation.
• Must be otherwise eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of the internship.
• Pass a background check.
• Provide a current negative TB test prior to the internship start date.
• Have some computer knowledge.
• REQUIRED EDUCATION:
• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university, master’s level student, or recent college graduate.
• Applications accepted within one year after graduation.
• Architecture or Landscape Architecture Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Biology or related major.
The Dallas Zoo Volunteer Services Department will work with students/schools to document internship experience needed to gain university/college credit.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Summer Internship Start Date: May 28 or June 4, 2025
