High School Intern Q & A

Q- What is a high school internship?
A- A high school internship matches you with a person, department or project to learn job skills.

Q- What areas can I work?
A- We have had internships in lots of departments including Education, Public Relations and Marketing, Visitor Services and Animal Management.  It depends on what is available at the time.

Q- Can I work with the animals?
A- You can work with the Education Animal Keepers.  They take care of animals used in the zoo’s education programs, like rabbits, chickens, snakes and pygmy goats.

Q- What about animals like tigers or chimps?
A- We don't offer internships with the exotic animal keepers.

Q- What about working with the vet?
A- We don't offer internships with the vet.

Q- Who can be a high school intern?
A- A high school intern is anyone who is still in high school or under the age of 18 and is willing to make the commitment and complete the necessary training.

Q- How long is an internship?
A- Internships are a minimum of eight weeks and up to one year - depending on the internship agreement.

Q- How often would I work?
A- One day a week, same time, same day every week.

Q- How many hours will I work?
A- That depends on the internship too, from four to eight hours per shift.

Q- Is there a fee?
A- No, but if you work with the education animals you will be asked to get a TB test at your own expense.

Q- What kind of training does it require?
A- That depends on the internship.  We will provide all the training you need.

Q- Can I get school credit?
A- You need to ask your school counselor.

Q- Can I get paid?
A- These are unpaid internships.

Q- When are internships available?
A- Almost all internships are Monday-Friday and are set up with your school counselors.

For more information, email or call (503) 220-2449.