Internships

Pursuing a career in the zoo field? Potter Park Zoo offers unpaid internships for college credit in animal related fields as well as those interested in education, conservation and media/graphic design.

All internships have the same application deadlines!* 

Please follow the specific directions for applying for your desired internship in the table below.

Summer (May-August) Application Deadline: April 1st

Fall (September – December) Application Deadline: August 1st 

Spring (January – April) Application Deadline: November 15th

Events & Special Projects Intern

Photo of a public event at the zoo.

Help us plan our public and private events for 2022! From large public events, private events, and everything behind the scenes— you’ll take part in creating the FUN here at the zoo! The Events and Special Projects Internship is a part-time position (20- 30 hours).

All Majors are welcome to apply.

As an intern, you’ll be an integral part of our Events Team. Explore all aspects of what it takes to put on an event from setup/tear-down; communicating with staff, volunteers, and event partners; banquet service and more!

How to apply: Email a cover letter, resume to Jenna Worthington at jworthington@ingham.org Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Animal Care

Photo of zoo interns standing in a lineup.Potter Park Zoo is offering the chance to participate in an unpaid internship with our animal department for college credit. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside seasonal animal care staff and gain valuable experience.

Those seeking animal related internships are asked to read Potter Park Zoo’s animal care internship description and requirements.

Please submit your application for the animal internship here.

Education

photo of kids looking at animal furs on a desk.The Potter Park Zoo Education Department offers two internship opportunities.

The Conservation Education Internship provides a practical learning experience and knowledge of informal conservation education in a zoological setting.  This is an unpaid internship and part-time or full-time options are available. For full description, click here.

Zookambi Internships (summer only) are full-time and partially paid (320 hours of total). Interns will receive training and then act as assistant teachers for our Zookambi summer camp program. For full description, click here.

Please Note: Education Department interns do not participate in animal husbandry, nor do they have contact with animals.

Please submit your application for the education internship here.

Additional Requirements: Send resume and cover letter electronically to: mbenner@ingham.org

Media & Design

Graphic of a white leopard with text on the right that says "Media & Design Internship at Potter Park Zoo".Explore all aspects of what it takes to communicate our mission of “inspiring conservation of animals and the natural world” both internally and externally through graphic design, social media, photo and video, press releases, blog writing, newsletters, marketing, journalism, website management/design and more!

Click here to see the description and requirements of this amazing internship.

Additional Requirements: Email a cover letter, resume, online portfolio (including photo, video and graphic design if applicable) and writing sample (if applicable) to Amorris@ingham.org. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Community Engagement & Inclusion Intern

Photo of a person with a sensory bag looking through glass at an otter swimming.Interested in the work of inclusion in zoos? This is the internship for you!
As an intern, you’ll be working directly with our Community Engagement & Inclusion Specialist in building and strengthening the zoo’s diversity strategies and initiatives for enhancing inclusion and belonging.

Click here to see the description and requirements of this internship.

How to apply: Email a cover letter and resume to Mariah Martinez at mmartinez@ingham.org.