Dallas Zoo Management Careers

Browse Internship Dallas College Internship -

The Dallas Zoo Browse Team plays a critical role in supporting animal health, enrichment, and natural behaviors by providing fresh browse to animals throughout the zoo. Browse also supports habitat complexity and enrichment strategies across multiple animal areas.

Working alongside Browse staff, student interns will receive hands-on training in collecting and handling browse safely. Interns will learn basic identification of trees and shrubs, including how to recognize potentially harmful plant species. They will help plant and care for browse plants on zoo grounds.

Interns will harvest safe browse from approved locations using appropriate tools. They will assist with loading browse into trucks or trailers and securing it for safe transport. Interns will also help distribute browse to animal areas based on daily needs.

Students will learn and practice food safety, staff safety, and animal welfare procedures. They will also build skills in teamwork, communication, and customer service while working in a professional zoo environment.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated student interested in animals, plants, conservation, outdoor work, and learning how behind-the-scenes zoo operations support animal care.

Interns work 19.5 hours per week for 8-12 weeks. The Zoo does not provide transportation or housing.

All interns are required to complete an educational project, participate in at least one service-learning project, and attend professional development sessions designed specifically for Dallas Zoo interns.

Qualifications

Ability to perform physical tasks involved in daily browse operations, including walking long distances, standing for extended periods, lifting/carrying materials weighing up to approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, bending, twisting, reaching overhead, pulling, and climbing stairs or ladders. Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, and inclement weather. Ability to follow safety instructions and work effectively as part of a team.

Internship requirements

· Must be a current college student or have graduated within the last year

· Available to work 19.5 hours per week for 8-12 consecutive weeks

· Must successfully pass a background check

· Must provide proof of a negative TB test prior to start

· Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat

· Ability to move throughout Zoo grounds as needed