Palm Beach Zoo Employment Opportunities

Job Listings

Zookeeper I or II - Birds (waterfowl)
The Palm Beach Zoo is currently seeking to hire a Zookeeper I or II-Birds. The successful candidate will qualify for a Zookeeper I or II position based on education and experience levels and be involved in the care of a large avian collection representing over 160 species. This position requires the care of one of the largest waterfowl collections in North America representing 75+ species, numerous species of waterbirds, parrots, cranes, doves, birds of prey, toucans, and passerines. Additional care of mammal and reptilian species housed in mixed species exhibits with birds required.
Responsibilities for this position include:
  1. perform husbandry responsibilities for collection
  2. daily involvement in the enrichment and operant conditioning programs
  3. assist in capture, restraint, and veterinary procedures
  4. assist in the supervision and mentoring of interns and volunteers
  5. assist in associated conservation programs
  6. involvement in exhibit landscaping and minor exhibit maintenance
  7. daily computerized record keeping
  8. work in egg incubation and nursery facilities
  9. involvement in informal education presentations and animal handling for zoo guests and during special events
The requirements for this position include good communication skills, ability to use a computer for record keeping management, good observation skills, strong work ethic, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to work outdoors in a typical Florida climate, and ability to work weekends and holidays. A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and previous experience working with birds, particularly waterfowl, in a zoological setting preferred. A strong interest in the care and conservation of waterfowl is needed to be successful in this position. Starting base salary $21,500-25,500 annually, depending on zookeeper level, with excellent benefits.
Please send letter of intent, resume, and list of references by January 28, 2010 to Keith Lovett, Director of Living Collections, Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 or fax to 561-540-1430 or email to pbzoo@lycos.com.

Internship Opportunities

Animal Care Internships (Unpaid)
Animal Care Interns will work side-by-side with professional animal care staff providing daily husbandry, enrichment, record keeping, exhibit maintenance, and diet preparation for the Zoo's animal collection. Interns will also provide interpretive talks for Zoo visitors, focusing on natural history and conservation education. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided. Selection preference for internships will be given to undergraduate or graduate-level college students studying in the field of biological science, psychology, or other related disciplines who are looking to pursue a career in zoology. Internships are available throughout the year. The Palm Beach Zoo is currently offering Animal Care Internships in:
  • Carnivore Care
  • Primate Care
  • Avian Care
  • Reptile Care
To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135
Behavioral Training Internship (unpaid)
Behavioral Training interns will work side-by-side with professional trainers and assist with daily husbandry duties and animal training techniques, including helping with our bird show “Wings Over Water” and our mammal show “Wild Things”. This internship experience will provide the opportunity to work very closely with a variety of different bird and mammal species, to develop a deeper knowledge of exotic animal care and behavior, and the ability to gain greater hands-on experience in the zoological field. Applicants that have experience within a zoological, veterinary, environmental, or rehabilitation organization are preferred. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided.
To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135
Conservation & Research Internship (Unpaid)
The Palm Beach Zoo has internship opportunities available for undergraduate and graduate level students that are interested in gaining experience in the field of conservation and scientific research. Interns will participate in the following: 1) literature searches, data collection, and data entry relevant to ongoing Zoo research projects 2) interaction with guests on conservation education messages 3) completion of an independent research project that will require a written report. All applicants must have completed at least two full-time semesters of a Bachelor's degree in animal behavior, biology, psychology, zoology, or related field. Some experience in animal behavior, conservation, and/or equivalent coursework is preferred. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided.
To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135
Education Internships (Unpaid)
The Palm Beach Zoo's mission is to provide an open-air classroom of living creatures to foster awareness, appreciation and respect for the natural world. Education interns assist in meeting this mission, while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Summer internships run May 25 - August 14, part-time or full-time.
Job Description: Gain teaching and animal-handling experience by assisting with the zoo's summer camp program. Present animal encounters to campers and to the public. Lead small groups of campers in zoo keeping activities. Teach science lessons. Assist education staff in developing and evaluating new curriculum. Assist with daily camp operations. All full-time interns are required to complete a term project which may include a program and corresponding activity.
Requirements: Applicants should be college students with at least one year completed, or recent college graduates. Good communication and public speaking skills required. Able to interact well with children, staff, volunteers and zoo guests. Self-motivated, reliable, up-beat, and able to work outdoors in hot/humid weather. Applicants must complete an internship application and provide proof of a negative TB test within the last year and tetanus shot in the last 5 years. All education interns must pass a drug screen and background check.
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter, un-official college transcript, and three letters of recommendation to Palm Beach Zoo, Attn: Education Intern Program, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405. No phone calls please.
Marketing & Development Internship (unpaid)
The Palm Beach Zoo has internship opportunities available for undergraduate level students that are interested in gaining experience in the fields of marketing and development. Interns will participate in the following:
  1. visitor demographics research;
  2. customer service
  3. special event planning and implementation
  4. report preparation
  5. general clerical duties including returning phone calls/emails, filing, data entry, and assisting with mailings
  6. managing the marketing department’s extensive photographic database
  7. assisting with grant management when needed
Requirements: All applicants must be pursuing a degree in the areas of business, marketing, communications, recreation, or a related field and must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period as well as be able to work outdoors in a typical Florida climate. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided. All interns must be able to work nights and weekends as needed, no holidays are required. Computer experience including Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Power Point is a must. Due to potential exposure to non-human primates, all applicants regardless of placement must present proof of a negative TB test administered within the past year.
To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, two samples of writing, proof of college enrollment as well as proof of a negative TB test to Claudia Harden, Marketing Manager. Mail: Marketing Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: info@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 585-6085. No phone calls please.
Volunteer Programs Intern (unpaid)
Responsibilities: Are you a people person? The Volunteer Programs Intern will assist the Volunteer Programs Manager in scheduling and recruiting potential volunteers. The intern will also assist with the planning, co-ordination and implementation of the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner, special event activities designed to encourage and promote retention of volunteers, and in setting up and facilitating recruitment opportunities.
Qualifications: Applicant should be working on a BA in Education, Marketing, Human Resources or related field. Applicants should be detail oriented and highly organized. The applicant should feel comfortable talking to and interacting with wide varieties of volunteer staff from differing backgrounds and ages. All interns regardless of placement must present proof of a negative TB test, administered within the past year.
Schedule: Interns are expected to commit to a regular schedule for at least one semester or minimum of 60 hours. Schedules are arranged on an individual basis in consultation with the intern's immediate supervisor. Benefits: Volunteer t-shirt and name badge provided. Reports to: Volunteer Programs Manager; Director of Education.
Please send a completed volunteer application (available here), résumé with cover letter, three (3) letters of reference, and unofficial transcript to Volunteer Programs Manager, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405.

Animal Care Internship Application