Animal Care Internship Reptile & Amphibian - Spring 2026ZooTampa at Lowry Park • Tampa, FL, United States

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Animal Care Internship Reptile & Amphibian - Spring 2026

ZooTampa at Lowry Park • Tampa, FL, United States

3 days ago

Job type

Internship

Job description

Animal Care Internship Reptile & Amphibian- Spring 2026

Internship Period : February 24, 2026-May 29, 2026

Deadline to Apply : SPOTS ARE LIMITED-Apply today to join our Spring 2026 Reptile & Amphibian Internship team and launch your future in wildlife care and conservation.

Step into the Wild Side of Conservation.

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside various species of Reptiles and Amphibians? The Reptile and Amphibian Internship at ZooTampa offers hands-on experience in Herpetology care, behavioral training, and real-time conservation education. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with professional animal care staff, gaining behind-the-scenes insight while building skills that pave the way for a career in zoology or wildlife management. From collecting behavioral data to creating enrichment and engaging with guests, every day is a chance to grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. If you're passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you!

REPTILE and Amphibian INTERNSHIP

Please note : If you are seeking an Animal Care internship, do NOT apply for more than two internships per term; applying to more than two may result in disqualification.

Description :

While working in our Herps department, interns will learn all aspects of reptile and amphibian husbandry with a focus on Florida native herps, South American anurans, crocodilians and large tortoises. There is an online course to supplement and expand upon the in-person experiences gained during this internship.

Internship functions include, but are not limited to :

Performing daily care and feeding of animals in the collection.
Assisting with maintenance and fabrication of animal habitats.
Making behavioral observations.
Assisting with record keeping.
Making and distributing animal enrichment.
Assisting with guest interactions.

Please note : Interns will not work directly with large crocodilians or venomous snakes.

Qualifications :

High school diploma or GED required.

Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.

Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.

Possess a sincere desire to work with both animals and guests.

Excellent communication and customer relations skills.

Ability to effectively work independently and within a team.

Must be able to multi-task.

Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.

Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Required Availability :

Must be able to commit to a 14 week internship.

Must be able to commit to 32 to 40 hours per week.

The schedule is 4 or 5 (8 hour) work days each week, with one weekend day of availability required.

Physical Requirements :

Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain or cold).

Must have physical endurance for long, high volume days and be able to stand / walk for long periods of time.

Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry up to 50 pounds with or without accommodations.

Additional Requirements : If an internship offer is made, it is contingent on :

Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.

All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless / liability release agreement.

Candidate will be responsible for the cost of the background check (typically $25 but certain jurisdictions may have additional fees).

Contingent upon receipt of documentation of negative TB test within the last 6 months and Tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years.

Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (as volunteers and interns are not covered by the Zoo workers' compensation program).

Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter and resume in order to be considered for a position.

Benefits :

Internships are unpaid and are designed to meet academic requirements, as applicable, and provide valuable real-world experience for participants. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts. Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements. Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.

Who is eligible?

High school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.

International Internship Eligibility Requirements :

Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position. Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered.

Please Note : Interns must make their own accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an unpaid internship.

Please visit https : / / zootampa.org / intern-at-zootampa / for more information.

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Animal Care Internship • Tampa, FL, United States