Animal Care Internship Reptile & Amphibian – Fall

Position

Animal Care Internship Reptile & Amphibian – Fall 2026

Tampa, FL

2564

1

August 25, 2026 – November 27, 2026

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

Step into the Wild Side of Conservation. You’ll work alongside various species of reptiles and amphibians, gaining hands‑on experience in herpetology care, behavioral training, and conservation education. You’ll work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with professional animal care staff, building skills that pave the way for a career in zoology or wildlife management.

• Perform daily care and feeding of animals in the collection.
• Assist with maintenance and fabrication of animal habitats.
• Make behavioral observations.
• Assist with record keeping.
• Make and distribute animal enrichment.
• Assist with guest interactions.

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

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Currently pursuing a degree in biological or life sciences preferred.
• Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.
• Sincere desire to work with animals and guests.
• Excellent communication and customer relations skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Must be able to multi‑task.
• Must be able 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.

• Commit to a 14‑week internship.
• Commit to 32–40 hours per week.
• Schedule:
  
  4 or 5 (8‑hour) work days each week, with one weekend day of availability required.

• Work in extreme weather conditions typical of West Central Florida.
• Physical endurance for long, high‑volume days; stand/walk for long periods.
• Lift, push, pull or carry up to 50 pounds with or without accommodations.

• Candidates seeking academic credit must arrange agreement between Zoo and their school before starting.
• Offers contingent on successful criminal background screening and execution of required hold‑harmless/liability release agreement.
• Candidate responsible for cost of background check (typically $25).
• Contain negative TB test within last 6 months and Tetanus vaccination within last 5 years.
• Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury.

Applicants must submit an internship application, cover letter, and resume.

Internships are unpaid; designed to meet academic requirements. Successful completion may yield letters of recommendation, portfolio, and networking contacts. Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.

High school diploma or GED required. Applicants pursuing a degree in biological or life sciences preferred.

Zoo Tampa cannot offer sponsorship for student or work visas. Only applicants legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship will be considered.

Interns must make their own accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an unpaid internship. Please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..