Design & Engineering Internship

Location: Tampa, FL

Job :2575

# of Openings:1

Join Zoo Tampa's Design & Engineering team and gain hands‑on experience supporting real construction, infrastructure, and engineering projects that enhance animal care, conservation, and unforgettable guest experiences.

You may be a great fit if:

• You are studying Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field and want practical, real‑world experience.
• You enjoy working both in the field and behind the scenes, coordinating projects, solving problems, and keeping details organized.
• You're ready to learn from experienced professionals while contributing to projects that make a visible impact every day.

The Design and Engineering Intern will be responsible for providing on‑site, daily assistance for a variety of active and upcoming projects s position reports to and will primarily assist the Sr. Director of Planning, Design and Engineering.

• Assist with daily collaboration and communication between the department and key members of each project team including Project Owners, Owners Representative(s), General Contractors, Architects, and other vendors.
• Assist with all aspects of each project including but not limited to bidding, contracting, change requests/Change Orders, RFIs and submittals for all active capital projects, as assigned.
• Document the progress of multiple construction projects throughout the course of the day via reporting and photo documentation.
• Work with internal teams to coordinate required work and communicate potential impacts to daily operations.
• Assist with managing the contractor badging process for all Design and Engineering projects at Zoo Tampa.
• Routinely organize and maintain, keeping in good condition, the Zoo Tampa digital and physical blueprint and document collection.
• Partner with the Procurement and Finance departments to ensure all purchase orders, contracts and invoices are made and processed in accordance with zoo policy in a timely fashion.
• Assist with ordering equipment, materials, and coordinating deliveries for all projects.

• Commitment to a minimum of 28 hours a week.
• Occasional evenings and weekends for ongoing projects.

• Junior or Senior actively enrolled in a degree program in pursuit of a Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related technical field.
• Beginner to intermediate understanding of mechanical systems, power systems, wastewater treatment, plumbing, electrical, building systems, life‑support and safety systems and basic construction techniques is preferred.
• Possess basic knowledge of trades and skills to effectively communicate with contractors, sub‑contractors and other third‑party vendors while on project sites.
• Experience with Adobe Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Project are preferred.
• Possess a basic knowledge of all phases of a project, from design through construction.
• Prior internship experience preferred but not required.

• Conduct all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, building codes, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Ability to work varying shifts with minimal advance notice, as required.
• Demonstrated exceptional time management practices, attention to detail and excellent communication skills required.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
• Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for facility and construction management and general safety practices.
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
• Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and ability to adapt well to other computer programs.

• Successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
• Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (the Zoo’s workers’ compensation program does not cover interns or volunteers).

This internship may start as soon as June 8, 2026, and is expected to last until September 25, 2026.

June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

• Internship is designed to meet academic requirements and provide valuable real‑world experience.
• Potential academic credit available, subject to program eligibility requirements.
• Networking opportunities with nonprofit professionals and community leaders.
• Skill‑building in planning, design, engineering, and nonprofit operations.
• Letters of recommendation upon successful completion, when applicable.