ON THE CAREER TRACK
Internships, externships and job shadowing
Hundreds of individuals contact Woodland Park Zoo every year asking about the possibility of internships or job shadowing in zoo keeping, animal health veterinary work, horticulture and other vocations. Due to the volume of requests, staffing and space limitations, we ordinarily are unable to honor most requests. However, intern opportunities occasionally arise in several areas.
Event Planning and Event Operations Internships
The application period for the Event Planning and Event Operations internships has closed for 2013.
Fundraising Event Intern
Now accepting applications for 2013 internship.
Get more information and application
Job Shadowing
We are not able to coordinate job shadow requests due to the volume of requests, scheduling difficulties and safety issues. For more information, visit the Zoo Careers section of our website. Occasionally, keepers are able to complete email interviews about their vocations. Please contact zooinfo@zoo.org to request an email interview.
Veterinary Externships
Externship opportunities are available for third or fourth year veterinary students. Woodland Park Zoo provides veterinary support to the Seattle Aquarium and maintains a close working relationship with the University of Washington and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. Interested students should indicate if they desire additional experience at these allied institutions at the time of application. With the exception of the Seattle Aquarium, work experience in these allied institutions is NOT a guaranteed component of the zoo's study program. Students are expected to work a standard 40-hour work week and be available for after-hours procedures or treatments as needed. The course of study is four (4) weeks with a maximum of 16 weeks.
Learn more about the externship and apply (when available; applications are accepted Sept. 1 - Oct. 30)
Veterinary Technician Internship/Externship Veterinary Technician
Currently there are no intern/externships available.
Zookeeping and Horticulture Internships
We currently are not able to offer internships in this area.
Digital Photography Internships
Application period now closed for 2013
Volunteer positions are available annually through the Communications department, reporting to the staff photographer. The digital photography intern will help supplement and maintain the zoo’s photo collection and perform other post-production activities. There will be frequent opportunities for the intern to shoot assignments, assist the zoo’s photographer, work on a longer-term project, and submit their work for publication at the zoo. Subjects for photography at the zoo are wide-ranging and may include plants, animals, concerts, visitors and exhibits. Images made by the intern may be used in on-grounds signage, advertising, multimedia presentations, on our websites, in social media or published in our member magazine.
EXPLORE ZOO CAREERS
Zookeeping
Animal Health Care
Horticulture
Zookeeper FAQ
Zoo Careers Home
Veterinarians and animal health technicians provide knowledgeable and vital preventive, diagnostic and reparative health care for the more than 1,100 animals at Woodland Park Zoo.
Laboratory and veterinary health technicians combine diagnostic skills with hands-on assistance and care to provide exemplary care for the zoo's animal population.
CONTACT
For general questions and additional information, please contact zooinfo@zoo.org. For more information about volunteering opportunities, visit the Volunteer section.