Student Worker / Student Intern
Please see the Los Angeles Zoo website for more information: https://lazoo.org/join-our-community/careers/
SALARY $17.28 per hour
(The current salary range is subject to change. You may confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.)
LOCATION Los Angeles Zoo – 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
ABOUT THE PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The L.A. Zoo is excited to announce the launch of the fourth year of our summer Paid Internship Program, offering college students and high school seniors an immersive, hands-on experience in the zoo and conservation fields. Interns work directly with L.A. Zoo staff on real world projects, then present their results to peers, mentors, and interested
parties at the conclusion of their internship. The Paid Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to develop technical skills through project-based learning and build relationships with their peers and mentors.
There are internships available for Conservation, Graphics, Registrar, and Visitor Engagement. All internships have a professional development component.
The following eligibility criteria applies:
• Must be at least 18 years of age by June 16, 2025;
• Reside within the City of Los Angeles boundaries; and
Our funding source for the Paid Internship Program outlines that participants must live within the City of Los Angeles boundaries. If you are unsure if you live within City boundaries, please check the City of Los Angeles Neighborhood Info website. If your address is not within City boundaries, the results will show "Nothing Found."
• Current enrollment in a recognized junior college, business college or four-year college or university, or as a senior in high school. Must be able to provide proof of enrollment (official OR unofficial college or university transcripts showing enrollment in the Spring 2025 quarter / semester)
Time Commitment: June 16 – August 8, 2025, 25 hours/week, for a total of 200 hours. Mandatory orientation takes place June 16th and 17th. Specific shift days and hours are dependent on the internship project for which the candidate
is selected, but generally fall between 8am - 5pm on weekdays.
The Ideal Candidate Is:
• Exploring science, conservation, or zoo careers;
• Eager to learn and ready to contribute to their intern cohort; and
• Interested in creating a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together.
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CONSERVATION
Conservation interns will work directly with the Zoo’s Conservation team, gaining real world application of science, research, and conservation skills. In July 2021, the Zoo released its first Conservation Strategic Plan (CSP), which guides its conservation efforts and expands its positive impact over the next five (5) years. Key to this CSP is an increasing focus on local conservation projects that engage our community members, improve native biodiversity, and help meet the goals of local stakeholders in Los Angeles.
This internship will provide opportunities to:
• Gain career experience in zoo and conservation fields;
• Develop technical skills to conduct background research, data collection, and analysis through project-based learning;
• Choose a scientific study related to the native wildlife nearby or on the Zoo campus with peers, enact it, and present on their findings; and
• Gain understanding of conservation, the role of the L.A. Zoo in it, and the importance of building accessibility and intergenerational stewardship capacity; and
Position Expectations:
• Travel by foot over uneven terrain up to four (4) miles per day, sometimes transporting up to 15 pounds of supplies;
• Work outside and in varied weather conditions;
• Position self to observe plants and wildlife, including at ground level;
• Inspection of natural sites to complete habitat assessments; and
• Available Tuesdays - Fridays from June 16th – August 8th between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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GRAPHICS
Part of the Learning & Engagement (L&E) Division, the Graphics team creates designs that inspire visitors and improve their Zoo experience. The Graphics Internship allows the participant to gain real-world experience in a mission-driven setting. Under the supervision of the Graphics Manager, this intern will use their creative thinking and problem-solving skills to contribute to projects that inspire and educate visitors about wildlife conservation.
This internship will provide opportunities to:
• Assist in the design and production of digital and print products, including educational signage;
• Gain experience in the creative development process; and
• Learn the foundations of conservation messaging through graphic design.
Position Expectations:
• Use computer programs like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop to create digital designs;
• Operate office productivity machinery, such as copier, computer printer, and laminator;
• Position self to measure signage, sometimes at minor heights;
• Ability to communicate accurate information and ideas so others will understand;
• Travel by foot throughout Zoo grounds over uneven terrain and in varied weather conditions; and
• Available Mondays - Thursday from June 16th – August 8th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Please Note: Applicants must provide a portfolio, either as a link to a website or as a PDF attachment.
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REGISTRAR
This intern will work directly with the Zoo Registrar in the Animal Care Division. The Zoo Registrar manages and maintains all Zoo animal records pertaining to the care and welfare of animals housed at the L.A. Zoo. Key registrar duties include validating the quality of recorded data, handling manual and electronic records, and ensuring the legal compliance of all animal transactions.
This internship will provide opportunities to:
• Gain knowledge and career experience in record keeping in a zoo setting;
• Utilize a global database to maintain animal records;
• Learn best practices for the management of digital and physical documents, both current and historical;
and
• Gain understanding of conservation through the animal transaction process based on internal policies, zoo industry standards, and legal requirements.
Position Expectations:
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and
computer printer;
• Ability to communicate accurate information and ideas so others will understand;
• Frequently positions self to maintain files in cabinets and boxes;
• Occasional travel by foot throughout Zoo grounds over uneven terrain and in varied weather conditions;
and
• Available Mondays - Thursday from June 16th – August 8th.
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VISITOR ENGAGEMENT
The Los Angeles Zoo’s Learning & Engagement (L&E) Division fosters lasting relationships between our communities, nature, and animals. L&E team members facilitate conversations about wildlife conservation, nature, and animal welfare with the diverse communities that visit the L.A. Zoo through informal programming for general Zoo visitors.
This internship will provide opportunities to:
• Gain knowledge and career experience in zoo and environmental education fields;
• Develop public communication skills while engaging with the public in dialogue about habitats, wildlife, conservation, and animal welfare; and
• Gain experience working with diverse audiences.
Position Expectations:
• Willing to develop public communication skills;
• Able to move over uneven terrain and be stationed on Zoo grounds or in our communities for extended periods of time;
• Travel by foot over uneven terrain up to four (4) miles per day, sometimes transporting up to 15 pounds of supplies;
• Work outside and in varied weather conditions; and
• Available Tuesdays - Fridays from June 16th – August 8th between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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HOW TO APPLY
This is an entry-level internship for students interested in pursuing science, conservation, and zoo careers; no professional experience is required. Instead of the traditional cover letter and resume, we ask that applicants respond to two short answer questions:
• Statement of Interest: -What interests you about this internship and how does it fit in with your academic or career goals? -Share any past experiences that inspired you or what you are most excited to explore.
o A statement of interest is required for each position you are applying for.
Ex.: If you are applying for Conservation and Graphics internships, you would prepare a separate statement of interest for each position.
• Community Contribution: Interns in our program come from all over Los Angeles, each bringing unique perspectives, skills, and experiences. What do you hope to contribute to your intern cohort, and what do you hope to learn from your peers?
o One (1) response is sufficient for all positions you are applying for.
Responses to both questions may be submitted in any of the following format:
o Essay (maximum of 250 words); or
o Video (maximum of 2 minutes); or
o Audio recording (maximum of 2 minutes)
Your application MUST include:
• The completed Los Angeles Zoo Application (click the link and download for a fillable form)
• A written, audio, or video Statement of Interest for each internship you apply for;
• A single written, audio, or video response to the Community Contribution prompt; and
• Official or unofficial school, college, or university transcripts showing enrollment in the Spring 2025 quarter /semester.
• Graphics Applicants: In addition to the previous materials, please submit a 3-5 page PDF portfolio of your work, including a brief description of each project. A link to your digital portfolio is also acceptable.
Please Note: You are welcome to apply for multiple positions. Each position will be reviewed independently, so we encourage you to personalize your materials for each role to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. This helps us better understand how your background aligns with the specific requirements of each position.
To apply, please submit your application materials to: lazoo.personnel@lacity.org. The subject line must include
“STUDENT INTERN 2025 – YOUR NAME”
Application Deadline: Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Note: 2025 program subject to funding availability.
The Los Angeles Zoo strives to have a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities of Los Angeles and we encourage people of all backgrounds, including applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, people with varying abilities, women and of the LGBTQAI+ communities, to apply.