Hands On Opportunities Database
Looking for an opportunity at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium? This site is always
posting new positions!
This is not an internship; it is a job board where AZA affiliated institutions may post opportunities.
Detroit Zoo Amphibian Department Internship
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Deadline: None listed, apply ASAP
The Detroit Zoo is looking for interns to work with life science staff to learn the duties and responsibilities of zookeeping as a profession. Interns will help provide daily care including feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of enclosures. Interns will work roughly 40 hours per week ranging for 14 weeks.
Detroit Zoo Community Relations Intern
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Deadline: None listed, apply ASAP
The Detroit Zoo is looking for intern(s) to learn more about Government Relations/Access, and Community Engagement Departments day to day operations while gaining experience in the field. This internship will span 8 weeks, with interns working roughly 25 hours per week.
University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Summer Field Program
Location: Off-Campus, Mississippi
Position: Student Field Courses
GCRL's Summer Field Program provides undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity
to learn about coastal environments in an intensive field and lab-based setting. On-site
amenities include research vessels, dormitory, dining hall, research labs, library,
and a specimen museum. Make your plans today to attend the GCRL Summer Field Program
and gain an experience of a lifetime!
LSI Perrigo Undergraduate Summer Fellowhip (U-M Life Sciences)
Location: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Recommended for students with interests in chemical biology, biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, or related fields. Fellows will engage in a summer-long, full time mentored research project in labs at the Life Sciences institute at the University of Michigan. Fellows will also engage in opportunities for science communication and chalk talks, mentor lunches, workshops, dinner outings, and other network building activities. At the end of the summer, fellows present posters, and give oral presentations of their research projects to the LSI community during the capstone Perrigo Symposium.
Undergraduate students who are presenting their research or creative activity at a professional conference are eligible for travel support from the Undergraduate Research Office. Students should send the attached application to Heather Dover doverhea@msu.edu at least 30 days prior to the conference. They can learn more about our conference travel support and other funding opportunities from the Undergraduate Research website.
National Aviary Education Programs Internship
Location: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Deadline: N/A, send cover letter, letter of recommendation, and resume to katie.manion@aviary.org
Incorporate environmental, conservation, and science education to provide interns with classroom based informal education. This internship focuses on developing, facilitating, and evaluating conservation based programs and experiences including on site programs for schools, families, and educational events.
Ocean First Institute Shark Biology Field Course
Location: Key Largo, Florida
Deadline: No deadline, spots limited, apply ASAP
Field courses are intended for individuals looking to gain experience as marine biologists, with a focus on sharks and human impact research. You’ll do a deep dive with Ocean First Institute research scientists and MarineLab staff into the nearshore coastal ecology of Key Largo, FL, spending time exploring its beautiful mangrove, seagrass, and reef habitats and the sharks that call it home. You’ll also explore the many ways that humans continue to reshape these environments, and you’ll assist in conducting research that is critical to understanding and minimizing negative impacts.
Potter Park Zoo Animal Care Internship
Location: Potter Park Zoo, Lansing MI
Deadline: April 1st, 2026
Participate in many areas of husbandry including exhibit maintenance, diet preparation, animal enrichment and much more. Interns will work with seasonal care staff to gain valuable career experience.
For more opportunities, visit the Potter Park internships page.
Research Internships in Ocean Sciences (RIOS)
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick NJ
Deadline: Check website in December for the upcoming summer information
This undergraduate research program introduces students to an “active and collaborative ocean research environment”. Conduct ocean research with support from the National Science Foundation. This paid internship runs for a 10 week period over the summer, with travel expenses and rooms paid.
Toledo Zoo Pre-Vet Med Learning Experience
Location: Toledo Zoo, Toledo OH
Deadline: Until 10 applicants have been accepted
The Toledo Zoo is offering a one week experiential learning opportunity to learn about animal care, and upkeep in a zoo setting with a focus on zoo management. Learners will work with the staff and veterinarians to experience what healthcare and nutrition is like for animals in a zoo setting. This experience takes place from March 1-March 7, 2026.
Toledo Zoo Pre-Vet Med Learning Experience
Location: Toledo Zoo, Toledo OH
Deadline: Until 10 applicants have been accepted
The Toledo Zoo is offering a one week experiential learning opportunity to learn about animal care, and upkeep in a zoo setting with a focus on zoo management. Learners will work with the staff and veterinarians to experience what healthcare and nutrition is like for animals in a zoo setting. This experience takes place from July 26-August 1, 2026.
University of Michigan LSA Biological Station
Location: University of Michigan Biological Station
Deadline: April 1st, 2026
The UMBS is offering a unique opportunity to earn 6-8 credits in just 4 weeks while offering STEM and humanities field based courses. All students are eligible, with no prior field work being required to apply. Each participant will choose a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday course with topics ranging from general ecology, forest ecosystems, conservation biology, and freshwater ecosystems. Participants will also take a Thursday, Friday, Saturday course with topics ranging from general ecology, observation and modeling of climate change, and ethnobotany. This program runs from May 19-June 18, 2026.
University of Michigan LSA Biological Station
Location: University of Michigan Biological Station
Deadline: April 1st, 2026
The UMBS is offering a unique opportunity to earn 6-8 credits in just 4 weeks while offering STEM and humanities field based courses. All students are eligible, with no prior field work being required to apply. Each participant will choose a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday course with topics ranging from general ecology, forest ecosystems, conservation biology, and freshwater ecosystems. Participants will also take a Thursday, Friday, Saturday course with topics ranging from general ecology, observation and modeling of climate change, and ethnobotany. This program runs from May 19-June 18, 2026.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Deadline: Apply ASAP, interviews begin in mid February
The Zoological Society of Milwaukee's conservation department is offering a paid internship option. This program runs between June 4th-mid August. Accepted applicants will be instructors in educational classroom activities, lead zoo tours, supervise high school volunteers, as well as other duties involved with a zoo camp.