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.
Brookfield Zoo “Fishes” Internship
Location: Brookfield Zoo, Chicago IL
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Interns participating in this program will work closely with keepers to learn more about husbandry, and management of the many marine and terrestrial animals, including fish, reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians, and small mammals.
Brookfield Zoo Giraffes and Pachyderms Internship
Location: Brookfield Zoo, Chicago IL
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Interns gain experiences caring for large animals, specifically an array of African species, while learning more about nutrition, safe husbandry, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, and many more skills.
Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors Internship
Location: Brookfield Zoo, Chicago IL
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Gain experience while working with a variety of bird, mammal, reptile, and invertebrate species located at the Brookfield Zoo. Interns will assist with the daily animal care duties while learning the many aspects of tending to animals in professional care.
Brookfield Zoo Marine Mammals Internship
Location: Brookfield Zoo, Chicago IL
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Gain experience caring for dolphins, seals, and sea lions to prepare interns for a career in marine mammal care and training. This internship is intended for students interested in marine mammal care. Interns will work with all staff members with weekly meetings to gain skills in training techniques.
Freshwater@UW Madison Summer Research Opportunities Program
Location: University of Wisconsin Campuses
Deadline: 2/15/2026
The Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program provides high-impact educational opportunities by facilitating immersive, hands-on mentored research experiences in freshwater science across the 13 UW Institutions. Gain experience in scientific research and communication, and prepare for graduate studies.
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!
International Wolf Center Education Internship
Location: Ely, Minnesota- Housing Provided
Deadline: January 15
Lead wolf education and natural history programs as part of this paid internship at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota. Hands-on experience in environmental education!
Michigan State Glassen Scholars Program
Location: Lansing area
Deadline: January 15
Work with natural resource and/or environmental organization/agencies based in the Greater Lansing area. This internship is 12 weeks, running from May 11 - July 31, 2026. Each intern will be paid around $2,000 a month while enrolled in ANR 491 and taking educational field trips.
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.
NSF REU | Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Location: Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Institute, Front Royal, VA
Deadline: 1/30/2026
This 10-week REU, held from June 1 to August 7, 2026, will give undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct hands-on, full-time conservation research and gain career-ready skills to improve knowledge of and best management practices for threatened species with the goal of helping to alleviate the global extinction crisis. Students will work with mentors to develop an original inquiry-based research project within one of the following three focal areas: 1) assessing and monitoring species in the wild, 2) understanding species integrity and resilience to anthropogenic threats, and 3) improving captive management of threatened species.
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.
Summer Systematics Institute REU
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Deadline: 1/31/2026
Participants will conduct a museum-based research project with an advisor over the 10-week course of this program. Participants also take part in a museum-based curriculum that includes lectures and lab exercises on phylogenetics and systematics, molecular techniques, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, global change, and other contemporary issues in the natural sciences. Other activities include collections tours, popular writing, and science communication workshops, and time out on the museum floor directly communicating with the public
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.