Internships are only for college-level students who are studying biological sciences. If you are interested in volunteering, click here.

Animal Department Interns

The Greenville Zoo Intern Program is intended to give college students or recent graduates, 18 years of age or older, the opportunity to have a comprehensive, hands-on working experience in the zoo profession within the Animal Care Department. This internship program offers interns the opportunity to learn about the operations of a modern zoo, animal care, and to obtain some basic entry-level experience. Internships may also count as extra credit for some courses (check with your school). Mostly interns will assist the Greenville Zoo keepers with daily routines and animal husbandry but may work in other areas of the zoo if needed. The internships will be for the college term, semester or quarter, and will also be available for the summer months.

Qualifications:
Intern positions are limited to college level students with an interest in the biological sciences. All interns should have the ability to lift 30 lbs., work in various weather conditions, and effectively communicate with zoo staff and guests. If accepted into the program you must provide proof of a negative TB test given within the last year, current tetanus and proof of Medical Insurance.

Requirements: Interns are accepted each academic semester for most positions. Since the summer season is the most competitive, we encourage interns to consider other times of the year. The days and hours the intern is to work will be determined by the General Curator; however, a minimum of 8 hours per week for 8 weeks(or a total of 96 hours) for Fall/ Spring Interns and 16 hours per week for 8 weeks ( or a total of 128 hours) for Summer Interns is required.

Questions or To Apply: To apply for an internship, please send a cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, two letters of reference and application to: Contact zooinfo@greenvillesc.gov, call (864) 467-4311, or write to the Zoo General Curator, 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29601 Incomplete applications will not be considered! Be sure to include all the required information with your application.

Application Deadline
Applications for the spring semester must be received by November 15; summer semester applications must be received by March 15, and fall semester applications must be received by June 1. Applications received by the deadlines will be reviewed and interviews scheduled.

All interns are accountable to the General Curator.

Education Department Interns

Internships provide college students or recent graduates practical experience in a zoological environment while gaining valuable knowledge related to his/her career goals. This exciting and challenging atmosphere offers you the opportunity to supplement and apply your classroom knowledge. All positions are unpaid.

Qualifications:
Intern positions are limited to college level students with an interest in the biological sciences. Interns must have completed at least 2 years of a college degree program in Education, Biology, Zoology or a related field. All interns must have excellent communication skills, enjoy working with all ages especially children and have the ability to work in a team environment. Each intern must be self-motivated, prompt and have the ability to complete an intern project that benefits the Zoo’s education department during the internship period. If accepted into the program, a negative TB test (within one year), tetanus shot and background check is required.

Requirements: Interns are accepted each academic session including summer sessions. Each intern will go through an internship training which includes animal handling and safety training. Internships are unpaid, last a period of 3 months and require at least 8 hours per week. Summer internships last 10 weeks and may require 15-25 hours per week.

Application Deadline
 Applications for the spring semester must be received by December 1st; summer semester applications must be received by April 1st; fall semester applications must be received by June 1st. Applications received by the deadline will be reviewed and interviews scheduled. Candidates will be advised of their selection within 30 days of the application deadline.