Rock internship program – conservation education

The City of Little Rock is offering a 2025 conservation education internship at the Little Rock Zoo for college students interested in animal care and education. Interns will gain hands-on experience, assist with educational programs, and receive a stipend with housing options. The internship runs from June 2 to late July, requiring 36-40 hours per week. Candidates should be motivated, enjoy working with diverse audiences, and be in good health.
The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2025 conservation education internships. The Zoo is seeking dependable, hardworking college students interested in the fields of animal care, education, and research. Interns will gain valuable experience with zoo research by training with professional zoo educators, scientists, and husbandry staff.Â

Interns will receive a stipend with housing options sponsored by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Selected interns will be given the option of a $3,000 stipend without housing OR a $1,000 stipend including UALR dorm housing. Transportation is the responsibility of the intern.Â

The 2025 summer internship term will begin with orientation on Monday June 2, 2025, continuing through the end of July. End dates may be no earlier than July 27th and no later than July 31st without approval.Â

This position is not designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is not subject to random drug and alcohol screening.

Conservation Education InternshipsÂ

Little Rock Zoo’s Conservation Education department is looking for highly motivated individuals to join our summer internship program. Interns will gain experience in program development and facilitation while exploring best practices in guest engagement, interpretation, and conservation messaging as it relates to wildlife and environmental topics.

Interns will assist staff with Zoofari day camp, early childhood programs, awareness day events, ambassador animal presentations and other educational experiences. Candidates applying for this internship should be comfortable interacting with diverse audiences, presenting in front of crowds, and enjoy working with children. Tasks may require some strenuous activity, so candidates should be in good health and be able to apply safe working practices. Interns will also have the opportunity to learn about zoo management and animal welfare topics through lectures and activities offered throughout the summer.Â

Conservation Education Interns will have three learning tracks available to choose from as their primary focus during their summer:
• Early learners and nature play
• Program evaluation
• Community and partnership-based programsÂ

Please be prepared to discuss your interests during the interview process.Â

Conservation Education Interns will also learn about and may be trained to handle some ambassador animals; however, this is not a keeper internship and animal interaction will be limited. Those with an interest in animal husbandry may find the Animal Care Internship to be a more suitable option. Commitments:Â
• Available to attend Intern orientation on June 2nd – Orientation is Mandatory
• Able to work 36-40 hours per week for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks beginning the week of June 2nd (minimum 280 hours completed). Available to work weekends and holidays

 Minimum Qualifications:Â
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions and be comfortable navigating uneven terrain
• Comfortable working in a team setting and taking on individual tasks and responsibilities
• College student or recent graduate majoring in education, biology, or a related field
• Must have completed a minimum of 4 semesters at the start of the internship
• Student in good standing, GPA 2.5 or higher
• Ability to safely lift up to 50lbs, or ask for assisted two-person carry
• Acceptance into the program is contingent on passing a background check, physical, and negative TB test (dated within 6 months of start date.) Documentation will be required on the first day of the internship term.Â
• ONLY On-Line Applications Accepted. Â All of the below documents are required when you submit the application.
• Resume (required at time of application)
• Letter of interest (i.e. cover letter) including dates of availability (please include any prior obligations and time off requirements)
• School transcript (may be unofficial) (required at time of application)
• Names and email addresses of 2 references (required at time of application)

Deadline for summer 2025 applications is Saturday March 1st  Â