Animal Care Intern

The Living Deserts mission is desert conservation through preservation education and appreciation. We care for 600 animals with over 160 desert species represented. We are seeking qualified and enthusiastic candidates to join our Animal Care team as an Animal Care Intern.

This is a paid internship position and will take place Spring 2026 (March-May).

Position Summary:

This internship position pays $16/ hour and will be flexible in hours ranging from 8-22 hours worked per week dependent on candidate selection. Hours must be completed within the designated time frame listed above. Shifts may range from 4 - 8 hours. Summer season shift: 6:00am 3:00pm; In season shift 7:00am-4:00pm (including weekends and holidays). Schedule to be determined upon acceptance into the internship program.

This is a new position and as such can be flexible in focus depending on the candidates interest and career goals. Some ideas of focus include but are not limited to: animal nutrition engineering with a focus on animal enriching experiences behavioral observations and operant conditioning animal husbandry and care etc.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner interact with guests and be knowledgeable and share The Living Desert conservation messages story and mission.
• Punctuality and Reliability
• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry natural history and observational skills
• Uphold The Living Deserts brand standards and culture by maintaining a safe positive and productive workplace environment for animals guests and staff
• Must follow and abide by all rules enforced through The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to accurately report daily information

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have received high school diploma or equivalent and be enrolled in college or recent graduate (2 years); STEM education preferred.
• Covid vaccination and up-to-date boosters are required.
• Negative tuberculosis test prior to start date is required.
• Background check
• Experience with animal care and public interactions is a plus.
• Valid California driver license.

Working Conditions:

• Standing walking twisting climbing crawling kneeling reaching motions lifting (up to 50lbs)
• Exposure to extreme heat chemicals and dust/airborne materials.
• Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates carnivores venomous snakes)
• Intern will be in uniform and wear a name tag while on zoo grounds. Appropriate footwear (work boots hiking boots or similar) are required. Appropriate outerwear is required for all weather conditions (extreme heat dust rain wind etc).

To apply for this position: Qualified applicants must apply on Paylocity and include a resume two (2) references and cover letter addressed to Tim Van Loan Animal Care Curator.

Deadline for submissions: Monday February 16 2026 interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.

Desert Conservation Through Preservation Education and Appreciation.