Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment Intern

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation animal care and welfare learning and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868 the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at .

This internship is designed for anyone interested in pursuing a career in an animal care or animal behavior field. Interns will work directly with the Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment Managers animal keepers and utilize the ZooMonitor program to learn the principles of providing enriching experiences and evaluating behavior in order to promote great welfare.

This internship will focus on helping implement an in-depth enrichment evaluation program for a specific building. The intern will conduct daily observations on the Zoos animals using ZooMonitor and assist with data addition the intern will be responsible for researching and gaining knowledge about species specific behavior that could aid in helping to develop on-going enrichment initiatives and other assigned projects.

A recent TB test will be required. Because of the nature of working close to a variety of animals both alongside the management and keeper staff the applicant needs to demonstrate maturity self-motivation and an ability to follow direction.

This position is scheduled to begin in June/July 2026. This internship will be 3 months. This is a paid ($16.60) 40 hr/week position interns may be asked to work on weekends or from home at times.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION:

• Assist with on-grounds behavioral monitoring projects using ZooMonitor
• Conduct data analysis on behavioral monitoring projects & present findings
• Perform literature research on animal behavior of species as needed with high attention to detail.
• Capture or find video examples of specific behavioral goals if needed
• Research new ideas for enrichment

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Become proficient using ZooMonitor to record behavior
• Gain knowledge about the science of animal behavior
• Understand the process of SPIDER as it pertains to an enrichment program
• Learn the processes of behavioral research and how it can be applied to an enrichment program
• Gain an understanding of the duties of a Behavioral Husbandry Manager

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Interns are expected to participate in various professional development and networking events hosted by the zoo as part of the internship program
• Must complete a presentation at the end of their internship

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Possess strong computer organizational (project management) and communication skills (written and spoken)
• Willingness to work outside in harsh field conditions (i.e. rain and heat); willingness to work early morning hours as necessary
• Strong willingness to learn
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Previous hands-on work with animals preferred
• Works well in a team environment as well as independently
• Maintains a positive and flexible approach to daily responsibility

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Junior or Senior in college or recent college graduate
• Major in Biology Animal Behavior Psychology Zoology or other related field

OUR PROMISE

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities perspectives values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical dental vision life and disability coverages and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park Lakeshore Trail and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events) attractions dining and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and LPZooU training and educational sessions about the zoo wildlife ecology and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary: $16.60/hr