Lr Zoo Summer Internship Program - Conservation Education Internships

The City of Little Rock provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. City of Little Rock complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every work location. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Objective & Safety/Security Sensitive Designation

The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2026 summer internships. The Zoo is seeking dependable, hardworking college students interested in the fields of animal care, education, horticulture, or research. Interns will gain valuable experience with zoological careers by training alongside professional zoo educators, scientists, and husbandry staff.

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.

The 2026 summer internship term will begin with orientation on Friday, May 29th, 2026, continuing through the end of July. End dates may be no earlier than July 24th and no later than July 30th without approval.

To Apply:

Applicants must submit all of the following documents to be considered:

• Online application with attached:

• Resume

• Letter of interest including dates of availability (please include any prior obligations and time off requirements)
• School transcript (may be unofficial)

Deadline for summer 2026 applications is Monday March 2nd at 11:59PM

For questions not answered by this webpage, please e-mail: kneal@littlerock.gov

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

Essential Functions

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.

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 programs

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

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:

1. Available to attend Intern orientation on May 29th – Orientation is Mandatory

2. Able to work 36-40 hours per week for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks beginning the week of May 31st (minimum 280 hours completed). Available to work weekends and holidays

Minimum Qualifications, Additional Requirements and Supervisory Responsibilities

• 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 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.

• A recent physical and negative TB test (dated within 6 months of start date) Documentation of a negative TB test must be provided at or before orientation.

Application Requirements

• Online applications only. 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)
• You may check your inbox in your Careers/LittleRock account to review all notices sent to the email address associated with your applications.
• Applicants may check application status for any position by logging into their account at Careers/LittleRock or contacting Human Resources at (501) 371-4590 if they are having computer difficulties.

City of Little Rock temporary employees, volunteers or interns do not receive any additional benefits (leave, insurance or retirement/pension).