Bird House Keeper Internship (Spring 2025)

The Birdhouse is currently looking for qualified interns to assist animal care staff in the care and management of a variety species of birds.  Interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in the zoo keeping field by participating in daily animal keeper activities including animal husbandry, nutrition, enrichment and training. 

This position requires a minimum of two years college experience in the biological sciences, good observation and communication skills and 24 hours per week minimum (may include weekends). 

Learning Objectives

Through this internship, interns will:

  • Learn diet prep, exhibit care and maintenance, animal observation, and record keeping.
  • Help keepers with grounds maintenance and general housekeeping duties.
  • Learn and follow all safety protocols and policies of the unit.
  • Learn AZA guidelines, NZP directives, procedures and protocols and other related literature.
  • Interns will complete a project throughout the course of their internship and give a presentation to unit staff about this project and what they have learned.

Qualifications

  • Strong preference will be given to undergraduate and graduate students or recent graduates pursuing a career in a related field.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment with staff and volunteers.
  • Must enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Strong communication and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to stand, stoop, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Flexibility and a good sense of humor.
  • Must have a current negative TB test.
  • Will be subject to fingerprinting and must pass a background check.
  • Available to assist on a regular schedule, that may include weekends and holidays.

Stipend

This is an unpaid internship. Special consideration will be given to applicants who receive college credit for internship. Intern is responsible for obtaining necessary approvals from their university. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance.

Location

Washington DC

Housing

The intern will make his or her own housing arrangements in the Washington, D.C., area.

Parking

The National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution do not provide free parking to interns.

Term of appointment

There are three internship sessions during the year: spring, summer, and fall. Interns will be expected to provide at least 24-40 hours a week. The spring semester runs from April to June.

Application deadline(s)

Status

Open

Internship Category

Animal Programs

How to Apply

To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.

Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:

  • Basic personal information
  • Professional resume or CV
  • A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations
  • Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Two letters of reference (one must be from a current or a former supervisor)
  • Schedule of availability.

Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:

  • Type of appointment: “Internship”
  • Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
  • Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
  • Project: “Bird House Keeper Internship”

IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.