Animal Ambassador Internship

National Aviary

Animal Ambassador Internship

Join the National Aviary's Animal Programs team this upcoming semester as an Ambassador Animal Intern. Gain valuable experience in animal care, training, guest engagement, and enrichment. Our department cares for a variety of species including parrots, birds of prey, and other mixed species who participate in conservation education programs including free flight shows, classes, outreaches, and up-close encounters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Care for a variety of ambassador animals

• Maintain habitats

• Prepare diets for various species

• Observe various bird behaviors

• Observe operant conditioning techniques

• Assist with Free-flight bird shows

• Create animal enrichment

• Public speaking

• Observe diverse conservation educational experiences

• Participate in formal intern workshops

Education, Experience and Skills:

Ambassador Animal Trainers and interns work in a very fast-paced environment. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must:

• Be able to lift 50 pounds

• Prepare diets that include mice and chick

• Work around allergens such as nuts, fish, and latex

• Work as a member of a team and independently

• Be a self-starter with a positive attitude

• Interact positively with the public

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Work a minimum of 3 days a week for fall and spring semesters and 5 days a week for the summer

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays

• Must be willing to work 7:30AM-4:00PM

For students who are eligible for work study through their college: Speak with your financial aid or student advisor within your college or university to establish the National Aviary as an approved work study site.

The internship will run from January - April.

We will be accepting applications until October 21, 2026.

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Christa Gaus at christa.gaus@aviary.org.

How to Apply

We will be accepting applications until October 21, 2026.

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Christa Gaus at christa.gaus@aviary.org.

National Aviary

700 Arch Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

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