How to Post Jobs
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings. How to post a job
Career Center
Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center.
Smithsonian''s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Bird House Keeper Internship (Fall 2026)
The Bird House 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 (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.
Experience Required
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. Will be subject to fingerprinting and must pass a background check. Available to assist on a regular schedule, that may include weekends and holidays.
Further Comments
Stipend: This is a paid, part-time internship ($350/week for 16 weeks). Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. Location: Washington, DC Housing: The intern will make their own housing arrangements in the Washington, DC area. Parking: The Smithsonian''s National Zoo does not provide free parking to interns. Public transportation is suggested. Term of appointment: Internship runs for 16 weeks between August-December 2026. Exact start and end dates to be determined upon selection. Interns must be able to devote 24 hours per week. Reasonable exceptions may be made to coordinate with university or work schedules. Please note: The deadline to apply for this fall internship is Sunday, July 26, 2026.
How to Apply
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:
Cover sheet including name, address, phone number, email address, and which internship(s) you are applying for.
Resume or CV summarizing education (including current academic status) and employment experience.
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, including at least one academic reference. If referrers prefer to send letters of reference directly to the intern coordinator, they may do so to the email address below. However, applicants must notify the coordinators if their references will be arriving separately, or the application may be considered incomplete.
Schedule of availability (typical schedule is 3 days per week, 7am-3pm, reasonable exceptions may be made to coordinate with job or university schedules).
Once you create your account and provide the requested information, you will be prompted to 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: "Rock Creek - Bird House"
Your application is considered complete when you hit "Submit." Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.
Smithsonian''s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 2026333504
Return to All Job Posts
Edit your job posting
General Settings
Title (limited to 100 characters)
Description
Add details about the job itself here.
Experience
Comments
Salary
Category Type
Internship Job
How should a candidate apply?
Job Perks
*
Company Info
Company Name
Address
City
State
Please Select Alberta Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas British Columbia California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Manitoba Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska New Brunswick Newfoundland Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Northwest Territories North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Nova Scotia Nunavut Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Puerto Rico Quebec Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Yukon
Zip
Company Phone
Company Fax
Company Website
Company Twitter Username
Company Facebook Page
About the Company
Company Logo/Avatar
Submitting your job posting...