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Smithsonian''s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Nutrition Internship
The Smithsonian''s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute provides the opportunity for interns to gain experience in animal nutrition and other husbandry-related tasks at the Zoo''s Dept. of Nutrition Science. The intern will assist in diet prep and delivery, browse management and harvest, food supply logistics, food quality control techniques, and creating food-based enrichment.
Learning Objectives:
Through this internship, interns will:
Learn to prepare animal diets.
Learn new animal food-based enrichment.
Learn to identify and harvest woody browse and bamboo.
Learn formal and informal interpretive educational programs for visitors.
Learn and follow animal/keeper safety guidelines, operations, and polices.
Support will be given to any intern who wishes to pursue publications of their project results at the end of their internship
Experience Required
Qualifications: Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment with staff, volunteers, and other interns. 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 be willing to commit to a regular schedule, including potential weekends and holidays. Upon acceptance and one month prior to arriving for work, the intern will be required to provide documentation for a current negative TB test and tetanus shot. The intern must also pass a background check prior to their start date.
Further Comments
Stipend: This is a paid, part-time internship ($350/week for 16 weeks). Interns will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. Location: Washington, DC Housing: The interns 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 - Nutrition"
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
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