Oakland Zoo Internship and Volunteer Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide
The Oakland Zoo is dedicated to animal welfare, conservation, and education, provides a variety of internship and volunteer opportunities. These programs offer invaluable experience and insights into the workings of a modern zoo, making them ideal for students, recent graduates, and anyone passionate about animals and conservation.
Overview of Volunteer and Internship Programs
The Oakland Zoo offers a variety of volunteer and internship programs designed to inspire an ethic of stewardship, stimulate interest in zoos as a viable career option, and increase the diversity of professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. These programs cater to a wide range of interests and skill sets, from animal care and veterinary services to education and horticulture.
Animal Care Volunteer Program
Animal Care Volunteers work alongside a keeper assisting with daily animal care. These dedicated volunteers are an integral part of the daily care of the animals. Thanks to the time and dedication given by our volunteers, the animals' lives are more enriched.
Responsibilities
- Cleaning of exhibits and indoor holding buildings.
- Preparing diets for the animals.
- Raking and hosing enclosures.
- Creating enrichment items to stimulate the animals.
Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Commit to regular attendance of four consecutive hours per week, either 8:00am - 12:00pm or 12:30pm - 4:30pm
- Commit to volunteering for at least six months.
- Maintain a negative TB test (valid within one year) and current tetanus vaccination (valid within ten years).
- Proof of measles vaccination is required.
- Some animal areas may require additional proof of vaccination.
- COVID vaccination and at least one booster is recommended.
- Pay a one-time Animal Care Volunteer Program fee of $20, which includes a uniform t-shirt and Animal Care Volunteer Handbook.
- Abide by the procedures and expectations outlined in the Oakland Zoo Volunteer Manual, including those set by the Animal Care, Conservation and Research Department (ACCR).
Application Process
- Fill out the online application. (Note: The application page will not save your answers, so prepare your answers in a separate document first.)
- The zoo will review your documents and contact you within three weeks.
- If selected, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
- Once accepted, a $20.00 program fee is required before volunteering commences.
- Attend an Animal Care Volunteer Orientation (typically 30-60 minutes in length).
Behavioral Observation Team (BOT) Volunteer
Volunteer observers help to gather data on what is going on with the animals during the day. Observations are very important in helping us determine best behavioral management practices for our animals.
Responsibilities
- Gathering data on general activity budget of the animals.
- Gathering information on introductions of two new animals.
- Monitoring seasonal changes.
- Observing the use of enrichment items.
- Assessing how new animals adjust to their new habitat.
Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Commit to regular attendance of 2-4 hours per week.
- Commit to volunteering for at least nine months.
- Provide proof of COVID vaccination and at least one booster.
- Pay a one-time Animal Care Volunteer Program fee of $20, which includes a uniform t-shirt and Animal Care Volunteer Handbook.
- Abide by the procedures and expectations outlined in the Oakland Zoo Volunteer Manual including those set by the Animal Care, Conservation and Research Department (ACCR).
Application Process
This program is on hold, and we are not accepting applications at this time.
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- Fill out the online application. (Note: The application page will not save your answers, so prepare your answers in a separate document first.)
- The zoo will review your documents and contact you within three weeks.
- If selected, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
- Once accepted, a $20.00 program fee is required before volunteering commences.
- Attend an Animal Care Volunteer Orientation (typically 30-60 minutes in length).
Training
General observation technique training is done by the keepers who coordinate the Behavior Observation Team per section. After general training and orientation by the BOT management team, you will receive follow-up with training specifics to your assigned animal area and projects. Keepers will continue to check in with observers as often as possible to make sure any questions or concerns are answered.
Time Commitment and Scheduling
Volunteers are required to commit to 2-4 hours per week for a period of 9 months. Typically there is a maximum of 2 hours of observations. The additional time may be utilized for equipment gathering and return as well as data entry, if needed. Volunteers are welcome to stay on the team as long as they’d like and have the opportunity to switch between observation projects after they’ve completed their first nine month commitment if the opportunities arise. Shifts will be determined by keepers depending on the project. Some projects are long term and have set shifts, but some are temporary projects, with a limited schedule. During orientation set shifts will be announced for long term projects.
Required Skills
Computer skills are not required but most projects require use of a tablet and software called Zoo Monitor. Your project may also require some data entry using basic Excel skills.
Animal Care Internship Program
The Internship Program in Animal Care provides engaging learning experiences designed to inspire an ethic of stewardship in the next generation, stimulate interest in zoos as a viable career option, and to increase the diversity of professionals working in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) within zoos, aquariums, and in the wild.
Internship Sessions
The Oakland Zoo offers internship sessions three times a year:
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- Fall: September through December (Application deadline: July 15)
- Winter: January through April (Application deadline: November 15)
- Summer: May through September (with flexible start dates between May 15-June 25) (Application deadline: March 15)
Internships range in duration from 9 to 18 weeks, depending on how many days per week you are able to intern at the zoo. A typical internship lasts 12 weeks, interning 3 days per week. All internships are unpaid. Housing and transportation to the zoo are the responsibility of the individual intern. You can intern up to three times but there is no guarantee you will selected a second or third time for our program.
Internship Types
Two Internship programs that are offered through the Animal Care Department (Animal Care and Zoological Commissary). All interns work together with Oakland Zoo staff to gain knowledge and learn applicable skill sets in their chosen internship. To enhance and demonstrate their experience, interns can complete an optional project to apply their knowledge within their internship program. Interns will also attend scheduled classes during the program to further increase their knowledge about all aspects of zoo animal management, welfare, and conservation.
Animal Care Internship
Interns in this area will work closely with animal keepers to develop skills in managing the care, health, and welfare of a variety of zoo animals. Interns are exposed to the husbandry techniques through assisting with the care of animals at the Zoo. They will be given the opportunity to gain valuable skills, on-the-job training, and experience that are assets to the future as an animal care professional. The program offers valuable experience to those who are planning to pursue a job in the field of animal care or health. Interns are assigned to one string per internship.
Zoological Commissary Internship
Interns in this area will work side by side with the Commissary Staff to develop their skills as a zoo chef in a commissary kitchen through making diets and learning the dietary needs for each animal. They will be given the opportunity to learn the process of ordering produce, meat, feed, and other animal dietary items and implement special requests from the keepers. Interns will benefit from learning the USDA and AZA standards in keeping a clean, safe, and maintained commissary service area.
Application Requirements and Process
Please Note: All internships are unpaid and housing is the responsibility of the individual. International students are responsible for all documentation and clearances. These Animal Care internships are not suited for veterinary professionals. Please ensure that you meet all the requirements of becoming an ACCR Intern and fill out the application fully.
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- Attach a résumé
- Provide proof of vaccinations
For the safety of our animals, Animal Care internships require proof of:
- Measles (MMR) vaccination:
- 1 documented dose of MMR received at or after 12 months of age
- Laboratory evidence of immunity (+ IgG in a serum specimen)
- Prior lab-confirmed measles disease (self-reported disease does not count)
- Birth before 1957
- Proof of a negative tuberculosis (Tb) test (or chest x-ray) within the last year and good through the entirety of the internship you are applying for
- Proof of a tetanus (TDaP) shot within the last 10 years and good through the entirety of the internship you are applying for
- Covid series plus booster and flu shot are recommended but not required.
During the Orientation you will learn about the intern program Animal Care, Conservation, and Research (ACCR) department, intern policies and procedures. Relevant guidelines, protocols, and other program-related information will be discussed. On your first day we will also collect the non-refundable intern program fee, issue uniforms, hand you a map and give you a brief tour of the facility.
Teen Programs
The Oakland Zoo offers a variety of teen programs for high-school age youth.
Teen Summer Internships
Each summer the Oakland Zoo offers new opportunities to intern with different departments throughout the zoo. These internships provide teens with exposure to different careers, develop and strengthen leadership skills, and aim to inspire and build a foundation for a stronger future.
Teen Wild Guides
The Teen Wild Guide (TWG) program is an important part of the Oakland Zoo's volunteer corps, consisting of young people interested in animals, conservation and our many young guests. Participants will be trained as interpreters in the Valley Children's Zoo, teaching visitors about animals and monitoring the goat/sheep barn. As TWGs develop within the program, they will have the opportunity to plan and participate in service learning projects, assist keepers and gain leadership experience.
ZooCamp Teen Assistants & Interns
ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns spend part of their summer playing with kids, helping to lead activities, making crafts, dressing up in costumes and, of course, having fun. Teen Assistants and Interns are truly an integral part of the camp experience!
ZooCamp Teen Assistant
Unpaid Volunteer Position
Teen Assistants are an integral part of the camp experience and are designed for teens entering grades 9-12 in the Fall of 2026.
Responsibilities
- Support ZooCamp Instructors in leading a group of no more than 20 campers.
- Facilitate games and activities with campers.
- Support Instructors and Teacher Interns in leading lessons.
- Help ensure the well-being of campers and peers.
- Act as a positive role model for campers.
- Understand and follow all ZooCamp and Zoo safety protocols.
- Attend check in meetings with Instructors.
- Attend weekly meetings with peers and Teen Program representatives.
- Help with lunchtime set-up and activities with campers.
- Assist with end of day tasks, including cleaning and materials gathering.
- Create a kind, warm, fun environment for everyone and add your personality and voice to the ZooCamp community.
Requirements
- No previous camp experience is needed, though it is always beneficial.
- No prior childcare experience is needed, but applicants should enjoy being around children.
- Applicants should be responsible, eager to learn & good at following instruction.
- Must volunteer for at least 3 sessions of camp, but the sessions do not need to be consecutive.
- Shifts run Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm with a 45-minute lunch break and additional breaks during the day.
- Must attend a training on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 1-5pm.
How to Apply
Complete the Teen Assistant Application by April 1st to be considered for the summer.
ZooCamp Teacher Intern
Paid Stipend Position - $400/week stipend, assuming full attendance
The ZooCamp Teacher Intern plays an integral part of the camp experience by supporting Instructors to create a kind, warm, and fun environment for all campers. The interns will spend their time helping to lead activities, learning leadership skills, and act as a peer mentor to the Teen Assistants. The Oakland Zoo is looking for teens (entering grades 11-12 in Fall 2026) who are energetic, responsible, creative, and interested in careers in education or childcare.
Responsibilities
- Support ZooCamp Instructors in leading a group of up to 20 campers.
- Act as a peer mentor for teen volunteers.
- Lead group activities and assist with all-camp activities.
- Teach conflict resolution skills to youth in K-5th grades, helping them to resolve their differences peacefully and effectively.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings, including 1:1 meetings with Lead ZooCamp Instructors and Teen Program Staff.
- Assist with ZooCamp prep, including end of day tasks such as cleaning, craft prep, and schedule planning with Instructors.
- Help ensure the wellbeing of campers and peers.
- Understand and follow all ZooCamp and Zoo safety protocols.
- Create a kind, warm, fun environment for everyone and add your personality and voice to the ZooCamp community.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Previous camp experience is required; the Oakland ZooCamp TA program is preferred, but any formalized camp counselor experience is acceptable.
- Applicants should be confident, extremely responsible and comfortable leading youth younger than them as well as their peers.
- Applicants must be flexible and able to adapt quickly to different tasks in order to help out where needed in a fast-paced environment.
- Must sign up for at least three sessions of camp, but the sessions do not need to be consecutive (June 1 - August 7, no camp during July 4 week).
- Shifts run Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4:30pm.
- Must attend ZooCamp Training Sunday 5/17 from 9am-5pm.
- The application requires ONE letter of recommendation to be uploaded in the application.
How to Apply
Applications for the Teacher Internship will open from February 1 - April 1 and can be found here.
ZooCamp Administrative Intern
Paid Stipend Position - $400/week stipend, assuming full attendance
The ZooCamp Administrative Interns provide back-of-house support for the ZooCamp program, and will spend the majority of their time helping ZooCamp Leadership prepare for the daily and weekly activities of camp and will be responsible for media and communication material and content. The Administrative Interns will gain valuable management experience, learning the behind the scenes skills to run an efficient and fun summer camp program.
Responsibilities
- Assist ZooCamp Directors with ‘back of house’ day-to-day camp activities (prepping for activities, organizing craft supplies, prepping camper name tags and shirts, setting up and taking down pick-up/drop-off stations).
- Assist with merchandise inventory and sales.
- Assist camp teachers with group activities as needed.
- Support ZooCamp Directors in the management of the lost and found inventory.
- Create a kind, warm, fun environment for everyone and add your personality and voice to the ZooCamp community.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Previous camp experience is required; the Oakland ZooCamp TA program is preferred, but any formalized camp counselor experience is acceptable; Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guide experience is acceptable if they have also volunteered for ZooCamp break camps.
- Applicants should be focused, detail oriented and well-organized.
- Applicants must be flexible and able to adapt quickly to different tasks in order to help out where needed in a fast-paced environment.
- Must sign up for 3 consecutive sessions of camp June 1-19, June 22 - July 17 (no camp during July 4 week), July 20 - August 7.
- Shifts run Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4:30pm.
- Must attend ZooCamp Training Sunday 5/17 from 9am-5pm.
- The application requires ONE letter of recommendation to be uploaded in the application.
How To Apply
Applications for the Administrative Internship are open from February 1 - April 1 and are found here.
Important Dates for Summer 2026 Teen Programs
- Applications Open: February 1
- Applications Close: April 1 at 5pm
- Info Meetings: March 8 & 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) via Microsoft Teams
- ZooCamp Training: Sunday, May 17, 2026 (times vary by position)
- Camp Sessions: June 1 - August 7 (No camp during the week of July 4th: June 29 - July 3)
Microsoft Teams Meeting Information
- Topic: Teen Programs Info Meeting
- Time: March 8 & 9, 2026 4:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
- Meeting ID: 276 795 065 500
- Passcode: 6aa65XN2
California Trail Interpretation Internship
The California Trail Interpretation Internship provides support to guests while they are visiting the California Trail section of Oakland Zoo. Interns will spend the majority of their time within the Habitarium, an indoor children’s exploration museum, while also providing both formal and informal interpretation within the broader California Trail section of Oakland Zoo, which hosts habitats for 9 animal species native to our state. The Interns will spend the majority of their time within these spaces, providing engaging educational programming to guests between 3 main roles: Habitarium, Roving, and Animal Highlights. The Habitarium showcases 5 California habitats with a theme of field research and conservation, with a large window that looks directly into the Brown Bear habitat. As the intern gains familiarity and confidence with the programming within the spaces, they will each take on a project focused on creating micro-programs drawing on the existing missions, habitats, or animals. Their project would involve developing and creating a program, teaching a staff member how to lead it, observing their interactions with guests, and then evaluating the program.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
- Animal Care-Rescue and Research Volunteer: Work with Animal Welfare and Research staff in saving wildlife through rescue, recovery, and research programs both on site and in the field.
- Community Groups: Complete habitat restoration, animal enrichment, and landscape management projects.
- Conservation Volunteers: Work at animal stations to interpret conservation initiatives to Zoo guests of all ages.
- Docents: Assist guests and enhance the guest experience, providing the highest level of customer service. (Note: We are not accepting Docent Applications at this time but we do have an entry level position available that is a prerequisite to becoming a docent - Zoo Ambassador.)
- Horticulture Volunteers: Work with Horticulture staff on the daily requirements of park maintenance and assist with landscape management and habitat restoration projects.
- Zoo Ambassadors: Assist guests and enhance the guest experience, providing the highest level of customer service.
General Internship Information
Most internships at the Oakland Zoo require applicants to be at least 18 years old, enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant academic program, and able to commit to a certain number of hours per week. The application process typically involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. Some positions may require additional documentation, such as proof of vaccination or a background check.
Benefits of Interning at the Oakland Zoo
An internship at the Oakland Zoo offers numerous benefits:
- Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience in animal care, veterinary medicine, education, or horticulture.
- Career Development: Develop valuable skills and knowledge relevant to your field of interest.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals in the zoo and conservation community.
- Personal Growth: Enhance your passion for animals and conservation.
- Contribution to Conservation: Play a vital role in supporting the zoo’s mission of conservation and education.
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