Zoo Apprenticeship Program

Applications typically open in November and remain open for 3–4 weeks. Interested applicants must apply online through Metro’s job portal (NeoGov, or GovernmentJobs.com). As part of the application, candidates respond to three short-answer questions.  

Applications are reviewed in December, and selected applicants are invited to participate in group interviews in January. From there, a smaller number of candidates move forward to individual interviews in February.  

New hires have their orientation in late February and training every other weekend from March to May.

We are looking for teens ages 15–16 who enjoy working with others in a team environment. Ideal applicants are enthusiastic, kind to others, willing to learn, and open to engaging with the public. Apprentices should be interested in sharing information about animals and conservation and helping create a positive experience for zoo guests and community partners. 

While tours often include an animal encounter, such as an opportunity to feed a giraffe, direct contact with animals is rare and supervised. By a Zoo Apprentice’s third year, they will have the opportunity to apply for a more traditional internship-type experience with another department at the zoo, also known as a “Placement.”  The Placement application process is an internal program application offered for multiple departments, subject to mentor capacity. Please note animal care placements are not guaranteed. Animal Care Track Placements focus on assisting the animal care team, such as cleaning animal habitats, preparing enrichment or food and washing dishes. Other Placements opportunities may include evaluation, office/administrative work or a more exploratory track. 

No prior animal experience is required for this role. We are happy to teach you everything you need to know, as long as you are eager to learn and participate. 

During the school year, Zoo Apprentices attend one full team meeting each month and are expected to pick up at least two additional weekend shifts. Shifts are typically three hours each and offered in the morning and one in the afternoon.  

In the summer, Zoo Apprentices are assigned a regular schedule that typically includes one weekend day and a midweek schedule.

While employment is not guaranteed, positions provide valuable experience for zoo and education careers, help build professional networks and transferable skills, may increase competitiveness for future zoo positions, and offer young people the opportunity to develop educator and leadership skills.