Internships
Internships with
EARTH Ltd & Southwick’s Zoo
Thank you for your interest in an internship with EARTH Limited and Southwick’s Zoo. We are not accepting internship applications at this time.
Please check back in mid-July for information regarding Fall 2022 Animal Care Internships.
Internships with EARTH Ltd and Southwick’s Zoo are a rewarding experience which provides college students and recent college graduates the chance to learn and develop valuable skills while working in a unique setting. If you have any questions regarding internships, please email Lauren Culley at lauren@southwickszoo.com.
Summer internships generally run from mid-May through August and require 300 hours. Animal Care interns are required to work at least 3 days each week, including at least one weekend day each week. Each day is about 8 hours long. Wild Adventure Program interns must be available to work at least 3 days, Monday-Friday, from mid-June to mid-August.
Fall internships generally run from late August-November and have a similar schedule, but we can be more flexible with dates.
Requirements for All Internships
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be a student currently enrolled in college or a recent college graduate.
- Must be able to attend internship training orientation and zoo tour in mid to late May. (summer internships only)
- Must be willing and able to work with children of varying ages, as well as adults, in a professional manner.
- Must be able to take and follow directions to maintain a safe work environment for personnel, visitors, and the animals at the zoo.
- Animal care interns will be required to attend an animal training class conducted over Zoom (early June)
- All interns will be required to complete two assignments in addition to the EARTH Awareness Day project (Summer internships only)
- All summer interns are required to create a project for, and attend, EARTH Awareness Day on (the first Saturday in August).
- Summer interns are required to assist with the Benefit EARTH Bash fundraiser (late June).
- Interns may be exposed to certain allergens, including (but not limited to) dust, hay, pollen, animal hair, fur, and dander, peanuts and tree nuts.
- Must be able to safely lift 50 pounds.
- are required to assist with EARTH Bash. (2021 EARTH Bash date TBD)
Benefits of All Internships
- Discounts for food purchased at the zoo during work hours (does NOT apply to Galliford’s Restaurant).
- Discounts for gifts purchased at the zoo gift shop.
- Season’s pass to use for yourself and friends for entrance to the zoo on non-work days (after 2nd week of internship).
- The opportunity to gain experience and work with a great group of people!
FAQs
Common questions regarding our internships are answered below. If you have any additional questions, please email Lauren Culley at: lauren@southwickszoo.com
How long do the internships last?
Most Summer internships require 300 hours. Animal Care interns are required to work at least 3 days each week, including at least one weekend day each week. Each day is about 8 hours long. Wild Adventure Program interns have different start/end dates and work schedules than Animal Care interns. Fall internships have a similar schedule, but we can be flexible with dates.
Do you only offer internships during the summer when the zoo is open?
Our summer internships are the most popular, however we do offer internships during the spring, fall, and winter. These internships typically focus more on caring for animals during the off-season and assisting with ZooMobiles. They involve less visitor interaction since the zoo closes for the season after October and remains closed until early April. Spring Internships go from March-May; Summer Internships go from May-August; Fall internships go from August-November. Spring animal care internship positions are limited, so please email lauren@southwickszoo.com if interested.
Who can apply?
Can I get time off for vacation?
What if the position I apply for is already filled?
Are internships paid?
Is an in-person interview required?
No, all interviews will be conducted over Zoom.
What is EARTH Ltd. Awareness Day?
EARTH Awareness Day is an annual event at the zoo that takes place on the first Saturday of August. The purpose of the event is to give visitors a fun way to learn about conservation and environmental issues. In addition to local organizations and vendors that will be located throughout the zoo, interns will be presenting their EARTH Awareness Day project. Working in some groups, interns will collaborate on a conservation topic and develop and interactive learning activity to present to the public on EARTH Awareness Day. . Staff in each department will help guide interns in developing and completing their projects.
(Note: EARTH Awareness Day is a requirement for all Spring/Summer interns)
Located at Southwick’s Zoo
2 Southwick’s Street
Mendon, MA 01756
1-800-258-9182
Contact Us!