STUDENT WORKER (STUDENT INTERN)

job description

The L.A. Zoo is excited to announce the launch of the fourth year of our summer Paid Internship Program, offering college students and high school seniors an immersive, hands-on experience in the zoo and conservation fields. Interns work directly with L.A. Zoo staff on real world projects, then present their results to peers, mentors, and interested parties at the conclusion of their internship. The Paid Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to develop technical skills through project-based learning and build relationships with their peers and mentors.

There are internships available for Conservation, Graphics, Registrar, and Visitor Engagement. All internships have a professional development component.

The following eligibility criteria applies:
• Must be at least 18 years of age by June 16, 2025;
• Reside within the City of Los Angeles boundaries; and
Our funding source for the Paid Internship Program outlines that participants must live within the City of Los Angeles boundaries. If you are unsure if you live within City boundaries, please check the City of Los Angeles Neighborhood Info website. If your address is not within City boundaries, the results will show "Nothing Found."
• Current enrollment in a recognized junior college, business college or four-year college or university, or as a senior in high school.
Must be able to provide proof of enrollment (official OR unofficial college or university transcripts showing enrollment in the Spring 2025 quarter / semester)

Time Commitment : June 16 - August 8, 2025, 25 hours/week, for a total of 200 hours. Mandatory orientation takes place June 16th and 17th. Specific shift days and hours are dependent on the internship project for which the candidate is selected, but generally fall between 8am - 5pm on weekdays.

The Ideal Candidate Is:
• Exploring science, conservation, or zoo careers;
• Eager to learn and ready to contribute to their intern cohort; and
• Interested in creating a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together.

For details of each section, refer to the attached bulletin.

How to apply

This is an entry-level internship for students interested in pursuing science, conservation, and zoo careers; no professional experience is required. Instead of the traditional cover letter and resume, we ask that applicants respond to two short answer questions:

• Statement of Interest : What interests you about this internship and how does it fit in with your academic or career goals? Share any past experiences that inspired you or what you are most excited to explore.
o A statement of interest is required for each position you are applying for.
Ex.: If you are applying for Conservation and Graphics internships, you would prepare a separate statement of interest for each position.

• Community Contribution : Interns in our program come from all over Los Angeles, each bringing unique perspectives, skills, and experiences. What do you hope to contribute to your intern cohort, and what do you hope to learn from your peers?
o One (1) response is sufficient for all positions you are applying for.

Responses to both questions may be submitted in any of the following format:
o Essay (maximum of 250 words); or
o Video (maximum of 2 minutes); or
o Audio recording (maximum of 2 minutes)

Your application MUST include:
• The completed Los Angeles Zoo Application (click the link and download for a fillable form)
• A written, audio, or video Statement of Interest for each internship you apply for;
• A single written, audio, or video response to the Community Contribution prompt; and
• Official or unofficial school, college, or university transcripts showing enrollment in the Spring 2025 quarter / semester.
• Graphics Applicants: In addition to the previous materials, please submit a 3-5 page PDF portfolio of your work, including a brief description of each project. A link to your digital portfolio is also acceptable.

Please Note: You are welcome to apply for multiple positions. Each position will be reviewed independently, so we encourage you to personalize your materials for each role to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. This helps us better understand how your background aligns with the specific requirements of each position.

To apply, please submit your application materials to: lazoo.personnel@lacity.org . The subject line must include “STUDENT INTERN 2025 - YOUR NAME ”

Application Deadline : Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Summer Jobs

Closing Date/Time: 3/30/25

• 

• City of Los Angeles

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