How To Apply

Application

A student intern MUST be receiving academic credit from, or fulfilling an academic requirement for an accredited educational institution. In most instances, student interns are upper division majors or minors in the areas of biological science, horticulture, pre-veterinary medicine, education, conservation biology or related disciplines.

Internships are unpaid and are 10 to 14 weeks in length and 30 to 40 hours per week.

Applications MUST Include:

• Completed application form
• Cover Letter including a paragraph explaining why you are interested in an internship at the Minnesota Zoo;
• Resume;
• Transcripts; and,
• Letter of recommendation from an advisor or supervisor

Please note: Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

Application Deadlines:

All application materials must be received by the following deadlines unless otherwise noted in the internship descriptions.

Internship Period	Application Deadline
Spring Internship: (February - May)	DUE December 1st
Summer Internship: (May - September)	DUE March 15th
Fall Internship: (September - November)	DUE August 1st
Winter Internship: (November - January)	DUE October 1st

 

Macaque Behavioral Study Internship

In 2008, the Minnesota Zoo initiated a behavioral study concentrating on the Japanese macaque troop. The purpose of the study is to better understand the female dominance hierarchy and how rank influences social relationships. Data collection will focus on factors potentially influencing the troop's behavior and hierarchy. The study will also compare the group’s activity budgets with those of wild Japanese macaques. Data from this behavioral study can be used to design enrichment activities for the troop.

Year Round Internship Opportunities:

This internship requires 20-40 hours per week for 10 weeks. Interns will be using standard behavioral observation techniques to collect the data for this study.

Responsibilities for the Behavior Management Internship include conducting behavioral observations, recording and entering data, as well as interacting with Zoo guests and providing interpretive information.

Must be able to use a computer and hand-held computer devices (e.g. Palm Pilot)

Duties to include:

• Learn and practice methods of observation
• Conduct daily behavioral observations
• Develop and evaluate observations
• Assist with study documentation and recordkeeping
• Provide interpretation to Zoo guests about natural history and behavior management

For more information, please contact:
Internship Coordinator Jill Wallin, Human Resources
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
E-mail: jill.wallin@state.mn.us
Phone: 952.431.9219
Toll-free: 800.366.7811 ext. 219
Fax: 952.431.9211
TTY: 800.627.3529
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