Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Intern Program

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Friends of the Zoo offer animal-related internships, as well as internships in our marketing, public relations and event planning departments.

Animal-related internship inquiries should be directed to Curator of Animals, Tom LaBarge, at markhor_3@hotmail.com.  This department is no longer accepting applications for summer internships.

Public Relations and Marketing internship inquiries should be directed to Director of Public Relations, Lorrell Walter, at lwalter@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Event Planning internship inquiries should be directed to Director of Food & Beverage, Jim Mahler, at jmahler@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

The purposes of Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Intern Program are:

(1) to provide practical, on-the-job experience;

(2) to provide exposure to zoo operations and zoo careers; and

(3) to demonstrate the unique advantages of zoos as a supplement to more conventional learning programs.

Interns are supervised and instructed by full-time zoo employees. A member of the department to which the intern has been assigned will serve as the intern’s mentor.

Interns are required to keep a journal and do a management project during their term. They will complete such readings and written assignments as may be required by the department to which they have been assigned. Schedule will be agreed upon in advance.

The internship term is 12 weeks with a minimum of 12 hours per week or 4 weeks with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Interns will work on a rotating schedule, which may include some weekends and holidays. The internship term is flexible depending on the student's needs. 

Interns may arrange for course credit with their school advisor. Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Intern mentor will certify successful completion of internships and will issue a grade transcript to all interns completing the term.

Interns will receive no monetary compensation during their internship.

Interns can be dismissed for unacceptable performance of duties/responsibilities and/or for non-compliance with Rosamond Gifford Zoo regulations and procedures.

Requirements for Application

1. All applicants must be minimum of 18 years of age.

2. All applicants must have an overall “C” grade point average.

3. All applicants if accepted must submit written results of a negative intradermal tuberculosis test within the last year.

4. It is recommended that all applicants have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.

Only completed application packets will be considered. A complete packet includes the following:

1. A standard application form (attached).

2. A letter from the applicant detailing what he/she hopes to gain from the program, and how the internship relates to past experience, future plans, career goals.

3. A resume including work and/or military experience.

4. Two letters of recommendation from professionals evaluating the applicant’s aptitude, preparation, and suitability to the program.

These requirements are to be collected by the applicant and sent as a complete packet to the appropriate person listed above at the following address:

Rosamond Gifford Zoo 1 Conservation Pl. Syracuse, NY 13204

Complete application packets for internships must be received one month prior to the student's desired start date. Any applications received after the deadline date will not be considered. Incomplete application packets or missing any of the items noted 1 through 4 above will not be considered.

For further information, please contact us at (315) 435-8511 x100 and ask for the appropriate person

Click here to download an Internship Application
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