Memphis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and energetic individual for a Field Research Internship support the recovery of the federally Threatened Louisiana pinesnake (LPS) by monitoring zoo-bred snakes in the wild using radiotelemetry and camera trapping. The position is available to upper-level undergraduate students and early post-college graduates. This internship offers research experience in a zoo/field setting working with scientists conducting cutting-edge and frontline research to save wildlife, and will provide valuable training in field techniques, experimental design, and data analysis for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences.

Summary:

The Field Research Internship will assist in improving the conservation and reintroduction efforts of reptiles born in zoos. Interns will be expected to work with a supervisor to monitor released zoo-bred Louisiana pinesnakes using radio telemetry and camera-traps. This may include multiple extended stays (1–3 weeks up to 3 months) at the field station in the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana, with intermittent return trips to Memphis Zoo. In addition to tracking snakes, interns will assist with installing and maintaining an array of camera traps on the landscape, collecting and process data, and maintaining and organizing survey equipment. Interns may assist nearby collaborators with deploying or maintaining their monitoring equipment or collecting samples. The intern will be expected to operate and live with other interns and researchers in a remote, field-based environment, and should be capable of maintaining a positive and professional attitude in such environments. Additional opportunities may be available to participate in educational outreach, and to perform animal husbandry duties for Louisiana pinesnakes.

Essential Dates:

• This is a 12-week internship.
• Completed applications are due May 1, 2026.
• Application review will begin immediately, and the position may be filled before the posting closes.
• Anticipated start date for position is May 25–June 8, 2026.

Project Objectives:

• Radio track zoo-bred Louisiana pinesnakes snakes in Louisiana.
• Recapture released snakes 3–4 times throughout the summer to collect data.
• Install and maintain an assortment of camera traps in Kisatchie National Forest.
• Coordinate efforts with LPS Recovery partners, US Forest Service, and Zoo collaborators.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Upper-level undergraduate student or recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office or similar products, especially Excel and Word.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Familiarity with handheld GPS systems.
• Prior experience in field and laboratory research.
• Experience in one or more of the following: radio telemetry, wildlife tracking techniques, camera trap installation and maintenance, animal handling.
• Experience working both independently and as a group.
• Experience with handling and identifying reptiles.
• Experience identifying plants.

Competencies:

• Collaboration.
• Critical Thinking.
• Detail-Orientation (maintain a field journal, consistent methods, data integrity).
• Flexibility/Adaptability.
• Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative.
• Written/Verbal/Oral Communication.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Conservation Biologist. Intern will also be supported and mentored by LPS Post-doctoral Research Fellow and Research Tech.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This internship position works up to 40 hours a week and often requires flexible hours including day, evening, and weekend hours. A mixture of field work, lab work, travel, and administration are to be expected. Travel to other zoos and working unconventional hours and on weekends may occur, dependent on project needs.

This position is considered nonexempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws. 

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of the internship, the intern will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (lab/office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds or field sites). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and high heat. The working environment will be exposed to biting insects and will require the need to navigate difficult road conditions.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this internship.

This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. Position also requires ability to navigate through Zoo grounds and to/around field sites including hiking in forest and working during times of day when snakes are active.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties: Please note this internship description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.

Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

Paid Housing

Free housing may be provided in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium located 1.5 miles from the zoo. The 2 bedrooms/2 baths furnished condominium with washer/dryer/dishwasher houses up to 4 people/bedroom (bedrooms shared with a same-sex roommates). Field housing will be provided when on site in Louisiana.

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.