Summary:

Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering 12-week internships in conservation biology. The position is available for upper-level undergraduate students and students 1-2 years post-college. This internship offers unique research experiences in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting on-the-ground conservation projects locally in the Greater Memphis Area and broadly in Southeastern US. The position will provide valuable hands-on training in wildlife conservation and research, experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, animal husbandry, public outreach, and science communication.

Essential Dates:

• This is a 12-week internship.
• Completed applications are due April 20, 2026.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the posting closes.
• Anticipated start date for position is June 8, 2026.

Project Objectives:

• Contribute to a new urban wildlife camera trapping project, supporting data collection and monitoring efforts.
• Assist with Memphis Zoo’s flagship dusky gopher frog conservation program, gaining hands-on experience in species conservation.
• Engage with researchers and external collaborators from Arkansas State University, Rhodes College, and other regional academic institutions. Please visit sheilapoo.com to learn more about the research conducted.
• Support additional conservation and research initiatives led by Dr. Sabol and Dr. Poo throughout the summer.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Must be an upper-level undergraduate student OR a 1-2 years post college student.
• Previous research experience in biology, ecology, or related fields.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
• Prior research experience with amphibians and/or reptiles.
• Prior field research experience.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific writing.
• Interest in pursuing graduate school or careers in ecology, herpetology, conservation, or related professions.

Competencies:

• Collaboration.
• Critical Thinking.
• Detail-Orientation.
• Flexibility/Adaptability.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Self-Motivation and Initiative.
• Written/Verbal/Oral Communication.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Anne Sabol.

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.

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 extreme heat or cold.

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.

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.

Benefits & Perks

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

Paid Housing

Free housing for interns may be provided in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium located near the zoo. The condominium has two bedrooms and houses up to 4 people/room. Interns may be required to share a bedroom with a same-sex roommate.

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.