BZC Internship Application

Before You Begin
Internship program applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

✔ Have at least one year of college (or equivalent credits). Some roles require two or more years, so be sure to read each position description carefully.
✔ Be able to commit to 10-12 weeks in a term. Make note that some roles have longer commitments or variations in start/end dates.
✔ Be able to commit to the hours requirement of the opportunity you are applying. Many roles require full-time (35+ hours per week) commitments. Some areas take part-time interns—make sure to read each position description carefully for the details of the schedule for that position.
✔ Have a sincere interest in the particular field of application.
✔ Some positions require more experience or specific skills. Please read each position description carefully to determine whether or not you are qualified before submitting your application.

Completed applications must be received by midnight (CST) on the deadlines listed. Please note, internship opportunities may not be offered in all areas every term. Term start and end dates may be somewhat flexible based on student’s academic calendar. If an interview is desired to further consider the applicant for an internship opportunity, the applicant will be notified by e-mail. Selected interns must clear a full background check in order to begin. Offers are subject to this clearance.

For the welfare of employees and animals, proof of a current tetanus (TDAP) vaccination is required for all onsite internships prior to the start of the internship assignment. In some animal areas, additional inoculations/tests may be required (measles, vaccine, TB test, etc.). All tests/vaccinations are at the applicant’s expense.
Please check below to indicate you have read and understand these parameters.*

I Understand
Questions & Accommodation Requests
There is great interest in the internship program and because of this, incomplete or late applications will not be considered—no exceptions. If you have any questions about applying for an internship at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, please reach out to us at interns@brookfieldzoo.org.

If you feel you would need an accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to fulfill an internship successfully, please complete an ADA Accommodations request form.

Internship Application

Tell us about yourself!
Name*

First NameLast NameSuffix
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip CodeCountry
Phone Number*

Country CodeArea CodePhone Number
Email*

Confirmation EmailAll correspondence will take place via email. Please add interns@brookfieldzoo.org to your trusted contacts to ensure all emails reach you in a timely manner.
Have you ever been employed by or volunteered with the Chicago Zoological Society / Brookfield Zoo Chicago before?*

Yes - As a paid employeeYes - As an adult volunteerYes - As a King Conservation Science ScholarYes - As an unpaid internYes - As a paid internNo - I have never been employed by CZS/Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Academic Information
Name of your current or most recent school, university, or academic institution *
Current Academic Status*
Degree*
Major/Minor*
Cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale
If your institution does not utilize a numeric scale, please enter "0" here.
How did you hear about the internship program?

Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) WebsiteBrookfield Zoo Chicago WebsiteOnline job/internship posting (like Indeed, Monster, etc)SchoolWord of mouthOther

Animal Behavior & Welfare Research

Animal Care & Welfare Research
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by conducting behavioral research within a zoological setting focused on specific aspects of animal welfare. Interns will learn the processes used by researchers in the area of specialization. These internships are designed for individuals interested in research careers in the areas of emphasis or related areas. In particular, students that plan to pursue graduate degrees in any of the areas listed above may find the internship to be a valuable experience.
This internship is a part-time, 6-month internship. Please choose the term you are applying for:*

January - JuneJuly - December
Reminder: Applications for the January - June term are due by midnight on October 1. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, no exceptions.
Reminder: Applications for the July - December term are due by midnight on February 1. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, no exceptions.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Animal Behavior & Welfare Research internship is a 6 month program.The Animal Behavior & Welfare Research internship is a part-time opportunity with a commitment of approximately 20 hours a week for 6 months, not to exceed 480 total hours.The Animal Behavior & Welfare Research internship is unpaid.

Community Advocacy Internship

Government Affairs and Education & Community Engagement
This 12-week, part-time placement involves collaborating with Government Affairs and Education teams support partnership outreach and communication through special guest visits, event planning and execution, and response to various requests from elected officials, community engagement partners, and other non-profit entities. Additionally, this internship will focus on researching and identifying partnerships, creating proposals, and engaging diverse stakeholders in conservation advocacy. Participation in community outreach will help raise awareness of programs and opportunities offered by Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Interns will also complete an independent project tailored to individual strengths and interests, along with other assigned duties and opportunities.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Community Advocacy internship is a 12 week program.The Community Advocacy internship is a flexible opportunity with a commitment of approximately 16-20 hours a week for 12 weeks, not to exceed 480 total hours.The Community Advocacy internship is unpaid.

Development Services Internship

Advancement
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by working with the Advancement department to support and participate in the integrated plan to secure and increase financial and philanthropic support from corporations to maximize potential support, as well as further efforts to build major philanthropic support for Brookfield Zoo Chicago. This may include corporate grants, sponsorships, corporate memberships, and additional corporate contributions. This also includes identification, cultivation, and implementation of solicitation strategies for corporations.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Development Services internship is a 12 week program.The Development Services internship is a flexible opportunity with a commitment of approximately 16-20 hours a week for 12 weeks, not to exceed 480 total hours.The Development Services internship is unpaid.

Dolphin Communication Research

Animal Care & Welfare Research
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by training future leaders in the fields of animal behavior and welfare. Intern will work with the Animal Welfare Scientist, along with other members of the Animal Health & Welfare team, to learn all aspects of performing behavioral research at a zoological institution, specifically focusing a project on the collective behavior of zoo-housed dolphins. Intern will receive direct experience performing data analysis on dolphin behavior and vocalizations, and gain knowledge on the physics of sound. Finally, intern will practice their scientific communication skills by conducting a formal presentation of work completed for relevant Brookfield Zoo Chicago staff.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Dolphin Communication Research internship is a 5-6 month program beginning in February 2025.The Dolphin Communication Research internship is a part-time opportunity with a commitment of approximately 25 hours a week for 5-6 months, not to exceed 480 total hours.The Dolphin Communication Research internship is unpaid.

Education Curatorial Internship

Education & Community Engagement
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by maintaining the integrity of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's extensive collection of biofacts (biological/animal artifacts) and working with education program managers to design, test, and implement programming that incorporates biofacts into new and existing curricula. This internship is for individuals interested in the career opportunities of informal STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education, primarily focusing on authentic application of strategies related to instructional research and development and approaches to inclusive community engagement.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Education Curatorial internship is a 12 week program.The Education Curatorial internship is a flexible opportunity with a commitment of approximately 20 hours a week for 12 weeks, not to exceed 480 total hours.The Education Curatorial internship is unpaid.

Education Data Analyst & Interpretation Internship

Education & Community Engagement
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by generating consistent, positive exposure for the zoo through community engagement in experiential learning opportunities that extend the zoo's mission to the communities it serves. This internship is for individuals interested in the career opportunities of informal S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education, primarily focusing on authentic application of strategies related to instructional research and development and approaches to inclusive community engagement.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Education Data Analyst and Interpretation internship is a 12 week program.The Education Data Analyst and Interpretation internship is a flexible opportunity with a commitment of approximately 16-20 hours a week for 12 weeks, not to exceed 480 total hours.The Education Data Analyst and Interpretation internship is unpaid.

Education Strategies & Research

Education & Community Engagement
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by helping to evaluate a variety of services and programs offered by BZC, such as guest engagement, level of guest satisfaction, success of programming, and our guests’ connections to animals and nature.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Education Strategies & Research internship is a 12 week program.The Education Strategies & Research internship is a part-time opportunity with a commitment of approximately 20 hours a week for 12 weeks, not to exceed 480 total hours.The Education Strategies & Research internship is unpaid.The Education Strategies & Research internship does not involve working directly with animals.

Environmental Quality

Animal Care & Welfare
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by providing seasonal support for the Environmental Quality Manager. This position will work to monitor the various environments provided for animals at the Zoo using a variety of instrumentation and techniques. They will also report the findings (and any potential issues) to the appropriate AP Managers and staff. This includes, but is not limited to, routine water quality sampling and analysis for all re-circulating aquatic systems, routine air sampling and analysis of areas of the zoo that may present health issues for animals, the analysis and assessment of artificial UV lighting used for indoor exhibits, and the routine use of a toolkit designed to assess outdoor exhibits to determine if enough shade or heat has been provided.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Environmental Quality internship is a 12 week program.The Environmental Quality internship is 5 days a week, 40 hours a week, not to exceed 480 total hours.The Environmental Quality internship is unpaid.

Internship Details
Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) conducts the world’s longest-running study of a dolphin population. Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field, and about 80% of their time in the lab working with data, or performing equipment maintenance. Successful candidates will participate in dolphin population monitoring, prey and habitat use, and other ongoing research projects.
By checking the box next to each statement, you affirm that you meet the following qualifications:*

Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate or graduate studies.A background or degree in marine biology, biology, ecology, zoology, wildlife, fisheries, or a related field.Must be physically fit and able to swim.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The SDRP internship is an in-person opportunity located at Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, Florida.The SDRP internship is a minimum of 10 weeks, but 12-16 weeks is preferable.The SDRP internship is 5 days a week, up to 40 hours a week, not to exceed 480 total hours.Interns will be provided a $3,000 stipend to help offset the cost of travel, housing and personal/incidental expenses associated with the internship. Interns will receive no remuneration for any duties or assignments they may perform during the internship.

Vet Tech Internship

Any student enrolled in any vet tech program may apply.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by providing technical and medical support to the veterinary staff for the care provided to the animal collection and hospitalized patients.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

You must be currently enrolled in an accredited vet tech program.The vet tech internship is a 12 week program.The vet tech internship is 5 days a week, 40 hours a week, not to exceed 480 total hours.The vet tech internship is only offered during the fall (September - December) term.The vet tech internship is unpaid.

Vet Tech Externships

Exclusively for students enrolled in programs at Fox College or Joliet Junior College
Externships are only available during the spring term (March - May) for students currently enrolled at Joliet Junior College or Fox College to coincide with the spring semester. If you are enrolled in a vet tech program at any other institution, you may apply for the vet tech internship that takes place during the fall (September-December) term that is open to all qualifying applicants.

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by providing technical and medical support to the veterinary staff for the care provided to the animal collection and hospitalized patients.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

You must be currently enrolled in a vet tech program at JJC or Fox College in order to qualify for consideration.The vet tech externship is a 10-12 week program.The vet tech externship is 5 days a week, 40 hours a week, not to exceed 480 total hours.The vet tech externship is only offered during the spring semester.The vet tech externship is unpaid.

Graphic Design

Guest Experience & Operations
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by designing, illustrating, and producing a variety of visual communications including print, signs, and environmental graphics as assigned to educate our guests about animals and conservation, to raise funds, to share the results of research, to enhance the guest experience at the zoo and to drive attendance as assigned and benefitting BCZ’s mission and in support of the Zoo’s goals for a Sustainable Future, Extraordinary Guest Experience, and Innovations in Science, Education, Training, and Animal Welfare.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Graphic Design internship is a 10-12 week program.The Graphic Design internship requires a commitment of 24 hours/week, not to exceed 40 hours/week or 480 total hours.The Graphic Design internship is unpaid.This internship requires a digital portfolio of work to be submitted with this application.

Public Relations

Guest Experience & Operations
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by supporting a variety of Communications initiatives. This includes writing media materials, assisting with media monitoring, researching and tracking timely local and global storytelling opportunities, and supporting internal communications. Successful interns will learn how to deliver information effectively to the public, understand how to develop messaging for different internal and external audiences, gain experience working with media, and practice professional interpersonal communication skills.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Public Relations internship is a 10-12 week program.The Public Relations internship requires a commitment of 24 hours/week, not to exceed 40 hours/week or 480 total hours.The Public Relations internship is unpaid.

Marketing & Special Events

Guest Experience & Operations
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by enhancing guest engagement and raising awareness of wildlife and conservation through large-scale events. Interns will focus on promoting seasonal attractions, driving attendance, and generating revenue to support conservation programs. This internship provides valuable hands-on experience while strengthening the zoo's ability to educate and connect the community with wildlife, ultimately supporting essential animal care and conservation efforts.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Special Events internship is a 10-12 week program.The Special Events internship requires a commitment of 35 hours/week, not to exceed 40 hours/week or 480 total hours.The Special Events internship is unpaid.

Digital Content

Guest Experience & Operations
The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. This position supports our mission and contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by amplifying our message about animal conservation, providing extraordinary guest experience, and informing guests and members about all of the opportunities, events, and experiences available here through a variety of digital media.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Digital Content internship is a 10-12 week program.The Digital Content internship requires a commitment of 20 hours/week, not to exceed 40 hours/week or 480 total hours.The Digital Content internship is unpaid.

Social Media

Guest Experience & Operations
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago by amplifying our message about animal conservation, providing extraordinary guest experience, and informing guests and members about all of the opportunities, events, and experiences available here through a variety of digital media and social media platforms.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Social Media internship is a 10-12 week program.The Social Media internship requires a commitment of 20 hours/week, not to exceed 40 hours/week or 480 total hours.The Social Media internship is unpaid.This internship requires a digital portfolio of writing and/or social media samples to be submitted with this application.

Market Research

Guest Experience & Operations
This internship will directly support Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission by helping enhance its animal adoption programs, which are vital for raising awareness and funding for wildlife conservation. Through market research, the intern will assess the effectiveness of current adoption strategies, identify areas for improvement, and gather insights into donor preferences. This research will provide valuable data to refine adoption messaging, increase engagement, and attract more supporters, ultimately strengthening the zoo’s conservation efforts and fostering deeper connections between the public and the animals they help protect.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Market Research internship is a 10-12 week program.The Market Research internship requires a commitment of 16-24 hours/week, not to exceed 40 hours/week or 480 total hours.The Market Research internship is unpaid.

Interpretive Intern

Education & Community Engagement
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s strategic initiative to provide extraordinary guest experiences. The interpretive intern assists in creating positive, memorable experiences for Brookfield Zoo Chicago guests and community members [act as a bridge to meaningfully connect the zoo’s animals, programs, and activities to zoo guests], while gaining direct experience in aspects of educational programming, development and delivery of interpretive opportunities, public speaking, and event planning.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Interpretive internship is a 10-12 week program.The Interpretive internship requires a commitment of 24-32 hours/week, not to exceed 40 hours/week or 480 total hours.The Interpretive internship is unpaid.

Multimedia Content Production

Guest Experience & Operations
As a Multimedia Content Producer Intern, you'll support Brookfield Zoo Chicago's mission to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature through compelling visual storytelling. Your digital media content-- videos, graphics, and short form narratives-- will amplify BZC's conservation message across online platforms, enhance guest engagement, and elevate Brookfield Zoo Chicago's brand presence in a way that excites and educates audiences both on-site and beyond.
By checking the box next to each statement, you indicate that you understand:*

The Multimedia Content Production internship is a 10-12 week program.The Multimedia Content Production internship requires a commitment of 24-30 hours/week, not to exceed 40 hours/week or 480 total hours.The Multimedia Content Production internship is unpaid.

Additional Documentation
IMPORTANT: This form is only the first step of your application process. If you are not ready to upload your documentation at this time, you can click save (at the bottom of this page) and come back when you are ready. An email with a link to take you back to your application will be automatically sent to you. Please be prepared to submit the following additional documents by the submission deadline:
- Cover letter
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation - a list of references will not be accepted.
- Unofficial college transcript or degree audit
DO NOT UPLOAD AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT. Official transcripts come with extensive security features and will not allow us to forward your application to the hiring manager for review.

If any documentation remains missing once the submission deadline has passed, your application will be considered incomplete and disqualified. Once you officially submit this form, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. Make sure to check your email--including your spam/junk folders--after submission for the confirmation email.
Cover Letter Upload*

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Resume Upload*

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Letters of Recommendation

Please check this box if one or both of your references prefer to submit their letters directly to us at interns@brookfieldzoo.org.
Optional: Names of References

Reference 1Reference 2
First Letter of Recommendation

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Second Letter of Recommendation

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Transcript Upload - UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT OR DEGREE AUDIT ONLY*

File must be in PDF format. DO NOT UPLOAD AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT.
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Design Portfolio

You may submit up to five (5) designs or projects to be included with your application.
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Signature and Submission
By signing below, I certify that all the information and answers to questions herein are complete, true, and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Failure to complete this form truthfully or as instructed will result in disqualification.*

Clear
If you have any questions, please review the instructions found under Application Details on the internship website at www.brookfieldzoo.org/interns.
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Click SAVE below if your application is missing any elements, especially your uploaded documents. You will receive an email with a link to return to this application when you are ready to edit and submit.

Hitting SUBMIT will officially submit your application for consideration. Only click SUBMIT if your application is complete and you are ready to apply. Incomplete applications will not be considered, no exceptions.
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Before You Begin

Internship program applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Questions & Accommodation Requests

Internship Application

Academic Information

Internship Opportunities

Animal Care Specialist Internships

Animal Behavior & Welfare Research

Community Advocacy Internship

Development Services Internship

Dolphin Communication Research

Education Curatorial Internship

Education Data Analyst & Interpretation Internship

Education Strategies & Research

Environmental Quality

Internship Details

Vet Tech Internship

Vet Tech Externships

Graphic Design

Public Relations

Marketing & Special Events

Digital Content

Social Media

Market Research

Interpretive Intern

Multimedia Content Production

Additional Documentation

Signature and Submission