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 safety and welfare of employees and animals alike, 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.

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. 

Interns will have the experience of working with a variety of species and will learn how to operate safely around these different species, as well as how to identify individuals within large social groups. Interns will gain practical experience in duties including animal nutrition, habitat maintenance, guest interaction, record keeping, animal observation, training and enrichment. An independent project is also required.

By applying to an animal care internship, you indicate that you understand: 

✔️ Animal care internships are 12 week programs. 

✔️ Animal care internships are typically 5 days a week, 40 hours a week, not to exceed 480 total hours.

✔️ Animal care internships are unpaid.

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.

By applying to this internship, you indicate that you understand: 

✔️ The Animal Behavior & Welfare internship is a 6 month program. 

✔️ The Animal Behavior & Welfare 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 applying to this internship, you indicate that you understand: 

✔️ The Social Media internship is a 10-12 week program. 

✔️ The Social Media internship requires a commitment of approximately 20 hours a week for 10-12 weeks, not to exceed 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. Please plan to include 3-5 examples. 

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 applying to this internship, you indicate that you understand: 

✔️ The Graphic Design internship is a 10-12 week program. 

✔️ The Graphic Design internship requires a commitment of approximately 24 hours a week for 10-12 weeks, not to exceed 480 total hours.

✔️ The Graphic Design internship is unpaid.

✔️ This internship requires a digital portfolio of work to be submitted with this application. Please plan to include 3-5 examples. 

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 applying to this internship, you indicate that you understand: 

✔️ The Multimedia internship is a 10-12 week program. 

✔️ The Multimedia internship requires a commitment of approximately 24-30 hours a week for 10-12 weeks, not to exceed 480 total hours.

✔️ The Multimedia internship is unpaid.

✔️ This internship requires a digital portfolio of work to be submitted with this application. Please plan to include 3-5 examples. 

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.