Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering an internship in reptile wellness, physiology, and conservation biology. The position is available for upper-level undergraduate students and students 1-2 year post-college. This internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife, and will provide valuable training in animal behavior and wellbeing, laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences.

Reptile Well-Being Research Intern

Summary:

The Reptile Well-Being Research Internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with Research Scientist, Dr. Richter, to investigate animal wellbeing in different species of reptiles: Komodo dragons, giant tortoises, and the Louisiana pinesnake. 

Essential Dates:

• This is a 12-week internship.
• Completed applications are due April 1, 2025.
• Anticipated start date for position is June 1, 2025 (some flexibility) 

Research Projects:

• Investigate how elevated feedings impact pull strength and activity levels in Komodo dragons and giant tortoises. Funded by the AZA Animal Care and Wellbeing Grant Fund.
• Investigate what impact outdoor enclosures have on the Zoo's captive breeding population of Louisiana pinesnakes. 

Additional Objectives:

• Assisting with a variety of other ongoing projects such as reproductive assessments in snakes, reproductive work with tarantulas, and husbandry of the Zoo's breeding colonies.
• Conducting literature reviews.
• Managing and analyzing data.
• Keeping a useful laboratory notebook.
• Trouble-shoot and cope with problems that come up in conducting research. 

Minimum Qualifications:

•  Must be an upper-level undergraduate student OR a 1-2 years post college student.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
•  Prior research experience in the biological sciences.
•  Interest in pursuing attending graduate school or careers in ecology, physiology, and conservation.
• Strong interest in applied conservation biology and animal welfare. 

Competencies/Behaviors:

• Self motivation/ability to work independently. 
• Attention to detail.
• Flexibility.
• Teamwork orientation/engagement.
• Oral and written communication.
• Positive attitude. 
• General curiosity and interest in asking novel questions.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Research Scientist, Dr. Melanie Richter.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is internship position works up to 40 hours a week and often requires flexible hours including day, evening, and weekend hours. A mixture of hands-on animal work, lab work, behavioral observation, 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 job, the employee will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (lab/office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds). 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 job.

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. 

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

​Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. 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 will 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.

Application Requirements:

Cover letter, with earliest available start date (2 page max)
CV
Unofficial college transcript.
Three professional or academic contact references.
All above files should be submitted in a single PDF with the file name “RW INT SUM 25_LAST NAME” and uploaded under “Documents” through the online Job application portal.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the submission window may be closed earlier if a candidate is found before that date.

For additional questions, please contact Dr. Melanie Richter at mrichter@memphiszoo.org.

How to Apply:  

Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Internships page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers. 

Direct link to internship posting: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MEM1007MEMZ/JobBoard/f8664b6f-3c39-4d03-9021-314c367515f5/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=a2203d3e-c0a2-4e38-8599-abc90574609d