Volunteer Programs Internship Fall 2026
ZooTampa
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
6/7/2026
Volunteer
Job Description Position: Volunteer Programs Intern - Fall 2026
Status: Volunteer
Department: Guest Engagement
Reports to: Supervisor of Volunteer Programs
Internship Period: August 11, 2026 - November 27, 2026
Last Updated: 5/27/2026
Deadline to Apply: Apply today to join our Fall 2026 Volunteer Programs Internship and step into the wild side of Volunteer Management[AB1] [BM2] !
If you love animals, but you have a true passion for people, join us for a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity working with dedicated Volunteer Programs staff to create the best experience for our volunteers, and by extension our guests. The Volunteer Programs Internship at ZooTampa offers hands on experience in volunteer management and best practices in interpretation to build skills that pave the way for a career in non-profit volunteer management and/or interpretation. From making connections with volunteers to engaging at conservation stations with guests, every day is a chance to grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced mission-driven environment. If you are passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you!
Position Summary
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is currently seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals who want to learn more about Guest Engagement and Volunteer Management. The Volunteer Programs Internship at ZooTampa is designed for college students or recent college graduates who are interested in a career in non-profit volunteer management. Interns will support our Guest Engagement Ambassador (GEA) volunteers and master interpretive techniques to convey conservation messages to guests. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with daily volunteer operations and administrative duties such as recording service hours, entering data, preparing newsletters, creating graphics and supporting volunteers. In addition, the successful candidate will benefit from National Association of Interpretation training on best practices for connecting our guests to the animals in our care to inspire conservation actions and apply that training at one or more GEA conservation stations in the zoo.
Description:
Internship functions include, but are not limited to:
Qualifications:
Required Availability:
Must be able to commit to a 16-week internship.
Must be able to commit to a schedule of 16 - 24 hours per week.
Hours worked will fall between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. [AB6] [BM7]
Saturday availability required.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
Ability to remain active and travel through the Zoo for long periods of time. [BM8]
Additional Requirements:
If an internship offer is made, it is contingent on:
Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.
All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
Candidate will be responsible for the cost of the background check (typically $25, but certain jurisdictions may have additional fees).
Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (as volunteers and interns are not covered by the Zoo workers' compensation program).
Benefits:
Internships are unpaid and are designed to meet academic requirements, as applicable, and provide valuable real-world experience for participants. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.
Who is eligible?
High school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in non-profit management, human resources or any of the biological or life sciences are preferred. Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume to be considered for a position.
International Internship Eligibility Requirements:
Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position.
Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered.
Please Note:
Interns must make their own accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an
unpaid internship.
Please visit https://zootampa.org/intern-at-zootampa/ for more information
s too strong for us.
Status: Volunteer
Department: Guest Engagement
Reports to: Supervisor of Volunteer Programs
Internship Period: August 11, 2026 - November 27, 2026
Last Updated: 5/27/2026
Deadline to Apply: Apply today to join our Fall 2026 Volunteer Programs Internship and step into the wild side of Volunteer Management[AB1] [BM2] !
If you love animals, but you have a true passion for people, join us for a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity working with dedicated Volunteer Programs staff to create the best experience for our volunteers, and by extension our guests. The Volunteer Programs Internship at ZooTampa offers hands on experience in volunteer management and best practices in interpretation to build skills that pave the way for a career in non-profit volunteer management and/or interpretation. From making connections with volunteers to engaging at conservation stations with guests, every day is a chance to grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced mission-driven environment. If you are passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you!
Position Summary
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is currently seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals who want to learn more about Guest Engagement and Volunteer Management. The Volunteer Programs Internship at ZooTampa is designed for college students or recent college graduates who are interested in a career in non-profit volunteer management. Interns will support our Guest Engagement Ambassador (GEA) volunteers and master interpretive techniques to convey conservation messages to guests. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with daily volunteer operations and administrative duties such as recording service hours, entering data, preparing newsletters, creating graphics and supporting volunteers. In addition, the successful candidate will benefit from National Association of Interpretation training on best practices for connecting our guests to the animals in our care to inspire conservation actions and apply that training at one or more GEA conservation stations in the zoo.
Description:
Internship functions include, but are not limited to:
- Greeting volunteers and making sure they have all they need for their shift
- Promoting community with the volunteers through informal conversations[AB3]
- Data collection and entry
- Using Volgistics, a volunteer database
- Joining in volunteer appreciation, by taking photos of them in the zoo, scheduling birthday cards and collaborating on the monthly newsletter
- Creating assorted graphics, photo collages and simple materials
- Finding and summarizing articles or videos on relevant volunteer topics
- Preparing for regular volunteer meetings
- Facilitating interpretive programs at volunteer conservation stations in the zoo
- Interacting with the public by answering questions and delivering conservation messages
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Applicants currently pursuing a degree in non-profit management, human resources or any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.
- Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.
- Possess a sincere desire to work with both volunteers and guests.
- Commitment to inclusivity.
- Excellent communication and customer relations skills.
- Ability to effectively work independently and within a team.
- Must be able to multi-task.
- Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and be comfortable self-directing.
- Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively.
- Must be at least 18 years of age[AB4] [BM5] .
Required Availability:
Must be able to commit to a 16-week internship.
Must be able to commit to a schedule of 16 - 24 hours per week.
Hours worked will fall between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. [AB6] [BM7]
Saturday availability required.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
Ability to remain active and travel through the Zoo for long periods of time. [BM8]
Additional Requirements:
If an internship offer is made, it is contingent on:
Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.
All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
Candidate will be responsible for the cost of the background check (typically $25, but certain jurisdictions may have additional fees).
Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (as volunteers and interns are not covered by the Zoo workers' compensation program).
Benefits:
Internships are unpaid and are designed to meet academic requirements, as applicable, and provide valuable real-world experience for participants. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.
Who is eligible?
High school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in non-profit management, human resources or any of the biological or life sciences are preferred. Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume to be considered for a position.
International Internship Eligibility Requirements:
Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position.
Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered.
Please Note:
Interns must make their own accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an
unpaid internship.
Please visit https://zootampa.org/intern-at-zootampa/ for more information
s too strong for us.