Become an Animal Care Intern at SWCC

  • A mountain lion stands next to a cardboard deer sculpture in an outdoor enclosure.

Step behind the scenes and learn what it takes to care for native Arizona mammals. As an Animal Care Intern, you’ll work alongside staff caring for Mexican gray wolves, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, coatimundi, javelina, and more.

Interns will have responsibilities in all aspects of daily care for permanent sanctuary animals, as well as releasable animals during the rehabilitation process. Interns will gain knowledge on species-specific behavior, natural history, diet protocols, and capture techniques. Animal care interns will assist staff with daily care and husbandry, including diet preparation and distribution, medication preparation, enclosure cleaning and maintenance, physical and behavioral observations, and environmental enrichment.

Interns help with all aspects of daily animal care, including:

  • Preparing and distributing diets
  • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
  • Preparing medications
  • Observing animal health and behavior
  • Providing enrichment

Internship Details

  • Four sessions offered each year:
    • Winter: December to February (application deadline is October 15th)
    • Spring: March to May (application deadline is January 15th)
    • Summer: June to August (application deadline is February 15th)
    • Fall: September to November (application deadline is July 15th)
  • About 16-24 hours/week, 8-week minimum

Requirements

  • At least a college sophomore; preference for those pursuing related fields
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather, standing for long periods, and lifting 50 lbs
  • $50 administrative fee upon acceptance (covers background check)
  • Current tetanus and rabies vaccinations (rabies vaccine required only upon acceptance)

Additional Information

  • Unpaid internship (college credit available)
  • Interns must provide their own housing, transportation, and health insurance

Intern Application

Your Personal Information

Your Name(Required)
Your Email Address(Required)
Address(Required)

Position You're Applying For

Position You're Applying For

Education

Experience

Do you have prior experience working with animals?
Do you have any special skills relevant to animal care? (e.g., veterinary assistant experience, training, research, etc.)

Availability

Health and Safety

Do you have any allergies or medical conditions we should be aware of?
Are you comfortable working outdoors and performing physical tasks (lifting up to 40 lbs, cleaning enclosures, etc.)?

Please provide one reference (teacher, employer, or mentor):

Name
I certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this internship may involve physical activity and direct interaction with animals.(Required)