Meadowlark Theater Intern

Job Title: Meadowlark Theater Intern

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal

Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date. 

SCHEDULE: The fall session runs September 22nd - December 14th, 2026. All interns must be available during this time.

• Orientation: First day of each semester from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
• Weekly Schedule: Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week and attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Meadowlark Theater Intern for the Interactive Animal Programs' Free Flight Amphitheater. The focus of the Interactive Animal Programs department is to promote awareness and stewardship of the animal kingdom through animal interactions with our zoo guests. The program consists of a collection of animals that support the mission of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to inspire, educate, and engage people to serve as life-long stewards for animals, their habitats, and their conservation.

Meadowlark Theater currently cares for a select group of trained free-flighted bird species such as parrots, guinea fowl, raptors and a Southern Ground hornbill. Under the direction of the theater staff, interns will have exposure to all aspects of the day-to-day husbandry, training, and enrichment requirements for the animals in the theater collection. Interns may be allowed to participate in training and enrichment programs with the area animals as well as assist in the production of the daily animal programs.

This internship is designed to provide opportunities to form a knowledge base as it pertains to managing free-flighted birds in an AZA accredited facility in the following areas: general zoo knowledge, daily husbandry, nutrition and animal health, natural and individual histories, animal welfare and maintaining life strategies, data collection and record keeping, operant conditioning, conservation issues and species management, guest interactions and show production.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:
  • Preparing and offering approved diets to the specimens in the Meadowlark Theater collections
  • Preparing, offering, and logging approved Enrichment in accordance with the animal’s life strategy plan.
  • Assisting in assessing welfare of the specimens in the Meadowlark Theater collections
  • Assisting with production of a free-flighted programs multiple times daily (in season)
  • Assisting in other aspects of animal husbandry such as monitoring and recording weights and observing and recording behaviors
  • Maintaining amphitheater and enclosure standards for aesthetics and hygiene
  • Maintaining behind-the-scenes Areas and other holding areas, for aesthetics and hygiene standards according to USDA and AZA Regulations.
  • Assisting with exhibit/stage maintenance, dismantling and refurnishing
  • Other duties may be assigned.
• Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of animal care staff in the Interactive Animal Programs Department.
• Attend weekly professional development sessions.
• Complete learning goals in internship binder.
• Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
• Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
• Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

EXPERIENCE: Experience is not necessary, but consideration will be given to an individual’s past direct experience with exotic animals in other zoological, aqua cultural, ecological and biological areas such as in schools, aquariums, nature centers, agricultural operations, animal merchandizing or conservation centers.

EDUCATION: Applicants currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university are preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to program animals and guest interaction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position at times involves considerable physical exertion, such as regularly climbing of ladders, lifting of heavy objects (up to or more than 50 pounds) and/or assuming awkward positions. There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, and moisture. The position may involve exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns.

PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns will interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public. As an intern in the Interactive Animal Programs Department, you will be expected to be proficient and comfortable interacting with the public. 

TO APPLY:

• Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top their choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
• Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered. 
  • Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.

• Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.

DISCLAIMER

We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.

Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.