Jobs & Internships
Employment Opportunities at Dickerson Park Zoo
Year-round employment
Positions for zookeepers and maintenance personnel are hired through the City of Springfield Human Resources department. For information on applying for these positions, please visit the City of Springfield’s website.
Guest Services seasonal employment
Positions for Guest Services (food/drink sales, gift shop, etc.) are hired through Friends of the Zoo. To apply: Online application.
Internships
All students wishing to apply for an internship at Dickerson Park Zoo must complete the Internship Application.
All students wishing to apply for an internship at Dickerson Park Zoo must review the Guidelines for Screening Volunteers.
Internships for students pursuing degrees in biology, zoology, conservation, wildlife management, or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round.
We also accept students seeking pre-veterinary internships and veterinary preceptorship/externships. Veterinary programs emphasize clinical medicine, exposure to zoo operations and animal husbandry. Students accepted for internships and externships are responsible for all expenses. Complimentary housing, which includes kitchen and shower access, is provided on zoo grounds. Transportation is not provided.
Zookeeper Internship Description
For more information on the availability of internships and externships, contact Amanda Eatherton-Horton at amanda.horton@springfieldmo.gov
Interested in being a zookeeper?
Watch this video of a former DPZoo intern who now works at the Kansas City Zoo.
Public Relations/Marketing Internship
Internships for students pursuing degrees in communications, public relations, marketing or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round. Please contact Joey Powell, Public Relations/Marketing Director, for availability and application process. jpowell@dickersonparkzoo.org
Conservation Education Internship
Internships for students pursuing degrees in education, biology, conservation or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round. Please contact Rhonda Wise, Director of Conservation Education, for availability and application process. rwise@dickersonparkzoo.org