• Home
  • Jobs and Internships

Jobs and 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.

Seasonal employment 

Some positions for seasonal grounds workers are hired through the City of Springfield Human Resources department. For information on applying for these positions, please visit the of Springfield Human Resources website..

Guest Services seasonal employment

We have recently completed our hiring process for guest services seasonal staff; however, those interested may still submit an application for consideration later in the year. Download our printed application here or fill one out online.

Online application
Positions for Guest Services (food/drink sales, gift shop, etc.) are hired through Friends of the Zoo.

PLAY VIDEO

Internships

Zoo Internship Application

All students wishing to apply for an internship at Dickerson Park Zoo must complete the Internship Application.

Guides for Screening Volunteers

All students wishing to apply for an internship at Dickerson Park Zoo must review the Guidelines for Screening Volunteers.

Zookeeper Internship Description (PDF)

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. For more information on veterinary opportunities, contact Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher at rschnellbacher@springfieldmo.gov. For information on internship availability, contact zoo director Mike Crocker at mcrocker@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

Description (PDF)

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

Event Planning Internship

Description (PDF)

Internships for students pursuing degrees in communications, recreation/leisure, entertainment management or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round. Please contact Chelsea Hoover, Event Coordinator, for availability and application process. choover@dickersoparkzoo.org

Description

Internships for students pursuing degrees in education, biology, conservation or similar fields are available on a limited basis year-round. Please contact Pam Price, Director of Conservation Education, for availability and application process. pprice[@]dickersonparkzoo.org

MEMBERSHIP

$55

DONATE

HELP

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

$35
TOP