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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

To apply, you can download and print our application here, fill one out online, or stop by the front entrance to fill out an application in person.

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

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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. Veterinary programs emphasize clinical medicine, exposure to zoo operations and animal husbandry. Students must submit an application packet containing: curriculum vitae, two references, a cover letter on why he/she wants to participate, and preferred months/year to attend. Accepted students are responsible for all expenses and must provide their own health insurance. Housing, which includes kitchen and shower access, is provided on zoo grounds. Transportation is not provided.

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

Conservation Education Internship

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

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