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.

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

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

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.