Internship Program
The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium's Internship Program offers individuals a unique opportunity to become actively involved in the mission of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Internships are available for college students that have completed at least one year of coursework, or college graduates seeking on the job experience. In this exciting and challenging atmosphere interns will have the opportunity to supplement previous animal care experiences and apply classroom knowledge.
Selected interns must commit to a 40 hour workweek for 10-12 weeks and must be flexible with their schedule and have the ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. All positions are unpaid with no housing provided. However, staff may be able to assist hired interns to explore housing options.
Interns are accepted each academic quarter for most positions. Since the summer season is the most competitive, we encourage interested applicants to consider other times of the year.
For more information please contact our Internship Program Coordinator at cathleen.mcconnell@pdza.org.
Internship Positions
Education (Summer Camp)
Education (Outreach)
Wild Wonders Theater (Summer Only)
Application Deadlines
Winter Internship: 3rd Friday in October
Spring Internship: 3rd Friday in January
Summer Internship: 1st Friday in March
Fall Internship: 3rd Friday in June
Application Process
Download an Application Packet for the internship position that you have chosen to apply for. Submit your completed application and all required support materials to:
Email: cathleen.mcconnell@pdza.org
Regular Mail:
PDZA Internship Coordinator
Education Department
5400 North Pearl Street
Tacoma, WA 98407
Please note: Interested candidates may apply for more than one internship position each season. Candidates must reapply for future internships. Applications for future positions must be submitted after the deadline for the current positions.