Northwest Trek Wildlife Park offers a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside staff and gain valuable on the job training. During their internship, the intern will be guided by a mentor in the workings of a conservation focused organization and learn skills needed for their respective field. Selected interns must have a flexible schedule and the ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below for more information on application dates and requirements.
Northwest Trek will not be recruiting for the 2026 Summer Internship session and will resume recruiting for the October-December internship session in July 2026.
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When are internship opportunities available?
Northwest Trek will not be recruiting for the 2026 Summer Internship session and will resume recruiting for the October-December internship session in July 2026.
Applications for Fall and Winter internship sessions (October – December 2026, January – March 2027) will open July 10, 2026.
We encourage you to periodically check here for updates or subscribe to internship alerts through our careers site to stay informed.
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How do I sign up for career & internship alerts?
- Navigate to the career & internship site: Career Site
- Click into the Menu at the top-left of the page, then choose Be Notified of New Opportunities!
- Check one or more categories from the list of options, then select Subscribe
- A Job Interest Card will pop-up where you can enter your contact information to be notified when positions matching the selected categories are being recruited for
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What are the requirements?
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification
- Flexible schedule and ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays
- Demonstrated interest in area of internship
- 40 hours per week
You can learn more about additional requirements under the internship application.
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Is it a paid internship?
Yes, the interns are provided a stipend to assist with general living costs. Interns for Northwest Trek Wildlife Park are provided with onsite housing. Stipends are generously provided by the Northwest Trek Foundation for Northwest Trek Wildlife Park internships and The Zoo Society for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium internships. All interns will receive their stipend in monthly installments. See internship application for current stipend amount.
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Do you provide housing?
Housing is provided onsite for Northwest Trek Wildlife Park internship opportunities. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium internship opportunities do not provide housing, but the intern’s stipend includes funds to assist with housing costs.
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Do you offer different length internship opportunities?
Currently, all internships are 12 weeks long with interns working 40 hours per week.
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Can I intern at both Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium?
You can be selected for an internship at both facilities, but their timeframes may not overlap.
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Can I intern if I am a current employee?
These internships offerings are designed to give interns the work force ready skills they need to be successful professionals in the zoo and aquarium field. While these are not closed to current employees, we encourage you to review the scheduling requirements and consider your work life balance.
Our Animal Care internship is a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside zookeepers and gain valuable on the job training. Interns will receive instruction in daily animal care, public presentations, animal training, water quality and filtration, and be able to apply their new skills in an internship project.
Stipend: Interns are provided a stipend to assist with general living costs. See internship application for current stipend amount.
Housing: Provided free on-site. See internship application for amenities.
Internship Commitment: 40 hours per week, 5 days per week, 12 weeks
Minimum Qualifications:
We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please consider the breadth of your life experience when interpreting our listed duties and qualifications.
- Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification.
- Must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career towards the care and protection of wildlife.
- Experience working with animals encouraged. Experience may be paid or unpaid.