Internship Opportunities
The zoo has two internship programs available through the Publications and the Volunteer Divisions. Currently, the Volunteer Division oversees approximately 850 volunteers and their activities. As a division, much of the time is spent in recruiting, interviewing and recognizing volunteers. The Publications Division is responsible for maintaining the Zoo's website and publishing the bi-weekly staff newsletter, monthly member newsletter and the award-winning quarterly Zoo magazine. In both positions there is opportunity for growth.
Qualifications: These internships are open to college students in any major but would greatly benefit those looking to enter one of the following career fields: Psychology, management, journalism or a conservation-related field. Resumes are accepted year-round and scheduling is flexible. However, candidates must be willing and able to work 15 hours per week for a minimum of 10 weeks. Interns should be available for both weekday and weekend scheduling.
When applying to either division, please submit resume by email, fax, or mail to:
Kirin Daugharty
Manager of Volunteer Programs
Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles CA 90027
Tel: 323 / 644-4763
Fax: 323 / 644-5311
E-mail: KDaugharty@lazoo.org
Publications Division Intern
Under the direction of the Director of Publications, students will gain experience in proofreading, fact-checking, writing for professional publications, and working with a variety of Zoo staff. The intern will be given the opportunity to write one bylined story for Zooscape or Zoo View, which reach over 65,000 households.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Proofreads and fact-checks articles for print and online publications.
- Organizes, maintains and updates slide and print photography collections.
- Conducts library and online research for upcoming articles.
- Enters data regarding publications into an Excel spreadsheet.
- Assists with misc. duties including but not limited to photocopying, distributing in-house copies of publications, and organizing paper flow.
- Communicates with staff and freelance photographers, writers, and designers regarding projects status and needs.
- Writes at least one bylined story for a Zoo publication, subject to editing and approval, and may contribute to other articles.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required:
- High school graduate or GED equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, develop and maintain close effective relationship with staff, volunteers, and Zoo visitors.
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Excellent knowledge of rules of grammar and punctuation.
- Photography skills are a plus, but not required.
Volunteer Division Intern
This position encourages personal and professional growth in basic office functions, managing volunteer staff, event planning, maintaining professional relationships with both paid and unpaid staff, and much more. The Volunteer Intern will work under the direction of the Manager of Volunteer Programs.
Specific responsibilities:
- Assists with planning recognition events.
- Types letters, memos, and produces forms and reports as needed
- Organizes, maintains and updates Volunteer files
- Answers, screens and directs incoming calls
- Supervises Volunteer projects as needed.
- Assists with misc. duties including but not limited to, organizing paper flow, and providing assistance to volunteers by supplying them with name badges and uniforms.
- Ensure that there are sufficient volunteers scheduled for special events. May require heavy phone calling at times
- Checks in special event volunteers and disseminates information about the event
- Confirm volunteers already scheduled for special events.
- Assist with interviewing perspective applicants to the volunteer program
- Ensure that all volunteers are well prepared for an emergency situation
- Other Duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required:
- High school graduate or GED equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, develop and maintain a close effective relationship with paid staff, volunteers and zoo visitors.
- Ability to work weekends.
