Animal Programming and Care Internship

Job Duties

The Science Museum of Virginia is seeking an Animal Programming and Husbandry Intern to gain hands on experience in animal care, informal science education, and museum programming. Working under a mentor, the intern will assist with the care and management of the Museum’s live animal collection including insects, arachnids, reptiles, and rats. Responsibilities include supporting animal handling, contributing to an animal ambassador program, and helping design engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences for visitors of all ages. This internship is ideal for students or emerging professionals interested in animal husbandry, biology, science education, and nonprofit careers.

All Summer Interns receive an insider view of museum careers while building leadership skills and hands-on experience. The internship includes meetings with senior leaders, direct project work, professional development opportunities, participation in science and museum “Career Exploration Breakfast” presentations, and valuable networking experiences.

Internship Commitment

This is a paid internship position at $15 per hour. Interns are expected to complete a minimum of 300 hours between mid-May and mid-August. Students receiving academic credit should note that required hours and schedules are determined by their academic program. All interns must be able to participate in required training sessions associated with the position. Internship is scheduled to start on May 26, 2026.

First generation college students are encouraged to apply! Interested candidates must apply at . No state benefits are provided.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at the time of application or the start of the internship. All submissions must include a résumé and a cover letter describing your interest in the specific internship and directly addressing the qualifications listed below.

The ideal candidate will be outgoing, energetic, and creative, with a passion for working with people of all ages, especially children. Must be able to take direction, follow museum policies, and collaborate with staff to address challenges. Should enjoy learning and sharing information in a fun, accurate, and age-appropriate way, and be able to work independently while following supervisor guidance.

Additional Considerations

ASL or Spanish language competencies is a plus. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace is a plus. A strong interest in animal science, biology, informal education, and animal behavior is a plus.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and / or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site no later than 11 : 55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries and the Virginia Employment Commission offices.

The Science Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Science Museum welcomes Veterans to apply! We provide hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current / previous supervisory employment reference checks.

The Science Museum will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Contact Information

Name : Jared Strawderman

Phone : 804.864.1514

Email :

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS / DBVI to get their AHP Letter.