Lr Zoo Summer Internship Program - Horticulture Internships

The City of Little Rock provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. City of Little Rock complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every work location. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Objective & Safety/Security Sensitive Designation

The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2026 summer internships. The Zoo is seeking dependable, hardworking college students interested in the fields of animal care, education, horticulture, or research. Interns will gain valuable experience with zoological careers by training alongside professional zoo educators, scientists, and husbandry staff.

Interns will receive a stipend with housing options sponsored by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Selected interns will be given the option of a $3,000 stipend without housing OR a $1,000 stipend including UALR dorm housing. Transportation is the responsibility of the intern.

The 2026 summer internship term will begin with orientation on Friday, May 29th, 2026, continuing through the end of July. End dates may be no earlier than July 24th and no later than July 30th without approval.

To Apply:

Applicants must submit all of the following documents to be considered:

• Online application with attached:

• Resume

• Letter of interest including dates of availability (please include any prior obligations and time off requirements)
• School transcript (may be unofficial)

Deadline for summer 2026 applications is Monday March 2nd at 11:59PM

For questions not answered by this webpage, please e-mail: kneal@littlerock.gov

This position is not designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is not subject to random drug and alcohol screening.

Essential Functions

The Little Rock Zoo Horticulture Intern learn about plant identification, exhibit design, and beautification projects while assisting our landscaping team with plant, greenhouse, and grounds maintenance projects. Suitable candidates should be comfortable interacting with zoo guests and supervising volunteers. Interns should be prepared to work outdoors in the Arkansas heat for extended periods of time and need to be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Interns will also learn about zoo management and animal wellness topics through lectures and activities offered throughout the summer.

Please note, this is not an animal care internship. Intern candidates should understand that they will not interact directly with animals, and all observations will take place from areas that are accessible to the public. Those with an interest in animal husbandry may find the Animal Care Internship to be a more suitable option.

Minimum Qualifications, Additional Requirements and Supervisory Responsibilities

• College student or recent graduate majoring in biology, horticulture, or other related field

• Must have completed a minimum of 4 semesters at the start of the internship

• Student in good standing, GPA 2.5 or higher.

• Recent physical and negative TB test (dated within 6 months of start date). Documentation of a negative TB test must be provided at or before orientation.

• Able to work 36-40 hours per week for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks beginning the week of May 31st (minimum 280 hours completed).

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Acceptance into the program is contingent on passing a background check.

• Available to attend Intern orientation on May 29th – Orientation is Mandatory.

Application Requirements

• Online applications only. All of the below documents are required when you submit the application.
• Resume (required at time of application)
• Letter of interest (i.e. cover letter) including dates of availability (please include any prior obligations and time off requirements)
• School transcript (may be unofficial) (required at time of application)
• Names and email addresses of 2 references (required at time of application)
• You may check your inbox in your Careers/LittleRock account to review all notices sent to the email address associated with your applications.
• Applicants may check application status for any position by logging into their account at Careers/LittleRock or contacting Human Resources at (501) 371-4590 if they are having computer difficulties.

City of Little Rock temporary employees, volunteers or interns do not receive any additional benefits (leave, insurance or retirement/pension).