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Internship Opportunities at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Thank you for your interest in interning with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The Desert Museum is a zoo, botanic garden, natural history museum and art gallery that offers unpaid internships throughout the year. Below, you will find a list of available internships; please select the internship posting to view more details. These can be done for credit in coordination with your college or university.
If an internship aligns with your interests, availability and academic goals, please fill out and submit an internship application, as well as submitting a cover letter and resumé to the Volunteer Coordinator either by uploading with your application, by email mwalker@desertmuseum.org or by mail (2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson AZ, 85743). If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to call 520-883-3082.
If you don’t see an opportunity that interests you on the internship page, please review our regular volunteer opportunities. Some volunteer positions can be modified to fit the requirements of an internship. Please indicate the volunteer job that most interests you on your internship application.
Current Internships
- Internship Description:
- Interns in this position complete a natural history of the Sonoran Desert training that has an emphasis on establishing interpretive, animal care, customer service and leadership skills. Interns perform tasks related to the interpretation of the Museum's Stingray Touch exhibit and - while helping to ensure positive guest experiences - they provide guidance and support for their stingray team members. This is an unpaid position and there is no housing provided. For school credit, check with your advisor regarding the requirements of your college.
- Internship Schedule:
- Interns should have flexible schedules to accommodate an 8-12 hour week (depending on school requirements). Stingray Care Interns make a 10-12 week commitment (also depending on school requirements), during the following terms: Fall (September - December) Spring (January - May) Summer (June - August) Shifts are concurrent with seasonal exhibit hours
- Internship Duties (including but not limited to):
- Facilitating team member check-in Assisting with tasks, related to stingray care responsibilities (please visit the volunteer page to view more information about this position) Organizing stations and rotations at exhibit Providing guidance to guests before they enter the exhibit Assist with basic stingray husbandry (i.e., logging observations, AM diet prep) Relieving team members for breaks Assure the safety of both the stingrays and guests at all times Stingray pool-related tasks Assist with enrichment activities Develop an internship project Other tasks may be assigned
- Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18yoa and currently enrolled in a college or university (or have graduated in the last year) and have at least one year of study in a related field. Applicants should have a friendly, outgoing personality and an eagerness to demonstrate positive leadership skills to assist with coaching fellow teammates. Applicants must be willing to endure (shaded) outdoor conditions throughout the year. Standing for long periods of time is an aspect of this position.
- Benefits:
- This is a unique internship opportunity that provides the tools towards developing leadership skills while gaining hands-on experience with marine animals at an AZA accredited facility. Stingray Care Interns get the chance to expand upon their speaking skills and animal care experience while gaining knowledge of species related to the Sea of Cortez.
- Internship Description:
- Interns in this position assist with administrative tasks related to philanthropy and development projects and special events. This is an unpaid position and there is no housing provided. For school credit, check with your advisor regarding the requirements of your college.
- Internship Schedule:
- Interns should have flexibility to accommodate a 4-8 hour week (plus extra hours as needed for special projects, Gala, or events) over a 12-15 week commitment (depending on school requirements), during the following terms:
- Fall (September - December)
- Spring (January - May)
- Summer (May - August)
- Internship Duties (including but not limited to):
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- Taking inventory of Special Events supplies and donations
- Assist with Development administrative duties
- Assist in callbacks and confirmations via telephone
- Updating event information on spreadsheets
- Organizing workspace, special event tasks
- Directing volunteers as necessary
- Some computer work related to special events
- Requirements:
- Applicants must currently be enrolled in a college or university (or have graduated in the last year) and have at least one year of study in a related field. Applicants should have a friendly, outgoing personality, an eagerness to demonstrate positive leadership skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a diverse team environment. Preferred abilities include: Typing & Computing skills (Word, Excel, Email, Internet research), ability to lift 30 lbs.
- Benefits:
- This is a unique internship opportunity that provides hands-on experience while gaining knowledge in the field of fundraising, statistical research, event coordinating, and donor/member relations. Additionally, interns will have access to educational resources and mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.
