High Desert Museum Job Opportunity – Wildlife Summer Intern
Title: Wildlife Summer Intern
Division: Wildlife
Classification: Full-Time Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Directly supported by: Curator of Wildlife & Senior Wildlife Specialist
Directly supports: N/A
Salary Range: $20.60 per hour
About us
The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. As an interdisciplinary museum, it shares the stories of the High Desert region through cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of the High Desert region, which spans across 11 states of the Intermountain West. The Museum features 100,000 square feet of indoor space, which includes two permanent exhibitions and three changing galleries, and outdoor exhibits beyond the main building that include the Autzen Otter Exhibit, the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center and the 1904 High Desert Ranch. The Museum also offers a range of programs, from summer Kids Camps to wildlife photography workshops. In FY2023-24, which ended on June 30, 2024, the Museum welcomed nearly 225,000 visitors, more than double the size of Bend.
The Museum is a private, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It has become the largest cultural institution in Oregon east of the Cascades over the last four decades and today is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
About this job and what you’ll do
We are seeking a qualified person interested in a career working with wildlife to support the Wildlife Team in caring for a diverse collection of animals and delivering seasonal summer programs to museum audiences. Wildlife Interns gain hands-on experience with the biology, husbandry, and handling of animals in human care while simultaneously learning to deliver engaging and effective interpretive programs with an emphasis on wildlife conservation. Interns may work with Museum staff and college/university advisors to ensure their experience meets requirements for any applicable college coursework, if necessary.
The internship typically runs from May 12, 2025 through September 1, 2025.
The museum also provides employees with access to two robust Employee Assistance Programs which include free counseling, legal consultation, financial coaching, and other resources. All employees receive discounts in the Silver Sage Trading Post and the Rimrock Café.
About who you are
You have one year or more of college coursework in a biological science and/or 6 months of practical experience in animal care, OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. You possess an enthusiasm for learning about and staying current on all aspects of wildlife and human relationships with the landscape of the High Desert region. Not only do have a strong interest in zoo, museum, biology, veterinary or other areas working with wildlife, but you have an enthusiasm and strong presentation skills for interpreting wildlife biology, natural history, and conservation.
Want to learn more?
For a detailed job description listing the essential functions of this position and the education, experience, and skills requirements, click here.
Importantly, we recognize and honor that the qualifications required to excel in this position can come from a range of both professional and lived experiences. In the job description we describe what we believe to be important qualifications for a candidate to have while remaining open to the diversity of experiences that can lead to these skill sets. Position descriptions are at times presented in a way that leaves qualified candidates feeling unwelcome, intimidated, uncomfortable and/or unqualified to apply. Recognizing that, we strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.
Want to apply?
Please email PDFs of your resume & cover letter to: jobs@highdesertmuseum.org
The Museum provides an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Mission
The High Desert Museum wildly excites and responsibly teaches through innovative, interdisciplinary experiences, creating connection to and dialogue about the High Desert.
highdesertmuseum.org/job-opportunities