Discover a Career with Great Plains Zoo

This position is on-site at The Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Hospitality Intern to support our Guest Experience Team in delivering exceptional guest experiences. This internship offers hands-on experience in event planning, hospitality operations, and customer service within a dynamic and unique zoo and aquarium environment.

What you will gain:

The intern program is designed to help applicants determine if a career in this field is right for them. You will be allowed to gain valuable skills, on-the-job training, and experience that will be a great asset to you in the future as you continue to pursue your career.

• Real-world experience in event planning and hospitality in a high-traffic, mission-driven organization.
• Exposure to nonprofit operations, vendor & volunteer coordination, and large-scale public events.
• A behind-the-scenes look at how a zoo and aquarium operates and connects with the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the planning, setup, execution, and breakdown of special events, including private functions, public festivals, and fundraising galas.

• Provide exceptional customer service to guests, vendors, and internal departments.

• Help manage event logistics such as check-in, wayfinding, signage, and food & beverage coordination.

• Support vendor relations, including communication, setup assistance, and troubleshooting.

• Ensure cleanliness, safety, and guest satisfaction during events.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the events and hospitality team.

Qualification:

• Must be 18 or older.
• The schedule is generally 30-40 hours for 12 weeks and can be extended beyond this period. Must complete a minimum of 400 hours.
• Interns must take directions well and pay careful attention to procedures and established protocols.
• They should follow instructions and carry out their responsibilities safely and carefully to avoid injury to themselves, to employees, to visitors, and to the animals.
• They must be physically able to perform setting up, cleaning, and tearing down events.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required.
• Interns are required to work as a team and with minimal supervision.
• Participants must be able to adjust to changes in their daily routines.
• Must be able to travel between two locations on a regular basis.
• Must also maintain a valid driver’s license.

INTERNSHIP TIMETABLE

We are currently accepting applications to begin the summer internship at the end of May. Start dates may be flexible depending on your availability.

*****Please indicate in your cover letter your interest in the this field, along with any experiences you've had that you feel demonstrate this interest. *****