Job Description
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. *****