Animal Care Intern

Department: Zoological Department

3 Available Sessions:

Spring: February 1 through April 30

Summer: May 1 through July 31

Fall: September 1 through November 30

Application Deadlines:

Spring: Accepted December 1 through December 14

Summer: Accepted March 1 through March 14

Fall: Accepted July 1 through July 14

*Applications will not be accepted outside of these application periods*

Status: Temporary Unpaid Internship

Hours: 24-32 hours/week (minimum 3 days/max 4 days per workweek) for 8/10/12 weeks*

How to Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Lead Animal Keeper at kcastrogiovanni@ecotarium.org with “Zoo Intern” in the subject line.

Position Summary:

The Zoological Department at The EcoTarium is looking for an enthusiastic student or recent graduate to join our animal care team. The intern will aid in all areas of husbandry, including feeding, cleaning, record keeping, training animals, enrichment, and behavioral observations. Interns will work with a variety of animals under our care, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The intern will be expected to complete several assigned projects throughout the internship, including public presentations, enrichment design, and record keeping. The position is physically demanding and requires working in all weather conditions.

Qualifications:

• Must be a recent graduate or currently enrolled in a college program working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Animal Science, or related field preferred
• Excellent observational and record-keeping skills
• Must be available to work one weekend day and potential holidays
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder, and work outdoors in all weather conditions and temperatures
• Must be comfortable moving quickly, position oneself to reach and access awkward and tight spaces, bend, stoop, or stand for long periods of time.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort with performance and/or public speaking
• Must pass a CORI/SORI background check

Responsibilities:

• Aid in providing daily care of animals, including but not limited to diet preparation, exhibit cleaning, and medical care.
• Conduct behavioral observations, provide enrichment, and aid in/observe daily training of animals utilizing operant conditioning necessary for husbandry care and stimulation.
• Help maintain daily files and records on animals in written and computerized form, as well as records of individual intern progress.
• Perform all physical aspects of the job, including raking and hauling mulch, gutting exhibits, re-perching bird enclosures, conducting pool drains and cleans, hosing exhibits, etc.
• Present formal and informal wildlife programs to the general public and groups at the museum and off-site, and interact with guests to answer questions.
• Work with team to identify opportunities to educate guests on conservation issues.

The EcoTarium believes that science and nature are for everyone. We recognize the incredible value of the diversity of the human experience and we are committed to making equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion imperative in how we operate. We prioritize respect, inclusion, and opportunities for people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we prohibit discrimination of any kind.

Instructions to Apply:

Please send your resume and a cover letter to kcastrogiovanni@ecotarium.org

*This is a flexible-length internship. We want to provide potential interns with more choice in the length of internship that works for them and their individual situations.