Lemur Exhibits Intern

Position Summary
The Lemur Conservation Foundation is offering a 6 month stipend-supported internship from June to December 2026 (start and end date flexible) in exhibit planning and enhancement. LCF’s internship offers an exceptional opportunity to receive experience at an AZA certified-related institution, with a strong commitment to conservation, education, and animal care.

The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit publicly supported organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of lemurs through managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art. LCF sits on a 130-acre, non-public reserve in Myakka City, Florida. The reserve is currently home to five species of lemurs in both semi-free ranging habitats and traditional indoor/outdoor habitats. The reserve is remotely located; however, a variety of culture and entertainment including state parks, beaches, art museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and theaters can be found nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa.
Prerequisites

• Available to work 40 hours per week for 6 months from June - December
• Interns should be enrolled in or recently graduated with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related field from an accredited college or university
  • Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between LCF and their school before beginning the internship.
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation required
• Proof of negative TB test within the last 12 months, covid vaccination, and tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years
• Proof of health insurance coverage for illness or injury
• Available to work weekends and holidays
• Must be physically able to stoop, bend, reach, climb, lift, carry or push at least 50 pounds in a south Florida climate
• Ability to be an effective team member, often with minimal supervision
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with animals and power tools is preferred

Job Duties

• Assist and conduct a daily walkthrough of exhibit areas to identify and address functionality, safety, and inclusive design opportunities.
• Participate in construction and installation of new permanent and temporary exhibit features and structures
• Modify exhibit features to assist geriatrics or individuals with special needs, as well as promote naturalistic behaviors for all collection animals
• Collaborate with staff and interns to help create signage for exhibits
• Obtain fresh browse for enclosures
• Assist in creating more “pathways” in our forested exhibits to encourage further exploration of our large forest exhibits by collection animals
• Assist in creating and evaluating new physical enrichment structures
• Collaborate with Maintenance Director on facilities needs around the reserve
• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Follow applicable safety rules and regulations.
• Perform exhibit usage evaluations for specific lemurs as deemed appropriate by keeper staff and create exhibit modifications based on findings

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to identify and address functionality of exhibits and their design
• Learn how to use power and hand tools safely
• Learn how to design, construct, and implement new exhibit structures and features for the lemur colony
• Learn about constructing, implementing, and evaluating physical enrichment items
• Learn how to identify safe branching and browse types
• Learn to assess exhibit usage through observation and research
• Learn and follow animal/keeper safety guidelines, operations, and policies.
• Learn AZA and USDA guidelines regarding primate enclosures and enrichment
• Learn how to modify exhibits for individuals (juvenile vs. geriatric vs. those with special needs)