Job Postings

Animal Care Internship

Facility

Alexandria Zoological Park

Closing Date
December 31, 2017
Description

Internship Position
Since 1926, Alexandria Zoological Park has shared the wonders of the natural world with generations of zoo-goers. From coastal marsh and wetlands to the upland hills, anyone can definitely see Louisiana from here. As a matter of fact one can also see a little of South America, Africa, Asia, and many other parts of the world within Alexandria Zoo. Come explore a natural world filled with hoots, howls, and roars right in the heart of Central Louisiana.
This internship opportunity will support the Animal Care Staff through three unique disciplines. Zoo interns will have the opportunity to learn and develop skills in Animal Care, Conservation Education, and Conservation Research. Each discipline offers a wide array of opportunities around the zoo to focus on the intern’s passion and develop career needed skills.
This is an unpaid internship. College credit is offered if desired; the intern is responsible for obtaining necessary approvals from their university. The intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. Interns must commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week for a minimum of 200 hours over 12 weeks. Housing and transportation accommodations must be provided by the intern.
Responsibilities
Throughout the Zoo internship, interns will:
• Learn alongside professional zoological staff
• Understand and follow zoological facility safety guidelines, operational protocols, and zoo management policies
• Shadow additional teams to understand a broad scope of zoo responsibilities
• Develop a project from start to completion in chosen discipline track
• Present a summary of internship experience to AZP leadership staff
Animal Care Discipline:
• 60 % Husbandry
• Nutrition preparation and delivery
• Enclosure design and upkeep
• Record keeping & evaluation
• Husbandry training & enrichment implementation
• Veterinary observations
• Life support system & H2O Quality experience
• 30 % Interpretation
• Programs and demos
• Special event facilitation
• Keeper talks
• 10 % Research
• Animal care manuals
• Continuing education courses

Education and Pre-requisites

Internship Eligibility
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must possess unrestricted work authorization
• Must provide 20+ hours of work availability
• Must provide own transportation to/from work
• Must provide proof of tetanus within 10 years and TB within 1 year to begin internship
Required Education
• Must be enrolled as a sophomore or higher in an accredited college/university taking at least one class in the semester/quarter prior to participation in the internship program OR have recently graduated from an accredited college/university with a major in biology, zoology, psychology, ethology, nutrition, animal science, education, early childhood education, or related major.
Required Qualifications
• Demonstrated computer proficiency with Microsoft Office or Mac
• Strong writing and research skills
• Proven experience with animal care and guest service
• Physical demands include lifting and carrying upwards of 50 pounds and standing for long periods of time. Tasks regularly performed with some exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, temperature and noise extremes, plants and animals.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience educating all age groups and demographics
• Established knowledge of animal care, biology, animal handling, animal training, aquatic care, conservation strategies, grant writing, or exhibit design and maintenance.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

To Apply
Email your resume and unofficial/official transcripts to the Curator of Education at Zoo.Education@cityofalex.com with a paragraph stating why you would like to participate in this internship program.