Summer Internships

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Internship Title: EARTH Ltd. Discovery Center Intern

Responsible to: Earth Internship Coordinator and Earth Director: Betsey Brewer

Goal/Objective: Intern at the Earth Discovery Center.

  • Provide: animal care and building maintenance
  • Interact with Zoo Visitors
  • Learn animal handling techniques
  • Plan lessons for Jr. Zookeeping
  • Plan an original project for presentation on Earth Awareness Day, The first Saturday in August
  • Be flexible and committed to the mission of Earth Ltd

 

Time Commitment: 9 AM-5 PM; 2-3 days per week Minimum of 150 hours

Daily Responsibilities:

  • Animal husbandry with reptiles, small mammals, amphibians, and exotic birds (cleaning/food prep/etc.)
  • General cosmetic up-keep of the Discovery Center: raking, sweeping, mopping, dusting, etc.
  • Transport animals from the Earth Discovery Center to numerous locations throughout the zoo
  • Work as a conscientious educator interacting with zoo visitors and answering questions
  • Present certain “kits” at animal exhibits throughout the zoo (rotating schedule)
  • Perform membership transactions and administrative tasks if needed
  • Assist with preparation of live animal presentations as needed
  • Accompany staff on ZooMobile education programs/birthday bashes as needed
  • Assist in other zoo areas as needed
  • Complete independent research project to be presented on Earth Awareness Day

 

Internship Title: Earth Ltd. Wild Adventure Summer Camp Intern

Responsible to: Camp Director: Jan Weatherbee and Earth Director: Betsey Brewer

Goal/Objective: Help guide and oversee campers through the daily adventures of summer camp

Time Commitment: Interns will work 5 days a week for a period of six weeks as follows:(approx. 180 hrs.)

  • Introduction to Animal Ecology (grades 1,2)
  • Animal Behavior Camp (grades 2,3,4)
  • Adventure and Ecosystems (grades 5,6,7)
  • Teen Zoology Excursion (ages 13-16)
  • Trips to the Tropics (ages 16+)

Daily Responsibilities:

  • Assist with daily camp tasks
  • Enthusiastically engage campers in a schedule of crafts, activities, animal encounters and zoo tours
  • Ensure the safety of all campers while participating in zoo camp
  • Build and maintain a good rapport with campers and parents
  • Assist with clean-up and organization of zoo camp
  • Chaperone campers on excursions

 

Internship Title: Primate Keeper Intern

Responsible to: Head Primate Zookeeper: Michelle Breen and Primate Keepers: Jess Lanchansky and Ruth Mazeika also responsible to Betsey Brewer, Director

Goal/Objective: To help maintain all primate exhibits and animal care including food preparation, exhibit upkeep and some grounds maintenance.

Time Commitment: 8AM – 3PM (may be flexible); 3-4 days per week

Daily Responsibilities:

  • Ensure the safety of zoo visitors, primate keepers and primates
  • Animal husbandry on numerous primates and other animals throughout the zoo (cleaning/food prep/etc.)
  • Animal enrichment
  • Design animal enrichment
  • Performs upkeep of zoo grounds
  • Record keeping as needed

 

Internship Title: Marketing and Office

(Coming in 2012)

For ALL Interns:

Job Requirements

  1. College Student with major in biology, zoology, environmental management or other related field
  2. Must be able to take and follow directions to maintain a safe work environment for personnel, visitors and the animals at the zoo
  3. Note: Most internships are unpaid. A minimum commitment of 120 hrs is required.

Physical Requirements:

  1. Must be able to lift 50lbs
  2. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and work in varying weather conditions including heat and rain
  3. Must be able to crawl, climb, and reach to clean low and "awkward" areas
  4. Must be able to be in close proximity to hay and shavings and other possible allergens, such as: dust, mold, and grass

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Must pick a topic and present a visual interactive display for Earth Awareness Day - Projects will include the following:
    • Projects will be geared towards zoo visitors and should be a service project to the zoo and EARTH Ltd
    • Proposals must be presented to Betsey and approved by deadline

Training Requirements:
Attendance at the internship training orientation program and zoo tour is mandatory. Orientation will be scheduled for a Saturday in May.

Benefits:

  • Discounts for food purchased at zoo during work hours
      Discounts for gifts purchased at the zoo gift shop
    • Season’s pass to use for yourself and friends for entrance to the zoo on non-work days (after 2nd week of internship)
    • Zoo shirt (to be returned at end of internship)
    • The opportunity to work with a great group of people and to learn!!