Education and Reptile Department Internship  

Goal/Objective: The Education and Reptile Department interns will learn proper animal husbandry, handling, and training techniques for ambassadors housed between the EARTH Discovery Center, the Reptile and Insect Building, and various animal exhibits located throughout the zoo. In this internship, you will work with bird, mammal, amphibian, invertebrate, and reptile species. Interns will be trained to perform daily husbandry of all Education and Reptile Department species, including cleaning, feeding, diet preparation, and enrichment building. Additionally, interns will learn handling techniques to be paired with presentation skills to deliver high-quality educational programming to both on-site and off-site guests. Interns will also be trained to monitor the zoo’s Junior Zookeeping program, where they will work with animals from every department within the zoo, educating children ages six to seventeen in an engaging and informative manner. 

Education and Reptile Department Interns will:  

• Assist with animal husbandry for reptiles, mammals, amphibians, invertebrates, and birds (cleaning, sweeping, raking, diet preparation, etc.). -The Education and Reptile Department currently cares for around 60 species and over 100 individual ambassadors.
• Design and construct complex animal enrichment.
• Observe and assist with positive reinforcement animal training.
• Observe veterinary consultations/procedures and assist with medication administration, as needed.
• Keep daily records in Animal Care Software, as well as daily sign-off sheets.
• Help with upkeep of the Discovery Center and Reptile & Insect building.
• Transport animals throughout the zoo.
• Work as a conscientious educator interacting with zoo visitors and answering questions.
• Present with ambassadors on our EARTH Discovery Center stage.
• Facilitate keeper talks at various habitats throughout the zoo.
• Assist with the preparation of live animal presentations.
• Accompany staff on both on-site and off-site educational programs as needed.
• Assist and facilitate on-site half-day programs for participants aged six to seventeen. Interns will have the opportunity to work with species spanning all departments of the park, including carnivores, hoofstock, birds, primates, reptiles, amphibians, and small and large mammals.
• Assist staff and guests in animal encounters, public feedings, enrichment build, and diet preparation.
• Engage in discussions relating to topics such as wildlife conservation and education, enriching animals in human care, endangered species management, the exotic and illegal pet trades, as well as animal behavior and training.
• Educate on the daily functions of a zoological facility, including exhibit maintenance, routine medical care, and husbandry.
• Complete and present a staff approved project for EARTH Awareness Day.

Wild Adventure Program Internship  

Number of available positions: 2-4

Direct supervisors: Program Director: Bob Clark; Assistant Program Director: Patrick Sullivan

Goal/Objective: Interns in the Wild Adventure Summer Program help guide and oversee students through their daily adventures in EARTH’s Wild Adventure Program. Summer Program Interns work with children in grades K through 11 and assist with daily program tasks and activities. Summer Program interns must be able to work 3 days a week, between Mondays and Fridays, from mid-June through mid-August. Please note that this is an education position, which utilizes the animals at Southwick’s Zoo as an educational vehicle. This internship does not involve any animal care but has exposure to animals throughout the program.

Availability: Please note that this internship begins in mid-June, however Summer Program interns are still required to attend orientation in May. Must be available to work at least 3 days each week Monday – Friday. This position does not require weekend availability with the exception of EARTH Awareness Day.

Wild Adventure Summer Program interns will:

• Design and deliver instruction about animals in the zoo to children ranging in age from kindergarten to high school.
• Develop hands-on activities relating to animals, animal behavior, or habitats for students.
• Study and become knowledgeable in at least one animal (their characteristics, habitat, behavior, etc.) and develop instruction related to that animal.
• Assist in day-to-day management of students throughout the program.
• Develop supportive, professional relationships with students, staff, and other zoo staff members.
• Collaborate with experienced, professional teachers in all aspects of program delivery and instruction.
• Provide support to program staff and assist with daily tasks including set-up/clean-up, planning, organization, and running activities such as crafts.
• Enthusiastically engage students in a schedule of crafts, activities, animal encounters, and zoo tours.
• Present animals and exhibits in an interactive format that engages children.
• Ensure the safety of all students and help maintain a safe environment for students, zoo visitors, and the animals.
• Build and maintain a good rapport with students and parents.
• Encourage the children to develop an interest in and appreciation for science and learning.
• Chaperone students on excursions during the Teen Zoology weeks.
• Develop a project to present on EARTH Awareness Day.

Reminder, this is an education position, and it does not involve any animal care.

Most Summer internships generally run from mid-May through August and require 300 hours.  Animal Care interns are required to work at least 3 days each week, including at least one weekend day each week. Each day is about 8 hours long. Wild Adventure Program interns have different start/end dates and work schedules than Animal Care interns. Wild Adventure Program interns must be available to work at least 3 days, Monday-Friday, from mid-June to mid-August.

Fall internships generally run from late August-November and have a similar schedule, but we can be more flexible with dates.