Summer Intern: Small Animal Building (Reptiles and Amphibians)
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is currently accepting applications for an internship with their Reptile Keepers.
This internship is geared towards college students and recent graduates who are interested in playing a direct role in caring for reptiles and amphibians. All applicants should be organized, self-motivated and have excellent people skills. This internship is an in-depth program requiring a 40 hour per week commitment for 12 weeks. Interns must be flexible with their schedule, and have the ability to work weekdays, weekends and holidays. It is an unpaid position and there is no housing provided. All internship positions are on a voluntary basis only. Housing, travel expenses and transportation are the responsibilities of the candidate.
REPORTS TO: Small Animal Building Husbandry Staff and Supervisor/Curator
DATES: Summer: May 26- August 15, 2020 (start and end date may be flexible on a case by case basis)
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The selected candidate will assist the Keeper staff in all aspects of maintaining aquarium displays for reptile and amphibian collections at the Zoo’s Small Animal Building. (The Reptile and Amphibian intern does NOT work with the venomous reptiles or crocodiles). This internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: animal husbandry, nutrition and diets, record keeping, public education and knowledge of reptiles and amphibians. Intern duties may include the following under keeper supervision (may vary based on skill level and departmental needs):
· Assist with exhibit maintenance and cleaning
· Prepare daily diets and perform daily feedings
· Assist in the maintenance of back-up areas
· Conduct precise record-keeping
· Assist with exhibit construction
· Provide positive and educational interaction with zoo guests
· Participate in animal enrichment and select training
· Complete various projects
QUALIFICATIONS: Be currently enrolled in/ or have recently graduated from a college or university. Have a minimum of one year of course work in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, etc.). Experience working with reptiles and amphibians preferred. Applicant should have a strong career interest in reptile and amphibian husbandry in a zoological setting. Candidate should be able to lift 50 pounds. Interns need to have a recent TB test, and tetanus shot. The applicant needs to demonstrate maturity, self-motivation, and an ability to follow direction. A basic knowledge and understanding of computer word processing and PowerPoint is helpful. The ability to gain and hold a driver’s license is required. They must also pass a background check and a drug test if selected.
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Interns are expected to work on holidays and weekends.
COMPENSATION: The Reptile and Amphibian Intern position is unpaid. Professional development opportunities will be available. Possible college credit is available for those able to receive it through their college/university. No housing provided.
TO APPLY: Applications are due by February 15, 2020. Please visit https://www.hoglezoo.org/jobs_volunteers/internships/ to fill out an application. Applicants will be contacted for interviews at the end of February, please do not expect to hear from us before then.
Please e-mail volunteeroffice@hoglezoo.org with any questions.