Animal Care Internships-Utica Zoo
Utica Zoo - Utica, New York
Posted: 02/23/2010
Application Deadline: 04/23/2010
Description
Interns will learn exactly what an animal keeper does and will assist the animal keepers in their daily duties. Intern positions are available in a number of specialized areas within the zoo. Those areas are Children's Zoo, North Trek, Tropical Core and Commissary/Veterinary (Please visit our website www.uticazoo.org for additional information on animal areas. See Keeper Page)
The internship is very physical and demanding. Interns must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs as well as be prepared to work in various weather and environmental conditions. Direct physical contact with animals is often limited. Applicants must be enrolled in or have graduated from a college level zoology, biology, pre-vet, wildlife or related program. The internship is unpaid. Proof of a negative TB test, along with a recent tetanus vaccination is required.
The internship is very physical and demanding. Interns must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs as well as be prepared to work in various weather and environmental conditions. Direct physical contact with animals is often limited. Applicants must be enrolled in or have graduated from a college level zoology, biology, pre-vet, wildlife or related program. The internship is unpaid. Proof of a negative TB test, along with a recent tetanus vaccination is required.
Responsibilities
Internship duties include cleaning, feeding, record keeping, enrichment, diet preparation, exhibit maintenance/construction, as well as assisting during veterinary procedures and education programming. Interns will be required to conduct short presentations to the public daily.
Requirements
Interns will be required to work a 40 hour/week shift as scheduled. Daily work schedules vary but most often will be from either 7 am-4 pm or 8 am- 5 pm. In some cases, interns may be asked (with advanced notice) to work late for special events. Interns must have a negative Mantou Tuberculin test before arrival. Other vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Compensation
This internship is not paid but interns will receive a great deal of experience working alongside an animal keeper. Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. We are now able to offer the option of housing at a local university for a fee. Inquire at mike.bates@uticazoo.org for pricing schedule for housing.
How to apply
Send a cover letter and resumé to Mike Bates, Animal Curator, Utica Zoo, 99 Steele Hill Road, Utica, NY, 13501 or Email: mike.bates@uticazoo.org. Fax: 315-738-0475. The letter should cover your areas of interest, goals, and what you can offer the zoo by being an intern. The deadline for application is March 31st, though we will begin interviewing for positions as early as March 1st. Internship spaces are on a first-come, first-serve basis and are very competitive.