Facility

San Francisco Zoo and Gardens

Closing Date

Description

*Period of time for Temporary position: Approximately January 15, 2018 through April 15, 2018*
The goal of this internship is to develop skills in the areas identified below:
Internship is for a minimum of three months.

The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”). The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it. The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.
The goal of this internship is to learn and successfully perform (under supervision) the duties and responsibilities of a Zoo employee. Experience will include:
1. Assisting Zoo conservation staff with the daily husbandry needs of the captive rearing program for endangered frogs and turtles. Duties will include:
a. Water changes
b. Regular water quality testing
c. Daily feedings
d. Daily observations of health and behavior of the individuals
e. Periodic weight and daily health checks
f. Periodic exhibit maintenance
g. Associated paperwork

2. Aid in data gathering for new or ongoing research projects involving animals in conservation department.

3. Create, gather data and present independent research project involving animals in conservation department.

4. Maintain specialized food cultures for the frog and turtle populations that include house flies, crickets and others.

5. Assist with maintenance of the enclosures which includes monitoring and periodic cleaning of water filters, cleaning of tanks and their associated furniture, weekly siphoning of rocks and water, as well as other duties as assigned.

6. Other duties may be assigned as needed by staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidates for the position will possess a high school diploma or equivalent. College level coursework in biology, zoology, ecology, or related area is preferred. The candidate must be in good physical condition and capable of standing for the duration of normal work shifts. The candidate must have good organizational skills and exceptional people skills, including the ability to communicate well with zoo visitors of all ages.
ENVIRONMENT: Includes working indoors and outdoors; physical work requires lifting up to 50 lbs and working in tight quarters at times.
EDUCATION: High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
EXPERIENCE: Experience working with or caring for amphibians is preferred.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum age requirement is 18 years.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to kneel or squat. Reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including inclement weather.
SALARY: $14.00 per hour. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays and occasional evenings. Must be able to make a firm commitment to work through the three month period. Internship may be extended past the three months if desired.
TO APPLY: Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume.