Facility
Alexandria Zoological Park
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Since 1926, Alexandria Zoological Park has shared the wonders of the natural world with generations of zoogoers. From coastal marsh and wetlands to the upland hills, anyone can definitely see Louisiana from here. As a matter of fact one can also see a little of South America, Africa, Asia, and many other parts of the world within Alexandria Zoo. Come explore a natural world filled with hoots, howls, and roars right in the heart of Central Louisiana.
This internship opportunity will support AZP zoological staff through three unique disciplines: Animal Care, Conservation Education, or Conservation Research. Zoological Interns will have the opportunity to learn and develop skills in each of these disciplines through a wide array of opportunities around the zoo by focusing on
the intern’s passion and developing career needed skills.
This is an unpaid internship. College credit is offered if desired; the intern is responsible for obtaining
necessary approvals from their university. The intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and
personal health insurance. Interns must commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week for a minimum of 200
hours over 12 weeks. Housing and transportation accommodations must be provided by the intern.
Responsibilities
Throughout the Zoological internship, interns will:
Learn alongside professional zoological staff
Understand and follow zoological facility safety guidelines, operational protocols, and zoo management policies
Shadow additional teams to understand a broad scope of zoo responsibilities
Develop a project from start to completion in chosen discipline track
Present a summary of internship experience to AZP leadership staff
Animal Care Discipline:
• 60 % Husbandry
• Nutrition preparation and delivery
• Enclosure design and upkeep
• Record keeping & evaluation
• Husbandry training & enrichment implementation
• Veterinary observations
• Life support system & H2O Quality experience
• 30 % Interpretation
• Programs and demos
• Special event facilitation
• Keeper talks
• 10 % Research
• Animal care manuals
• Continuing education courses
Conservation Education Discipline:
• 60 % Interpretation
• Formal and informal education
• Programs and demos
• Animal encounters
• Special event facilitation
• Stage show performance
• 30 % Husbandry
• Program Animal husbandry
• Tractable collection desensitization
• Behavioral training
• 10 % Research
• Species Profiles
• Program and content development
• Continuing education courses
Conservation Research Discipline:
• 60 % Research
• Conservation partnership acquisition
• Program and content development
• Grant writing
• Continuing education courses
• 30 % Interpretation
• Formal and informal education
• Programs and demos
• Special event facilitation
• 10 % Field Work
• Habitat restoration
• Sample collection
• Nature Play development
Education and Pre-requisites
Internship Eligibility
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must possess unrestricted work authorization
Must provide 20+ hours of work availability
Must provide own transportation to/from work
Must provide proof of tetanus within 5 years and TB within 1 year to begin internship
Required Education
Must be enrolled as a sophomore or higher in an accredited college/university taking at least one class
in the semester/quarter prior to participation in the internship program OR have recently graduated from
an accredited college/university with a major in biology, zoology, psychology, ethology, nutrition, animal science, education, early childhood education, or related major.
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated computer proficiency with Microsoft Office or Mac
Strong writing and research skills
Proven experience with animal care and guest service
Physical demands include lifting and carrying upwards of 50 pounds and standing for long periods of time. Tasks regularly performed with some exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, temperature and noise extremes, plants and animals.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience educating all age groups and demographics
Established knowledge of animal care, biology, animal handling, animal training, aquatic care,
conservation strategies, grant writing, or exhibit design and maintenance.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Email your resume and unofficial/official transcripts to the Curator of Education at
Zoo.Education@cityofalex.com with a paragraph stating why you would like to participate in this internship program.