Facility
The Bunny Hutch Boutique and CLIMATES-Rescue
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Do you want to be a part of a unique zoological foundation that combines elements of a zoo, animal adoption, nutrition, animal rehabilitation, birthday parties, conditioning, community outreach, classes, habitat enrichment, conservation and fun? Then The Bunny Hutch Boutique and CLIMATES-Rescue is the place for you! We are looking to make adopting any breed or species fun; heck, a party! We follow the highest of standards outlined by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK), Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents and Volunteers (AZADV), World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) and more. We want everyone to know that animals cared for by keepers in a zoological environment live mentally stimulating lives and often live more than twice as long as their wild counterparts. This knowledge is not a secret; anyone can learn how to enrich ANY family member’s life. No matter if you are covered in fur, feather, skin or scales The Bunny Hutch is the place for you. Besides, wouldn’t you want to spend your time where everyone’s boss is a bunny?
PURPOSE: To provide education to clients (concierge services, teachers/students) and general public on various species (mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates) and support the foundation’s mission of inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through exotic and domestic species adoption, conservation, education, innovation and leadership. This is an unpaid position.
DUTIES:
• Assist staff in promoting animal adoption (as opposed to shopping) during special events.
• Speak to people of various ages and ethnic backgrounds about the animals that are presented or up for adoption in a positive way, encouraging appreciation of all species.
• Handle certain animals when necessary and appropriate.
o Must follow the all husbandry animal handling guidelines.
• Participate regularly in outdoor and indoor public events to include setting up and taking down tables and equipment, packing up animals for travel to and from event.
• Assist clients in choosing appropriate companion animals according to their care abilities, budget, knowledge and interests.
• Keep up-to-date on latest standards of care of the rescue’s available animals to include lighting, heating and space needs, as well as dietary and enrichment specifications. This may require research on personal time and participation in continuing education sessions offered or mandated by TBH.
• Create and present a ten (10) minute presentation on the educational benefits of rescue, rehabilitation, transfer, transport and utilization* of exotic animals in public presentations to enhance the public knowledge. *Other topics may be submitted for approval on a case by case basis.
Education and Pre-requisites
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must commit to work for at least four (4) months and/or participate in five (5) events either at the rescue or at various local venues.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision and work well in a team setting.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift, carry and move items up to 40 lbs.
• Strong interest in wildlife or natural history. Prefer related degree or college credits but not required.
• Previous animal handling experience desired (any species), but not required.
• Pre-exposure rabies shots desired but not required.
Compensation and benefits
The entry level program is unpaid. There are limited paid inetrnships for those who have completed our entry level program each semester.
Application instructions
If you feel your qualifications and experience meet our needs, please fill out the Intern Application Packet located online at http://www.thebunnyhutch.org/volunteer.html. If you have questions, please send correspondence to Info@TheBunnyHutch.org. We look forward to hearing from you!