Facility
Little Rock Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Animal Care Internships
The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2015 summer animal care internships. The Zoo is seeking dependable, hard working college students interested in the field of animal care. Interns will gain valuable experience with exotic animals by training with professional zookeepers. These internships are unpaid and experience-based. Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. The 2015 summer internship term will begin Friday, May 29th and will continue until mid-August. End dates may be no earlier than August 6th and no later than August 24th.
Available Animal Care Internships
Carnivore Internship
(2 positions)
Interns work alongside carnivore keepers learning their daily routines. Tasks may include, but are not limited to feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, and public speaking. Daily tasks include some strenuous activity so candidates must be in good physical condition, able to lift up to 50lbs, and able to apply safe working practices. Interns will be trained in all carnivore areas; Big Cats, Bears, and Small Carnivores. Species include Lion, Sloth Bear, Ocelot, Fox, Grizzly Bear, Serval, Tiger, River Otter, Bush dog, Jaguar, Binturong, and many more. Weekly schedule may vary so interns must be flexible; any possible conflicts must be mentioned prior to the acceptance of the position.
Hoofstock and Birds Internship
(2 positions)
This position will offer interns the opportunity to learn husbandry practices for a wide variety of birds and hoofstock. Interns will shadow keepers in the Large Hoofstock, Small Hoofstock, and Birds Teams. The large hoofstock area includes Giraffe, Rhino, and Asian Elephant. During their time in Large Hoofstock, interns will be exposed to the elephant program and daily routine, however direct experience with the elephants will be limited. Daily tasks include some strenuous activity so candidates must be in good physical condition, able to lift up to 50lbs, and able to apply safe working practices. Other animals will include Greater Kudu, Plains Zebra, Giant Anteater, Maned Wolf, Warthog, Lorikeet, Bald Eagle, Stanley Crane, a variety of free flight tropical birds and more.
Great Apes Internship
(1 position)
Professional keepers will instruct interns in the daily husbandry of great apes and small primates. Interns will experience feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, observational studies, and visitor interaction. Tasks may involve heavy lifting, so interns must be in good physical condition and able to lift up to 50lbs. Suitable candidates must be positive, patient, good workers with well developed observational skills. Species in this area include Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and Orangutan. Interns may also be given to opportunity to cross train with our Arkansas Children’s Farm where they will gain experience with a large variety of waterfowl, domestic hoofstock and birds, and small mammals.
Reptiles Internship
(1 position)
Interns will be instructed by professional keepers in the Reptile Department. Interns will be trained to safely handle non-venomous species in the reptile department. Venomous species will not be handled by any interns; however interns will have the opportunity to learn about the care and handling of venomous animals. The reptile department is home to over 75 species of snakes, lizards, amphibians, and turtles.
Penguins and Wild Wonders Internship
(2 positions)
A position designed for students who are interested in conservation education and zoo animal husbandry. Each intern’s time will be split evenly between the penguin area and Wild Wonders. Interns will be instructed by the penguin and education keeper staff learning training and handling techniques as well as enrichment, medical treatment, record keeping and general husbandry of a variety of birds of prey, small mammals, non-venomous reptiles, are more. Interns will also participate in the zoo’s educational programs including the Wild Wonders Animal Show. Candidates must have a strong work ethic and be self-motivated. Applicants should also have excellent public speaking skills and be willing to work as part of a team. A basic dive certification is also a plus but not a requirement. Species in the Wild Wonders education area include Bald Eagle, Opossum, Hissing Cockroaches, and a large variety of other small mammals, birds of prey, and reptiles. The penguin area features Black Footed Penguins.
If you have questions not answered by this page you may e-mail kbarszczowski@littlerock.org or shollister@littlerock.org,
or leave a message at (501) 661-7271 and we will return your call.
Education and Pre-requisites
Requirements:
-College student or recent graduate in biology, zoology, or related field
-Must have completed a minimum of 4 semesters at the start of the internship
-Student in good standing, GPA 2.5 or higher
-Capable of lifting 50lbs
-Up-to-date vaccinations, recent physical and negative TB test
-Available to work weekends and holidays
-Available to work 32-40 hours per week a minimum of 10 consecutive
Weeks beginning on Friday May 29, 2015
*Acceptance into the program is contingent on passing a background check
**Animal experience is preferable, but not required
Compensation and benefits
Non Paid Internship
Application instructions
To apply:
Applicants must submit all of the following documents to be considered
-resume
-letter of interest including dates of availability
*please include any prior obligations and time off requirements
-school transcript (may be unofficial)
-completed internship application
Please Visit www.littlerockzoo.com to download an application.
Click on the Learn Tab to find Internships
ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER IN ONE COMPLETE PACKAGE
Deadline for summer 2015 applications is Monday March 9, 2015. Packages received after that date will not be considered regardless of postmark dates.
MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKAGES TO:
Little Rock Zoo
Attn: LRZ Internship Program
One Zoo Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
DO NOT E-MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY