LEO Zoological Conservation Center is a nonprofit, accredited off-exhibit breeding facility for rare and endangered animals.. We are located in Greenwich, CT, just an hour outside of New York City. The facility offers our animals a low impact, stress-free environment and we propagate for other accredited zoological institutions across the country and global wild release programs. We are generally closed to the public but allow a limited number of visits, seasonally, split between Special Cause Groups and supporting benefactors. www.LEOzoo.org
LEO is looking for a dependable, hardworking Carnivore Zookeeper Apprentice and Great Ape Zookeeper Apprentice interested in gaining valuable experience and working one-on-one with seasoned professionals. Apprentices will gain extensive knowledge in behavior and husbandry. This 8 month position will primarily work with:
Carnivore: cheetah, clouded leopard, binturong, bat-eared fox and striped hyena.
Great Ape: orangutan, white-handed gibbon, siamang gibbon and colobus monkey
Some of the apprenticeship elements include:
– Participation in providing for and monitoring health, growth, diet, behavior, reproduction, safety and comfort of our animals
– Behavior observation, including monitoring and documenting specific animal behavior·
– Enrichment activities, which help keep captive animal’s minds active
– Exposure to veterinary and tech work
– Kitchen duties, including preparation of species-specific daily diets and cleaning the kitchen area
– Enclosure care, including upkeep inside and outside of animal enclosures
– Participation in a USDA Animal Care Clinic
Requirements:
– Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
– Applicants MUST have experience working with animals (preferably a past zoological volunteer or internship experience)
– Able to comfortably lift 50 pounds
– Aides must present themselves in a professional manner
The selected candidate will be expected to adhere to safety policies at all times. Zookeeper apprenticeship positions are physically demanding. Apprentices may be working in small spaces or in awkward positions that require bending or stretching and standing for long periods of time. Apprentices must be able to safely lift 50 lbs. Keepers work in extreme weather conditions, so apprentices must be able to tolerate heat, cold, snow, wind and rain. They must also be able to tolerate strong odors and possible allergens such as hay, dust and animal hair/fur/dander.No stipend or housing is available for the Apprentice from the center. Apprentices must be flexible with their schedule, and will be expected to work 5 weekdays (potentially falling on weekend days and/or holidays) with two consecutive days off. Apprentice will leave facility with a wealth of experience and understanding in carnivore husbandry, operant training, and behavior.
For more information: http://LEOzoo.org/leo/internships/
Interested candidates must send cover letter and resume to info@leozoo.org. Faxed, mailed, and delivered resumes will not be considered. PLEASE, NO PHONE CALLS. Interested applicants must be available any of the seven days of the week.
LEOZCC is an EOE/ Drug Free/Smoke Free Work Environment.