Description:
Spring Internship: March 1-May 31, deadline January 1; Summer Internship: June 1-August 31, deadline April 1; Fall Internship: September 1-November 30, deadline July 1. Winter Internship: December 1-February 28, deadline October 1. The start dates will vary. The internship will usually start the first Monday of the month. If you cannot commit to the entire session, please do not apply. There are six to eight positions available within the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary animal care department. We offer three and six month internships. For those to applying for the six month internship, note the first three months of the internship will be a probation period. If we feel that they are ready for the next step after three months, they will be allowed to stay the remaining six months to learn the keeper aspects, depending upon their performance, they will have the opportunity to earn the title as Keeper or Assistant Keeper. The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is the first sanctuary ever to be granted certification by the AZA. The Sanctuary cares for exotic animals encompassing 11 different feline species and 16 bears.
Interns will gain practical experience working with exotic felines and bears, will be involved with our educational program and will be involved in our emotional and behavioral enrichment programs. Interns will be able to learn as much about exotic felines’ behavior as they choose to learn within the three-month session. Experience includes feeding, cleaning, animal health, animal management, behavioral studies, record keeping, assisting in construction and habitat modification, and related activities. Interns will also be involved with the volunteer program and formal and informal presentations.
Requirements:
Candidates should have at least two years of undergraduate program studies in zoology, animal management, biology, or a related field or three years of experience at an AZA accredited facility. Interns must be able to perform regular, strenuous duties in 90 to over 100 degree weather and must be able to lift 50lbs. Interns must present themselves in a professional manner during their internship.
Compensation:
$50/week stipend. Vehicles and housing are available. Housing is in a new luxurious four-bedroom/four bathroom air-conditioned dormitory home with a large kitchen.
Application Process:
Required: completed application including a copy of driver’s license, three letters of reference, unofficial or official transcript, and a cover letter and resume. If you have interned or volunteered somewhere, please include a reference letter from your supervisor. We would like to have a letter from a supervisor you worked for. Consideration will only be given to those who send completed application and required documents.
Application can be found at www.bigcat.org, click on Education drop box, then look under “Intern Program”. For more information call 940-433-5091 or email IEFSedu@aol.com. For more information on IEAS visit our website at www.bigcat.org. Send all required materials to International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, Attention: Intern Program, PO Box 637, Boyd, TX 76023. No faxed or emailed applications will be accepted! We will accept letters of reference via email. Applications that still have postage due will not be accepted.