Facility
Utica Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Mission:
“Utica Zoo creates unique experiences and promotes public appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and recreation.”
This internship is catered towards college students and graduates, 18 years or older, who are interested in playing a direct role in caring for various hoofstock, carnivores, primates, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. The Utica Zoo is currently looking for candidates that are self-motivated, flexible, and have excellent time-management skills.
Position Description:
The selected candidate will be working full-time assisting keeper staff in all aspects of caring for the zoo’s collection. Our internship offers the opportunity to rotate through our 7 animal areas:
– Children’s Zoo
– Asian Realm
– North Trek Trail and African Alley
– Ambassador Animals
– Commissary
– Primate and Large Reptiles
– Vet Services
*areas subject to change!
Daily duties include, but are not limited to:
• Daily cleaning and disinfection of animal areas
• Developing and safely implementing daily animal enrichment
• Record keeping and animal observations
• Communicating with staff about animal issues
• Exhibit maintenance
Will have the opportunity to:
• Observe animal training sessions
• Shadow veterinary rounds and procedures
• Learn restraint and handling techniques
• Present formal and informal interpretive educational programs for guests and outreach audiences
• Design and apply individual projects
Work Schedule:
Flexible start and end dates offered. Interns must be flexible with their schedule, and have the ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Education and Pre-requisites
• Be enrolled in college/university or have already graduated with a degree in zoology, biology, or a related field.
• Have experience working around exotic and/or domestic animals.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and have the ability to work both independently or with a team.
• A negative COVID-19 test and proof of a COVID-19 vaccination is required prior to the start date.
• Additionally, we require a negative TB test within the last year.
• Applicants should have the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and can stand for long periods of time, stoop, climb, and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Accepted applicants must provide proof of a current driver’s license and proof of health insurance coverage.
• Interns must be able to tolerate the presence of animal fur, feathers, and bedding
Compensation and benefits
This is an unpaid internship opportunity. Housing is not offered, but housing recommendations in the area are provided upon request.
Application instructions
Please email your cover letter and resume to our Intern Coordinator, Jessica Lindsay, at jessica.lindsay@uticazoo.org.
Utica Zoo
1 Utica Zoo Way
Utica, NY 13501
Phone: (315) 738-0472