Facility

Utica Zoo

Closing Date

Description

DEADLINE EXTENDED, Don’t miss out!
Utica Zoo is currently at a very exciting stage as we have applied for accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). If you are considering a Summer Internship, NOW IS THE TIME to be part of our momentous pursuit!
Animal care interns assist with routine animal husbandry of over 200+ animals. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the animal care staff and assist in all aspects of their daily activities.

This internship is an applied learning experience, wherein participants will learn all aspects of zookeeping through hands-on activities. Interns will learn the essentials of cleaning, feeding, record keeping, enrichment, diet preparation, exhibit maintenance/construction, as well as assisting during veterinary procedures and education programming as instructed. Interns will be required to do some public speaking and will have direct contact with visitors.

Intern positions are available in all animal care areas, the animal commissary, registrar/veterinary and projects. Interns will be assigned to only one area for the duration of their internship, but will have occasional opportunities to experience different aspects of all areas through veterinary procedures or as other zoo-wide projects arise.

All interns are required to attend onsite classes conducted by zoo staff on various aspects of animal care including animal and keeper health, capture and restraint, enrichment and animal training, and other topics.

Note: Access to the staff veterinarian is limited; therefore, if your goal is to work with a veterinarian, this may not be the internship for you. This internship is designed as a zoo keeping program. You will learn the inter-workings of a small zoo and how the animals are cared for.

For information on Area Concentrations please see our website: http://uticazoo.org/animal-care-internships/

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications for all internships: Must be enrolled in or have graduated from a college level zoology, wildlife, environmental science, ecology, or any science education or interpretation program.

Requirements: Summer session internships require commitment to 40 hrs/week for approximately 9 weeks for a minimum of 360 hours. The internship begins May 30th and ends August 2nd. Interns may extend their experience beyond these dates if requested but must be able to commit to this time period.

Proof of negative tuberculin test required (must be within 6 months of start date). Tetanus vaccination recommended. Must be able to work in any weather conditions. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Compensation and benefits

All internships are UNPAID. Interns are expected to provide their own housing and transportation (public transportation is limited in the area immediately around the zoo); however, housing is available through Mohawk Valley Community College at special rates. Please indicate if you are interested at the time of application.

Application instructions

Application to a program requires both a resume and appropriate cover letter. Cover letter should include area or areas of interest to the applicant*. These documents should be sent via email to Pearl Yusuf, Director of Animal Operations at pearl.yusuf@uticazoo.org or by fax at 315-738-0475. Please submit resume and cover letter for our summer session by April 13, 2018 at 5 pm EST.

*Statement of area interest does not guarantee placement in that area. Interns will be placed in accordance with the needs of the zoo animal collection.