Facility

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

Closing Date

Description

Facility Background:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park (SHBP) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization located in Scotland Neck, North Carolina and home to over 2,000 ducks, geese, swans, and other exotic birds from around the world. The 28-acre facility features large, walk- through aviaries exhibiting birds from South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. At SHBP, we not only seek to entertain and engage visitors, but to inspire and educate them about the importance of waterfowl, wildlife and wetland conservation. SHBP is a partner in numerous AZA Species Survival Programs. For more information please visit www.shwpark.com.

Internship Description:
SHBP is seeking a motivated individual for a 6-month or 12-month internship starting as early as January 2018. SHBP is maintained by a small staff and relies on the help of volunteers and interns, which allows interns to gain a tremendous amount of experience as they work alongside staff. Applicants should have strong communication skills, be willing to work outside, and be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Interns with prior bird experience and/or additional experience in construction, horticulture, landscaping will be given preference. This is a paid internship.

Interns for SHBP will gain both breeding and husbandry experience with waterfowl, flamingos, raptors, hummingbirds, parrots, doves, and numerous other avian species. Interns will become essential to facility and program operations. The primary responsibilities of SHBP interns consist of daily bird husbandry and facility projects. Daily bird husbandry duties include morning feeding, aviary cleaning, diet preparation, aviary maintenance, afternoon bird checks, observing birds for breeding behaviors and health concerns, and record-keeping. Facility projects include perching aviaries, gathering browse and nesting material, grounds-keeping, building maintenance, and predator control. Opportunities include experience with hand rearing, breeding, education programs, and guest interactions. Interns will also be required to develop a management approved project of their choice related to husbandry, enrichment, breeding, etc.

Education and Pre-requisites

Interns must:
– Display enthusiasm for working in aviculture
– Be at least 18 years old
– Be able to live in a rural community
– Have a valid driver’s license
– Valid health insurance throughout the duration of the internship
– Maintain high standards of excellence, team work, and project completion

Compensation and benefits

Stipend:
Internship length is 6-months or 12-months. Interns receive $300/week stipend, plus assistance locating housing if needed (SHBP does not provide housing but can help locate affordable accommodation for length of internship).

Application instructions

How to Apply:
To apply for this internship position, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Dustin Foote at dustin@shwpark.com.