Facility

Safari West

Closing Date

Description

Safari West offers a dynamic, educational and innovative internship for students. You will have the opportunity to work in a unique environment with a wide variety of species. Students can apply for any of our varied internship opportunities. We currently offer internships in animal husbandry, animal behavior, culinary, events and marketing. Each internship opportunity has been specifically designed to provide the most enriching educational experience possible. Students interested in these opportunities are encouraged to review the outline and requirements for each program before they inquire.
The Group Events internship will offer students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and fundamental skills needed to work with large groups as well as coordinate and manage successful events. Our objective is for students to understand how to properly plan and coordinate a wide range of events at a zoological facility. Intern duties will include assisting the Group Business department with seeking, organizing and hosting events for small and large groups, learning how to ensure guest satisfaction during events and confirming compliance with insurance, legal and safety requirements. Aspects include scheduling guests and special presentations, searching for and purchasing needed materials, setting up and breaking down event areas and promotion of Safari West as a premier event destination.
Group Events interns will be collaborating with a variety of departments to ensure events are planned appropriately as well as working directly with the guests who are scheduling and attending the events. Some events will be designed by Safari West and others will be determined by the needs of our guests. Students need to have strong interpersonal skills as well as a willingness to learn about a variety of animal taxa. While this internship is primarily working with guests and employees in various departments, it is imperative that interns have a passion for wildlife and conservation and support our mission statement. Interns are expected to maintain a level of professionalism in accordance with Safari West standards and must be able to use discretion when presented with privileged or sensitive information.
This position may require weekend, evening and/or early morning work. Academic credit may be available upon request.
Applicants must be 18 years of age. All internships are unpaid. At this time we are unable to offer housing accommodations, therefore housing and transportation are at the cost and responsibility of the intern. The intern must have reliable means to get to Safari West consistently before committing.

Education and Pre-requisites

Internship Requirements
o Availability: Completion of 144 hours including a consistent schedule of a minimum of 4 hours per day, 3 days per week over, approximately, a 3 month period
o Skills: Effective communication (both verbal and written), capability to proactively solve problems, dedicated attention to detail and ability to build rapport with both guests and employees
o Computer proficiency: must have experience with Microsoft Office suite and the ability to learn and understand basic booking and reservation programs
o Collaborative requirement: Interns must be able to function as a part of a team. This includes following directions given and cooperation with Safari West staff of different departments. General hospitality interactions with guests are expected to be carried out in accordance with Safari West standards
o Self-motivated: Interns will be guided through the program but must be internally driven; they will be expected, after some time, to understand their daily responsibilities and be able to start their work without relying directly on orders
o Completion of internship project and paper
Final Paper
o Interns will write a formal project proposal that needs to be approved by the Events Department Manager.

Compensation and benefits

N/A

Application instructions

Please send a completed application (link on website), resume and short cover letter, highlighting relevant experience, to Erika Mittelman at emittelman@safariwest.com. Not all applicants will be offered an internship position due to the high volume of qualified candidates who apply. We strongly encourage applicants who did not receive an internship position to re-apply. All applicants will be notified of our decision by email or phone.

Research and Internships