Facility

Lemur Conservation Foundation

Closing Date

Description

The Lemur Conservation Foundation is offering a 3 month internship from October 4, 2020 to January 18, 2021 in primate husbandry. LCF’s internship offers an exceptional opportunity to receive training at an AZA certified-related institution, with a strong commitment to conservation, education, and animal care. The Primate Husbandry Intern will be trained in these high standards of care, including training in proper cleaning, exhibit maintenance, enrichment, diet preparation, basic medical care, and daily monitoring of behavior and heath. The purpose of the 3 month internship is to help the intern gain experience related to their education. LCF will work with students to document necessary time or projects needed to gain university credit for the internship.

The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit publicly supported organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of lemurs through managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art. LCF sits on a 130-acre, non-public reserve in Myakka City, Florida. The reserve is currently home to six species of lemurs in both semi-free ranging habitats and traditional indoor/outdoor habitats. The reserve is remotely located; however a variety of culture and entertainment including state parks, beaches, art museums, zoo, aquariums, botanical gardens and theaters can be found nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa.

Due to COVID-19, all interns are required to partake in a 10-14 day orientation (quarantine) period where they will not interact with the main husbandry staff or the lemurs to ensure staff and animal safety. Interns will not be restricted to the on-site housing during that time. Instead, as we want you to get the most out of your time with us, we will have several presentations and activities lined up as well as projects that will not directly involve the lemurs. During this time, you will be required to adhere to our PPE requirements, including wearing a facemask. The internship period has been extended by 2 weeks to reflect this additional time requirement.

Education and Pre-requisites

• Available to work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 3 months
• Interns should be enrolled in or recently graduated with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a Life Sciences or related field from an accredited college or university
o Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between LCF and their school before beginning the internship.
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation
• Proof of negative TB test within the last 12 months and tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years
• Proof of health insurance coverage for illness or injury
• Available to work weekends and holidays
• Must be physically able to stoop, bend, reach, climb, lift, carry or push at least 50 pounds in a south Florida climate
• Ability to be an effective team member, often times with minimal supervision
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with animals is preferred

Compensation and benefits

The 3-month internship is unpaid though onsite housing with utilities is provided. Housing is shared, non-smoking, no pets, and additional codes of conduct apply.

Application instructions

Interested candidates should email the following documents to ckenney@lemurreserve.org by August 12th to be considered:
• Letter of interest including dates of availability and any prior obligations and time-off requirements
• Resume or CV with contact information for 3 references
• School transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Letters of recommendation (optional but encouraged)

Contact Information:
Caitlin Kenney
Curator of Primates
Lemur Conservation Foundation
PO Box 249
Myakka City, FL 34251
941-322-8494
941-322-9264 (fax)
ckenney@lemurreserve.org

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