Facility
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is currently accepting applications for an internship with their Rocky Shores Area.
This internship is geared towards college students and recent graduates who are interested in playing a direct role in caring for Bald Eagles, Harbor seals, California sea lions, and North American River Otters, as well as marine fish and invertebrates. All applicants should be organized, self-motivated and have excellent people skills. This internship is an in-depth program requiring a 40-hour per week commitment for 12 weeks. Interns must be flexible with their schedule, and have the ability to work weekdays, weekends and holidays. It is an unpaid position and there is no housing provided. Housing, travel expenses and transportation are the responsibilities of the candidate. Interns will need to complete a project and keep a weekly journal as part of their internship.
REPORTS TO: Rocky Shores Staff and Supervisor
DATES: May 28-August 17, 2018 (start and end date may be flexible based on school schedule)
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The selected candidate will assist the Keeper staff in all aspects of caring for the Zoo’s Rocky Shores collection. This internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: animal husbandry, training, nutrition and diets, record keeping, public education and knowledge of North American River Otters, marine mammals including Harbor seals, California sea lions, and Polar bears, Bald eagles, and marine fish and invertebrates. Intern duties may include the following under keeper supervision (may vary based on skill level and departmental needs):
• diet preparation and feeding
• cleaning of animal exhibits and holding areas
• exhibit maintenance
• aquarium filtration
• utilizing pool vacuum systems
• observing and recording animal condition, behaviors, and responses
• positive and educational interaction with zoo guests
• animal enrichment
• behavioral ethograms
• narration of training demonstrations using a microphone
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant should have a strong career interest in animal husbandry and informal education in a zoological setting. Applicant should currently be enrolled in a college or university and have a minimum of one year of course work in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (biology, zoology, environmental science, or a related field.) or have recently graduated. Previous experience working with animals preferred.
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Interns are expected to work on holidays and weekends.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment with people of all ages. They should be able to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in the typical Utah summer climate. Applicants interested in a position in Rocky Shores must be able to pass a swim test, be comfortable working around water, comfortable with heights, and comfortable working in relatively confined spaced. Interns need to have a recent TB test and Tetanus shot. The applicant needs to demonstrate maturity, self-motivation, and an ability to follow direction. A basic knowledge and understanding of computer word processing, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint is helpful. The ability to gain and hold a driver’s license is required. First Aid/CPR certified preferred.
Compensation and benefits
COMPENSATION: The Rocky Shores internship is unpaid. Professional development opportunities will be available. Possible college credit is available for those able to receive it through their college/university. No housing provided.
Application instructions
TO APPLY: Applications are due by March 15, 2018. Please visit www.hoglezoo.org to fill out an application and send a resume, cover letter, transcript and at least three references to:
Internship Committee
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
2600 E Sunnyside Ave.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Email: interncommittee@hoglezoo.org