Facility
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma Washington
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The internship program at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is designed to provide participants with practical learning experience and knowledge in the field of animal husbandry. The Asian Forest Sanctuary cares for a diverse array of mammals from throughout Southeast Asia with specific husbandry and dietary concerns. This area is one of the few rotational exhibits in the country which requires extensive shifting of animals daily in a safe and thoughtful manner.
The internship is designed to provide knowledge of and instruction in the following areas:
1. Animal Husbandry
2. Nutrition and Diet
3. Animal Enrichment
4. Animal/Species Knowledge
5. Training
6. Public Presentation
Education and Pre-requisites
Applicants must:
1. Currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university.
2. Have a minimum of one year of course work in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.).
3. Be capable of the physical abilities required to work with animals (e.g. lift 50 pounds, frequent bending and stooping, etc.)
4. Be able to commit to working 40 hours per week for 10-12 weeks.
5. Be flexible with their schedule and have the ability to work weekday, weekends and holidays.
6. Once selected, provide proof of a tetanus vaccination within the past 5 years.
7. Once selected, provide proof of a negative TB test within the last year.
(While it is not required that interns earn academic credit we will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those who do.)
Compensation and benefits
Unpaid. No housing.
Application instructions
To apply for an internship at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium you must:
1. Submit an application. (pdza.org)
2. Submit a cover letter including your career goals.
3. Submit a resume.
4. Submit answers to application questions (if requested).
5. Submit two letters of recommendation from an advisor or supervisor. (These may be sent separately.)
6. Undergo a phone, Skype or on-site interview.
Please note: Candidates may apply for multiple positions during one application period; however complete applications must be submitted for each position. Candidates may not apply for multiple seasons during one application period (applications will not be kept for future positions).
Applications for the fall season must be received via email or postmarked by Friday June 20th, 2014.
Please mail OR email completed application materials to: cathleen.mcconnell@pdza.org
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Internship Program Coordinator – Education Department
5400 North Pearl Street
Tacoma, WA 98407