Facility
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
This position is designed to provide participants with practical learning experience and knowledge in the field of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, animal enrichment, and public interactions. Internship participants will care for and handle a variety of birds including a large collection of budgies in a walk-through aviary, reptiles, and mammals as well as participate in informal presentations interacting with Zoo guests. Additionally, interns will assist with presentations in the Zoo’s Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, a covered, 350-seat amphitheater that features off-leash and free-flight behaviors.
This internship is an in-depth program requiring a 40 hour per week commitment for 3 to 4 months beginning in June. 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. Interns are considered volunteers so the zoo does not provide any medical coverage for on or off the job injuries or incidents. We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those who can earn class credit.
Education and Pre-requisites
• Be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from a college or university
• 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, psychology, etc.)
• Be capable of the physical abilities required to work with animals (i.e. lift 50 pounds, etc.)
• Show continued interest and experience working with animals. Experience caring for wildlife or at another zoological facility is highly desirable.
Compensation and benefits
Unpaid.
Application instructions
• Submit an online application through Metro Parks Tacoma
• Submit a cover letter including your career goals.
• Submit a resume.
• Submit answers to application questions.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from an advisor or supervisor. These may be received via email or attached to the online application.
• Undergo a phone, online or on-site interview.
• Commit to a minimum of (40 hours a week) for at least 12 weeks
• Once selected, be willing to verify ability to swim.
• Once selected, provide proof of a tetanus vaccination within the past 5 years.
Applications must be submitted Friday January 6, 2017. This internship is only offered during the summer.
For questions please contact: cathleen.mcconnell@pdza.org