Facility
Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Kentucky Reptile Zoo internship program offers college students or recent graduates the chance to receive hands-on training experience at a facility with one of the most extensive and diverse reptile collections in the world.
The intern will assist in the captive maintenance of the zoo’s reptile collection, including feeding, cleaning, training and record keeping. They will receive hands-on experience with nonvenomous squamates, chelonians and juvenile crocodilians. They will give interpretive talks and interact with the public regularly. They will also maintain the organization and cleaning of equipment and supplies, and perform other duties as assigned. In addition, the intern will have the option to complete a research project related to the field of herpetology. The intern will not be involved in the handling of any venomous species.
Start and end dates are flexible, but interns are expected to complete a minimum 12 week term running from mid May to late August/early September.
Education and Pre-requisites
Applicants must have or be:
A college student or recently graduated college student; former interns have arranged for academic credit with their institutions
Students preferably majoring in the biological or natural sciences
A valid driver’s license
Personal transportation is recommended
Willing to work weekends, receiving two days off during the week instead
An ability to communicate effectively with people
Comfortable handling snakes and other reptiles on a daily basis
Able to do work such as lifting, bending, stooping, carrying heavy objects, and be willing to do work outdoors in a range of weather conditions
Orientation to details
Positive attitude and strong work ethic
An interest in reptiles!
Note: all interns must have a current tetanus shot and also be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Compensation and benefits
Benefits include housing including laundry and internet, and $500/month stipend to cover expenses. Interns have been successful in finding zoo keeper positions!
Application instructions
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and at least 2 (preferably 3) references to:
Kat Dale
Internship Coordinator
Kentucky Reptile Zoo
200 L&E Railroad
Slade, KY 40376
or email to: kyreptilezoo@kyreptilezoo.org