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Animal Care Intern

Wheaton Park District

Animal Care Intern

Wheaton, IL
Internship
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Animal Care Intern Department: Cosley Zoo Location: Wheaton, IL Deadline: Open until filled Cosley Zoo Animal Care Volunteer - Intern Mission Statement: To provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience in modern zoo keeping, operant conditioning and behavioral management for individuals seeking to enter the zoological field as zookeepers. General Purpose Work with Cosley Zoo animal care staff to perform daily care of the animals and their exhibits. This is an unpaid internship requiring a minimum of 20 hours per week for no less than 3 months. Shifts must be completed in a minimum of 4 hour increments. Hours and days are assigned on a first come first served basis. Must be able to work at least one weekend day. Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age, having completed a minimum of one year of course work at an institution of higher learning with an interest in animals and conservation. Animal handling experience preferred but not required. Must have excellent oral communication skills. Essential Duties 1. Working with zookeeper staff, perform routine feeding, cleaning and general husbandry for domestic and wild animals. This will comprise 90% of the duties. 2. Observe animals closely and report any questions or problems to assigned keeper. 3. Interact with the public offering education, information, assistance, or control when necessary. 4. Complete a special project as assigned. 5. Must follow and implement Cosley Zoo and Wheaton Park District policies and guidelines. 6. Must assist with the facilitation of a minimum of two special events and/or holiday shifts outside of scheduled hours. 7. Communicate openly with assigned staff to allow for a more well-rounded experience. Other Duties and Responsibilities 1. Research, implement and evaluate a minimum of one new enrichment activity for an assigned animal. 2. Complete the Cosley Zoo Animal Training Certification Course and implement skills learned on an assigned animal. 3. Develop and give a short presentation highlighting project tasks, report on behavioral observations (as performed) and all work completed and experiences during the course of the internship. 4. Perform duties as assigned. Psychological Considerations May feel stress while dealing with dangerous animals or difficult members of the public. Physical Demands Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds up to 25 yards. Stand, climb, bend and stoop for long periods of time. May have to assist zookeeper staff with the handling and restraint of potentially dangerous animals. Must be able to tolerate odors, dust and animal feces. Cognitive and Safety Considerations Must exhibit good problem solving abilities, be flexible, organized and creative. Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position while showing good judgment and safety awareness. This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements and effects of working conditions associated with the position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, management reserves the right to revise the position when circumstances change; e.g., emergencies, , changes in personnel, workload, technological developments, etc.

  • Industry
    Entertainment