The Behavioral Husbandry department is offering an internship for undergraduate students working towards a degree inZoology, Wildlife Management, Biology, and other related fields.

PurposeThe Ambassador Animal Building (AAB) Intern assists in the care and maintenance of the ambassador animal collectionand in the presentation of educational animal shows and programs both on and off zoo grounds. This collection includesa wide variety of arthropods, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The Intern will rotate through theseresponsibilities as assigned by keepers and BHD staff.

Key Responsibilities- Assisting with the care of the ambassador animal collection(cleaning animal housing, preparing diets, record keeping, light maintenance and construction)- Assisting with behavioral enrichment of the ambassador animal collection- Assisting with research projects as needed- Assisting with educational animal presentations and shows which may include:o Loading and unloading animals into vehicles or on cartso Helping with training, handling biofacts, props or animals during programs, as requestedo Assisting with training, assist in the interpretation of animals or biofacts, as requested- Assisting with cleaning and maintenance of equipment used for animal care and presentations- Assisting with animal handling, with training and as requested- Assistance with all other projects and duties as assigned

Reporting Relationships and SupervisionJac Menish, Curator of Behavioral HusbandryCasey Wheeler, Lead Keeper, Ambassador Animals

Duration:Minimum of 8 weeks, maximum of 12 weeks

Qualifications- Must be at least 18 years of age and be on track for a higher education program, or be an undergraduateenrolled in an accredited college pursuing a degree Zoology, Wildlife Management, Biology or a related major- Internship requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week- Internship requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks- Applicant must be able to work in an environment where tree nuts or peanuts may be present- Applicants for this position must submit an Application Packet, and are required to submit to a criminalbackground check as well as show recent proof of a current TB test.

Desired Skills- Ability to perform duties without direct supervision- Ability to function as team with both paid and volunteer staff- Ability to follow both oral and written direction- Ability to adhere to the schedule agreed upon- Ability to interact positively with the public, particularly to share information about the ambassador animals andthe Zoo- Ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools- Willingness to work with a large variety of animals

• Ability to lift 50 pounds- Ability to climb a ladder and ambulate within a small work space- Ability to perform duties indoors in temperatures of 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year round- Ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed- Ability to tolerate loud sounds

Benefits to Intern- Gain professional, hands-on experience at an AZA accredited Zoo- Meet new and exciting people- Gaining knowledge of Nashville Zoo’s history- Ambassador for animal and conservation education- Sense of pride in community resource- Enhance personal creativity and portfolio- Volunteer hours for organizational benefits- Letters of reference for future job opportunities

Note: Nashville Zoo Internships are unpaid. We are unable to provide housing or reimbursement for travel expenses.Academic requirements for institution credit are the responsibility of the student intern to fulfill. Nashville Zoo willmake every effort to support the student in their academic goals as they relate to the internship position outlined in theprovided position description.

Submission Details:Internship Application and questionsResume*Cover letter explaining:- Applicant’s career goals and how this internship will help achieve those goals- Relevant skills, activities, experience and/or classes- School requirements for internship credit (if applicable)- Start and end dates, and days of availability.Two letters of recommendationCollege or University requirements