Animal Care Internship
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Job Description
About Company
OdySea Aquarium is an organization that offers an Animal Care Internship program. It houses a diverse animal collection, including:
• California sea lions
• Asian small-clawed otters
• African penguins
• Psittacines (parrots)
• Small mammals
The aquarium operates under an “Employee Promise,” a set of core fundamentals that all staff, including interns, are expected to exemplify. This promise emphasizes guest satisfaction, respect, ethical behavior, continuous learning, and teamwork.
About Job Description (Animal Care Internship)
This is an Animal Care Internship position, providing an opportunity to work alongside Animal Care Specialists in a supportive and supervised role.
Key Responsibilities & Duties:
• Daily Operations:
• Participate in husbandry and cleaning of animal exhibits.
• Assist with diet preparation for various animals.
• Engage in guest education, providing information and positive interactions.
• Educational & Experiential Learning:
• Participate in and potentially lead educational presentations and interactive programs.
• Develop skills in public speaking and guest engagement, including using a microphone.
• Receive an introduction to operant conditioning.
• Attend behavioral seminars.
• Gain hands-on experience in proper animal care and handling.
• Program Requirements:
• Maintain a record of learning activities and hours.
• Complete a project and deliver an oral presentation with visual aids to peers and staff.
• Adhere strictly to all policies and procedures set forth by OdySea Aquarium.
• Complete any additional tasks, worksheets, quizzes, tests, or projects as assigned by the specific internship program.
Commitment & Schedule:
• This is a full-time internship, requiring 40 hours per week for a total duration of 16 weeks.
• Interns must be available a minimum of 3-5 days per week during their designated semester.
• The role requires flexibility to work various operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Expected Professional Conduct (Employee Promise):
Interns are expected to embody the core values of OdySea Aquarium, which include:
• Taking ownership and striving to exceed expectations.
• Anticipating guest needs and paying attention to detail.
• Treating all internal and external customers with respect.
• Maintaining a “on stage” presence (smiling).
• Demonstrating an attitude of gratitude.
• Striving to get it right the first time.
• Displaying moral and ethical actions.
• Always providing alternative solutions.
• Being committed to learning every aspect of products and services.
• Applying the 10/5 rule (acknowledge guests at 10 feet, greet at 5 feet).
• Using name recognition when appropriate.
• Taking personal responsibility for surroundings.
• Being accountable for tools and resources.
• Valuing the contribution of every team member.
Applicant Requirements:
• Education: Must be a current college student or a recent graduate.
• Physical Ability:
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to access animal exhibits, enclosures, and pools.
• Personal Qualities & Skills:
• Willingness to speak in front of groups of people and on a microphone.
• Comfortable engaging with guests.
• Flexible, eager to learn, and capable of multitasking.
• Possess a positive attitude, strong work ethic, team-oriented mindset, responsibility, and enthusiasm.
• Operational Requirements:
• Adherence to OdySea Aquarium grooming standards.
• Ability to follow all Departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
• Successful completion of a background check and drug screen.
Required Application Materials:
• Brief application (provided)
• Cover letter (1 page maximum)
• Resume (1-2 pages maximum)
• Three letters of reference, with at least two from a past teacher or supervisor.
Semester and Application Dates:
• Spring Semester:
• Application deadline: December 1st
• Semester runs: January through April
• Summer Semester:
• Application deadline: April 1st
• Semester runs: May through July
• Fall Semester:
• Application deadline: July 1st
• Semester runs: August through December
