North America Trek / Polar Frontier Animal Care Internship

Job Description

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North America Trek / Polar Frontier Animal Care Internship

This internship offers an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of zoological animal care, specifically focusing on the North America Trek and Polar Frontier regions. Interns will gain direct, hands-on experience in general husbandry and daily animal care, actively supporting daily operations and being exposed to professional zoo practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Working alongside experienced full-time keeper staff, interns will have the opportunity to assist with a variety of critical tasks, including:

• Preparing animal diets according to specific nutritional guidelines.
• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits to ensure optimal hygiene and safety.
• Observing animals diligently and reporting behavioral changes to keeper staff.
• Designing and delivering educational programs to guests on animal behavior, habitats, and conservation topics.
• Maintaining area grounds and buildings, contributing to the overall upkeep of the region.
• Adhering to all safety guidelines and protocols to ensure the well-being of animals, staff, and guests.
• Interacting with guests and actively supporting educational initiatives.
• Performing other duties as assigned to support daily operations.

Structured Learning & Development:

Beyond daily tasks, this internship includes a comprehensive structured learning program designed to deepen understanding and knowledge. Components include:

• Quizzes to reinforce learning.
• Participation in in-person or virtual classes.
• Completion of assigned projects.
• Submission of a final reflection paper assigned by the department.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this internship, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of North American species husbandry and zoo operations.
• Gain practical experience in daily care routines for a variety of animal species.
• Learn and apply animal behavior observation and documentation techniques.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of safety procedures and professional expectations in animal care.
• Strengthen communication and teamwork skills within a dynamic zoological environment.

Benefits of This Internship:

• Hands-on, immersive experience in a professional zoo setting.
• Exposure to diverse career paths in animal care, conservation, and wildlife management.
• Opportunities to network with experienced animal care professionals and industry leaders.
• Development of practical, transferable skills highly valuable for future employment or advanced academic studies.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Currently a second-year college student or a recent graduate (within the last 2 years) from a program in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.
• Successful completion of a TB test is required.
• Prior animal care experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments successfully in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Possession of a professional appearance and courteous behavior.
• Flexible schedule is essential, including availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays (e.g., July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day).
• Subject to a BMV check.
• Subject to a Criminal Background check.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Ability to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods throughout the day.

Internship Duration & Commitment:

Interns are required to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week for a period of 12-16 weeks.

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