Summer 2020 Aquatics Animal Care Internship (Grinnellink)
Blank Park Zoo
Summer 2020 Aquatics Animal Care Internship
The Blank Park Zoo is now accepting applications for the 2020 Summer Aquatics Animal Care Internship. Internships are open to hard working, motivated candidates considering a career in zoo keeping. Internships are unpaid; housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern.
Aquatics
Candidates must have an interest in marine and freshwater aquarium animals. Species in the area include a variety of Indo-pacific and Atlantic tropical reef fishes and invertebrates, Amazonian fish, reptiles and amphibians, African cichlids, Pacific cold-water fish and invertebrates, and North American pond turtles. Interns will be expected to learn proper diet preparation practices, water quality standards, general maintenance of aquarium exhibits, and life support systems. Interns, who have SCUBA certification who has passed a doctor physical assessment may be asked to aide in diving to clean exhibits. Coursework in aquatic ecology, ichthyology, fish, amphibian, or aquatic reptile disease and medicine, and general animal behavior or previous experience working with the listed species is highly desirable.
Spring intern dates are as follows: May 20th – August 7th, 2020
Animal Care Interns will be introduced to general animal husbandry practices, including:
Daily cleaning and disinfection protocols
Animal observation and record keeping
Proper diet preparation
Exhibit maintenance
Public & volunteer interactions
Introduction to behavioral enrichment and training
Introduction to Animal restraint and handling
Veterinary procedure participation
Problem solving
Requirements:
18 years or older, currently enrolled in college
Provide proof from university that the internship will be for college credit
Preference is given to those who are in the zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or related field
Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships
Test Negative for TB, test will need to be done and paperwork turned in by the first day.
Successfully complete a background check
Capable of lifting 50 lbs.
Willing and able to work in all weather conditions
Available a minimum 16 hours per week including weekends and holidays.
Previous animal care experience preferred, but not required.
Select and execute a project with the help of animal care staff, presented at the completion of the internship.
To apply, please send an Animal Care Intern Application, resume, and cover letter indicating department of interest to: Christine Eckles,Chief Engagement Officer, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315 or email: cneckles@blankparkzoo.net.
Handshake will redirect applicants to our online application system for Animal Care Intern position.
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2020