Facility
Oregon Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Deadline to apply: March 2, 2018 @ 5:00 pm, PST
Salary: Unpaid
Position Summary:
The Oregon Zoo’s Wildlife Show Internships are educational and provide students with real world experience that complements their academic training. We offer a structured internship program and work with each student to define the nature, scope and appropriate schedule of the internship. There are no fees involved in participating in an internship at the Oregon Zoo; however, all of our internships are unpaid and we are unable to provide any form of compensation or assistance.
The zoo’s ambassador animals are utilized for on-grounds summer presentations, school programs, media, visitor displays, special shows and events. The interns in this program assist with the daily care of the animals, training and presentations. This unique program provides a dedicated and responsible intern the opportunity to learn by playing an active, hands-on role while working along with staff and other volunteers in the care of our program animal collection.
Animal Care
Animal care is an important part of interning with Program Animals. Interns learn how to clean, feed and enrich a wide variety of species. Daily tasks include cleaning enclosures, diet preparation, enrichment and end of day duties (i.e. dishes, sweeping, disinfecting crates, etc). Work in this area is physically demanding and requires frequent bending, stretching and lifting, and may include exposure to extreme weather conditions. Interns will learn to support any of the Program Animal areas, including the Family Farm, Insect Zoo and Wildlife show.
Interpretation
In addition to gaining animal husbandry skills, interns will also learn about the different species, their natural history and behavior, and share their passion for the animals with the public. Those applying for a Wildlife Show internship should have a desire to educate the public about wildlife and be interested in displaying animals in public presentations.
At the Oregon zoo, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment.
Education and Pre-requisites
• Successful completion of at least one year of classes at an accredited institution of higher education including 1 year of general biology
• Proficiency in computer use including word processing, manipulating spreadsheets, creating presentations, online research, and willingness to learn new software as necessary
• Availability to dedicate 32 hours/week, including one weekend day
• Completion of tuberculosis testing (TB Skin Test) prior to start of internship (see more information below).*
Preferred
• Coursework in conservation biology, ecology, invertebrate zoology, environmental science, and chemistry are strongly preferred
• Competitive applicants have experience working or volunteering with exotic (non-domestic) animals.
* TB Skin Test
Tuberculosis can be transmitted from humans to some Zoo animals; therefore, all employees, volunteers and interns who have contact with Zoo animals must be tested annually for TB. Individuals are responsible for ensuring that this requirement is met on an annual basis. Verification is required.
Compensation and benefits
Unpaid Internship
Application instructions
To apply: visit www.oregonmetro.gov/jobs for the complete job announcement and a link to our online hiring center.
Application requirements
In addition to the electronic application, please include:
1) a cover letter and resume, including experience related to the minimum requirements and essential expectations of the internship AND
2) answers to the supplemental questions listed at the end of the application
Metro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.