Facility
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
INTERNSHIP TERM: 08/28/23 – 11/17/23
POSITION SUMMARY:
This twelve-week Internship is focused on providing experiential learning opportunities to individuals seeking to understand, develop and establish careers in the fields of elephant care and conservation. Interns work closely with Caregivers as well as Education, Development, and Communications staff for a multi-departmental learning experience. This internship provides an individual with the opportunity to gain work experience at an elephant sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The Elephant Sanctuary practices protected contact/positive reinforcement management of the elephants. Interns will not have free contact interaction with elephants.
Acceptance into internship program does NOT guarantee future employment at The Sanctuary.
Housing and hourly compensation are provided.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:
Working closely with other full-time staff under the daily guidance of an employee mentor
Assisting elephant care staff in daily activities
Presenting to the public at the Elephant Discovery Center under guidance of Education and Outreach staff
Assisting with creation of environmental enrichment for elephants, literature research, and/or other specific needs as outlined by staff
Assisting husbandry staff with animal training projects
Following all safety instructions and procedures
Gaining valuable skills working as part of a team with other animal care, conservation and education professionals with different skill sets and talents.
*Please note this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The requirements of the internship are subject to change as deemed necessary by The Sanctuary.
SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:
Team Oriented – The intern will develop close working relationships with other employees. The intern will his/her/their mentor and supervisor informed of issues, concerns and problems and if possible and be prepared with recommendations to resolve issues as they arise.
Good Communicator – The intern will communicate clearly and thoughtfully with others. The intern will keep his/her/their mentor and supervisor informed of both internal and/or external issues and concerns affecting their quality of work life and performance. Communication will take place in person, through emails, texts, and phone calls. The intern is expected to respond to these as soon as possible.
Self-Motivated – The intern will come to work each day prepared to exert themselves physically and mentally.
Dependable and Reliable – The intern will report to work each day at the time chosen by his/her/there mentor. This time will be consistent day to day. The intern will follow procedures and maintain accurate records related to all aspects of elephant care and all areas of responsibility, including human resources matters related to his/her/themselves.
Training – Work with mentor and supervisor to address training needs and develop training plans to ensure ongoing professional development.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:
18 years of age or older
GPA of 2.20 or higher
Completion of at least two years of secondary education; this program is designed for students and recent graduates pursuing a career in large exotic mammal husbandry and/or wildlife conservation
Willingness to commit to a 12-week term (5 days/week, 40 hours/week)
Must be willing to live in co-ed housing with one or more other intern(s).
Proof of current tetanus vaccination, TB test, and signed physician form to approve mask-fit testing; all tests/vaccinations are at the applicant’s expense
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination series
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to stand/work outdoors for eight hours at a time in ALL weather conditions
Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly
Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking etc.)
Must be comfortable being exposed (with personal protective equipment in place) to a variety of auditory (some loud, sudden) and olfactory stimuli over the course of regular work duties
Education and Pre-requisites
18 years of age or older
GPA of 2.20 or higher
Completion of at least two years of secondary education; this program is designed for students and recent graduates pursuing a career in large exotic mammal husbandry and/or wildlife conservation
Willingness to commit to a 12-week term (5 days/week, 40 hours/week)
Must be willing to live in co-ed housing with one or more other intern(s).
Proof of current tetanus vaccination, TB test, and signed physician form to approve mask-fit testing; all tests/vaccinations are at the applicant’s expense
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination series
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
send cover letter and resume to [email protected]