Turtle Survival
Center Chelonian Husbandry Internship Program
South Carolina
Description:
The Turtle Survival
Alliance (TSA) is offering a unique opportunity for self-motivated people to
gain hands-on experience with the day to day operations of a non-profit
chelonian conservation center. The TSA is seeking applicants for full time
volunteer internships at the TSA’s Turtle Survival Center (TSC) in Cross, South
Carolina.
About the Organization:
The TSA’s mission
statement is: Transforming passion for turtles into effective conservation
action through a global network of living collections and recovery programs.
The Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization, an action-oriented global partnership, focusing on species that
are at high risk of extinction, and working in turtle diversity hotspots around
the world. Widely recognized as a global
catalyst for turtle conservation based on its reputation for swift and decisive
action, the TSA has made a bold commitment to zero turtle extinctions in the
21st century. With projects or programs
in Belize, Colombia, Europe, Madagascar, and throughout Asia, the TSA is a
recognized force for turtle conservation globally.
In 2013, the TSA
centralized its base of operations by opening the Turtle Survival Center in
South Carolina. In just four years the
TSC has become recognized as a world-class turtle conservation center, complete
with a greenhouse, veterinary clinic, quarantine facility, and multiple
indoor/outdoor enclosures. This center is the TSA’s first and only U.S.-based
conservation center, and is home to a growing collection of more than 700
turtles and tortoises, representing 30 of the world’s critically endangered
species, and cared for by a staff of five full time employees.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
Volunteer interns
are expected to work independently and with TSC staff in a team setting to
fulfill the operational needs of the center. All interns will assist with the
general day to day operations of the TSC. Responsibilities can include, but are
not limited to:
• Providing
high standards of animal husbandry to a diverse group of critically endangered
chelonians
• Monitoring
animal health
• Keeping
accurate records
• Maintaining
cleanliness of animal areas
• Propagating
chelonians, including egg care and incubation
• Assisting
with veterinary care procedures
• Performing
basic animal medical treatments
• General
maintenance of facilities, upkeep of grounds and buildings
• Horticulture/gardening,
particularly in animal areas
• Assisting
with enclosure design and construction
• Interacting
with other interns, volunteers, students, visiting biologists, and guests
• Participation
in outreach events as well as guest tours of the facility
• Ensuring
security of the facility
Qualifications:
• A
positive and flexible attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to adapt to
a changing work environment
• Hold
or be pursuing a degree in biology, ecology, conservation, zoo keeping, exotic
veterinary medicine, or related field
• Demonstrated
interest in wildlife and conservation
• Experience
with animal husbandry (particularly reptiles) preferred
• Applicants
are strongly encouraged to live in on-site housing throughout the duration of
the internship
• Must
hold a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle is required
• Must
be able to pass a background check
• Must
be in good physical shape (capable of lifting 50 pounds)
Work Environment:
• Team
oriented environment in a remote location
• Expect
an irregular work schedule consisting of days, weekends, and holidays. Some
workdays may exceed 8 hours.
• Ability
to work outdoors in heat, humidity, and around biting insects
• On-site
housing is available, which may be co-ed, and which may require sharing a room
with another intern of the same gender. No pets are allowed.
Availability:
The TSA is seeking
interns for 2018. Dates can be flexible but applicants must be able to apply
for a minimum of two (2) months. Extensions for internships are on a case by
case bases.
Costs:
This is a volunteer
internship position. Successful applicants will pay their own travel expenses
to and from the Turtle Survival Center and a program fee of $500.00 per month.
This program fee covers on-site housing while at the TSC. Applicants are encouraged
to pursue funding and/or academic credit with their host institution for
participating in this internship. If there are any special requirements for an
applicant to receive academic credit for an internship, please let us know in
your application so we may determine if the TSA can accommodate any requests.
Application Process:
Please email a
letter of interest and CV or resume to the TSA’s Chelonian Keeper, Clinton Doak
(cdoak@turtlesurvival.org), and include a date range of availability.
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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