COMPARATIVE NUTRITION INTERNSHIP - Lincoln Park Zoo

COMPARATIVE NUTRITION INTERNSHIP

Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL



Duration: 8 weeks (June 2010-July 2010)

Position is unpaid and intern is responsible for housing



INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW:

The selected student will:

-Be provided with practical training in the field of comparative animal nutrition.

-Develop an understanding of zoo animal nutrition including the following:

comparative digestive physiology and diet implications, common zoo species' nutritional idiosyncrasies, diet formulation and review, physiologic assessment criteria, relevant background literature and sources of data/information, nutritional analysis, nutrition center management, record keeping, HACCP procedures, zoo-based nutrition research, roles of zoo personnel as they pertain to animal management.

-Conduct an independent research project.



INTERN'S RESPONSIBILITIES

-Become familiar and assist with daily zoo operations, including nutrition center and satellite kitchen tasks.

-Read archived journal articles for weekly discussion on various topics.

-Learn the diet review process and perform diet reviews for selected species.

-Become familiar with zoo computer programs such as Zootrition and MedArks.

-Develop, research, document, and present a limited project or assemble a case report which will be presented to the department at the conclusion of internship.



QUALIFICATIONS

-Undergraduate or Master's degree in relevant field such as animal science, biology, zoology, wildlife biology, food science, nutrition. Junior or Senior undergraduates may be considered depending on qualifications. Completion of at least one college-level nutrition course is preferred.

-Proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g. PowerPoint, Excel).

-At least 3 months experience in at least two of the following areas: animal husbandry, research laboratory, independent research, food preparation.

-Demonstrated skills in technical writing (based on application essays; to be given to short list of candidates).

-Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds and work in a walk-in cooler



TO APPLY, SEND COVER LETTER, RESUME, AND LIST OF 3 REFERENCES (1 NON-ACADEMIC) BY 31 MARCH 2010 TO:

Shana R. Lavin, Ph.D.

slavin@lpzoo.org