Enrichment and Research Internship (unpaid)

Howletts and Port Lympne are sister parks in Kent housing over 1000 animals from a range of species (primarily mammals). We have multiple-groups of many of these species, providing fantastic research opportunities. We are currently undertaking a long term project to provide easily accessible enrichment items to our keepers though enrichment workshops with the public. This is in order to continue to promote animal welfare, and we are working on plans to quantitatively assess this.

We are therefore looking for enthusiastic individuals wanting to gain practical experience in zoo welfare and research for a 6month to 1year placement working between both parks with responsibilities including: The placements would be ideal for graduate students but we will also seriously consider applicants from non graduates.

• Assisting the Education, Enrichment and Research Officer.
• Data collection and analysis with a wide range of species in collaboration with keepers and staff.
• Setting up and running enrichment workshops with the public.
• Assist in the running a volunteer program and creating enrichment items if needed.
• Assist in co-ordinating undergraduate research projects.
• Completing a personal research project including data collection, analysis and write-up.

Benefits include:
• The opportunity to run an extended research project, the results of which could be submitted to a research/enrichment conference.
• Gain experience in zoo based research with a wide variety of species.
• Gain experience in the organisation of professional workshops and conferences for keepers and students in collaboration with zoo professionals in the fields of enrichment and research.

Desirable skills:
• Full clean driving license.
• BSc in zoology, animal behaviour, psychology or similar qualification.
• Good knowledge of statistics programs such as SPSS.
• Data collection experience with a number of species.
• Good communication skills.
• A flexible approach to working hours
• Genuine enthusiasm for conservation and captive research is also important.

Working three to four days a week (will include some weekends) starting as soon as possible. Applicants will be short listed and must be available to attend an interview at Port Lympne during June.

Please apply by sending a CV and covering letter stating the job role applied for to: Mark Kingston Jones, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Nr. Hythe, Kent. CT21 4PD. Or e-mail research@aspinallfoundation.org

Closing Date: 14th June 2010.

Please Mention Zoo News Digest should you apply for this post

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