Zoo Jobs: VOLUNTARY ZOO KEEPER INTERNSHIP

VOLUNTARY ZOO KEEPER INTERNSHIP

Start Date: Spring 2018

Length of Internship: 6 month or 12 month available

Application Closing Date: 25th March 2018

Working Hours: Five days a week including regular weekends.

Salary & Benefits: This is a voluntary positon. Staff discount card & uniform will be provided.

Overview:

We are offering an exciting opportunity for two individuals to join us as interns on the Ventura Wildlife Park keeping team on either a 6 month or 12 month basis.

An internship with us will provide you with experience working with a variety of exotic animals in a zoological setting. Successful interns must be responsible, dedicated, practical, confident, engaging and willing to learn new skills that will form the basis of a future zoo keeping career.

The role involves daily animal husbandry and welfare of a diverse collection of animals that includes; Grant’s zebra, reindeer, red kangaroo, emu, raccoon dogs, fossa, lemurs, Cuban hutia, red-rumped agouti, various wader birds as well as a large collection of reptiles and amphibians.

Interns will also be provided with the opportunity to take part in animal encounters and educational visits both on and offsite.

Expected Duties Include:

• Assisting with daily animal husbandry e.g. food prep, feeding, cleaning, health checks, enrichment, training, etc.

• Observation of animals and recording of relevant information.

• Visitor interaction and delivery of keeper talks, animal shows, experiences and tours in a polite and professional manner.

• Overseeing work experience and volunteers under the direction of the keepers.

• General site and enclosure maintenance.

• Training in basic research methods (interns are able to carry out specific research projects at the park during the time of their placement).

• Strict adherence to safe working practices.

Requirements

• A qualification in animal science.

• Previous animal-related work experience.