LTE INTERN – ANIMAL CARE

The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, is currently recruiting for a Limited Term Employee (LTE) Intern – Animal Care position.

Limited Term Employees (LTEs) are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year and are not guaranteed any hours per week.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

The Animal Care Staff intern position is intended to be an opportunity for college students to gain valuable hands-on experience in an AZA accredited zoo within the Animal Care Department in direct animal husbandry responsibilities, as well as interactions with zoo guests.  Under supervision, interns will perform duties necessary to ensure the daily care of zoo animals and the cleaning and maintenance of zoo enclosures, buildings, and grounds while creating a positive experience for visitors to the Henry Vilas Zoo.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Under direct supervision, prepares foods and follows established animal feeding schedules and prescribed diets. Cleans animal enclosures and performs basic exhibit and grounds upkeep. Provides animals with scheduled enrichment and documents accordingly. Observes and evaluates animal behavior, social interactions, breeding, etc., to identify animal health issues and overall well-being. Accurately records and communicates animal information through use of reporting methods and communication tools. Takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and the public. Picks up, loads, and unloads animal food and supplies. Communicates with, assists, and interacts positively with zoo guests. Works effectively and cooperatively with other Zoo Keepers and management staff.

Education, Training and Experience:

Requires enrollment in college courses in a biological or zoological background with an intended major towards an animal related field. The internship is not required to be applied towards course credit.

Special Requirements:

A valid Wisconsin Driver's License (or eligibility for) is required. Must be available to work 32-40 hours per week including availability on weekends and holidays with flexibility around shifts during emergencies.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
 

For Bilingual Positions:

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

This position is active for the entire shift (standing, walking, stooping, twisting, lifting, bending, pushing, reaching, climbing, crouching and crawling). Must be able to repeatedly lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Must have the ability to use hands and feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment. Must have the ability to work in all weather conditions, dusty or wet environments, and handle exposure to fur, hay, feathers, and animal food and waste.Basic knowledge and interest in aspects of zoo animal care, including husbandry, operant conditioning and training, animal behavior, habitat enrichment, nutrition, healthcare, reproductive physiology, and animal diseases. Basic knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, cleaning and care methods. Ability to observe animal behavior, identify changes, and accurately record/report findings.  Knowledge of relevant safety precautions and practices. Ability to organize and perform necessary duties in the most efficient, effective, and safe manner.  Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with others. Must have functional reasoning skills and the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal, and/or diagrammatic form. Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally with other workers, supervisors, and the general public.

Salary : $23