What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mammal Department Internship position at Park Lawn?
Mammal Department Internship General Description
The applicant must be currently enrolled at an accredited four-year college or university and seeking a degree in a science-related area. Students must earn college credit for their time as an intern. Interns will work with the mammal staff to learn the duties and responsibilities of zookeeping as a profession. Interns will help provide daily care for the animals including feeding, cleaning, behavioral observations, habitat modifications, and participation in special projects all designed to help ensure the best welfare for each animal. Interns will also interact with guests and help ensure outstanding overall guest experiences.
Internships are approximately 14 weeks in length running from September to December (fall), January to April (spring), and May to August (summer). These sessions have start and end dates that coincide with the individual semesters. Applications are due July 1st for fall, November 1st for spring, and April 1st for summer.
This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Shadowing zookeepers providing daily care, including but not limited to, feeding, cleaning and habitat maintenance
- Take direction from staff concerning duties, responsibilities, and safety procedures
- Participate in special projects that benefit the animals
- Conduct observations of animals which helps with enhancing animal welfare
- Submit a written 2–3-page paper summarizing your time as an intern. This is due one week before the internship ends.
Qualifications
Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions. Frequent exposure to animals with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others).
Physical Requirements
Interns must be able to perform all principal duties satisfactorily. Able to perform moderate physical effort daily such as walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and standing for an extended period. Able to lift to 50 pounds.
The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
