What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Internship - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium position at Parks Tacoma?
POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo is operated by Parks Tacoma. For more information, visitwww.pdza.org
Our Animal Care internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: habitat maintenance, nutrition and diets, environmental enrichment, public presentation/interpretation, water quality and filtration, species natural history, training, and husbandry.
This is a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside zookeepers and gain valuable on the job training.
Under the guidance of experienced zoo, aquarium and wildlife park staff, interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of expertise, including, but not limited to:
- Daily Animal Care:?Cleaning and general maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, Record-keeping, Diet preparation, and Environmental enrichment
- Public Presentation: Sharing to guests the stories and natural history of the animals in our care.
- Animal Training: Understanding and practicing the principles of animal training (reinforcement, operant conditioning, benefits of training)
- Water Quality and Filtration: Monitor the water quality parameters of the filtration systems in the habitats. .
- Project Completion: Interns will be expected to design, budget and implement a small project. ?
We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please consider the breadth of your life experience when interpreting our listed duties and qualifications.
Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification.
Must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career towards the care and protection of wild life.
Experience working with animals. Examples of the type of experience desired may include: zoological institutions, wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary clinics, laboratories, or other related facilities. Experience may be paid or unpaid.
Be able to commit to a 40 hour a week schedule for 12 weeks.
Physical Demands: Interns must be capable of the physical requirements required to work with animals, specifically:
Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
Pushing, climbing, walking, kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools.
Hazards:
Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.
Exposure to animal bodily fluids/products.
Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise.
Contact with dissatisfied visitors.
Environment:
Indoor and outdoor environment throughout the year
Adverse weather conditions.
Cold water while interacting with animals and cleaning exhibits.
Confined or dark work areas.
Salary : $2,500
