Riverside Discovery Center
Zookeeper Internship Summer 2022 (Flexible Start Date)
Mission:
“To inspire a sense of awe and stewardship for the natural world by supporting conservation, education, discovery, and recreation.”
This internship is catered towards college students, graduates, 18 years or older, who are interested in playing a direct role in caring for various hoofstock, carnivores, primates, birds, and reptiles. Riverside Discovery Center is currently looking for candidates that are self motivated, flexible, and have excellent time-management skills.
Position Description:
The selected candidate will be working full-time assisting keeper staff in all aspects of caring for the zoo’s collection. Our internship offers the opportunity to rotate through our three animal areas.
Area 1: Domestic Hoofstock, Herps, Blue-and-Gold Macaw, Squirrel Monkeys, Small Carnivores
Area 2: American Bison, Plains Zebra, Mountain Lions, Amur Tigers, Grizzly Bear
Area 3: Chimpanzees, Red-ruffed Lemurs, Spider Monkeys
The internship may also include the opportunity to work an individual intern route referred to as Area 4, which includes caring for and maintaining our Muntjac, Swift Fox, Reptile building, Porcupine, and Raptor collection.
Daily duties include but are not limited to:
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Daily cleaning and disinfection of animal areas
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Developing and safely implementing daily animal enrichment
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Record keeping and animal observations
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Communicating with staff about animal issues
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Exhibit maintenance
Will have the opportunity to:
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Observe animal training sessions
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Shadow veterinary rounds and procedures
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Learn restraint and handling techniques
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Present formal and informal interpretive educational programs for guests and outreach audiences
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Work the Heritage Barn individually or in small groups
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Design and apply individual projects
Applicants Must:
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Be enrolled in college or highschool, or have already graduated with a degree in zoology, biology, or a related field.
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Have experience working around exotic or domestic animals.
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Demonstrate strong communication skills and have the ability to work both independently or with a team.
A negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination is required prior to start date. Additionally, we require a negative TB test within the last year and are DPT vaccinated. Applicants should have the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and can stand for long periods of time, stoop, climb, and lift at least 75 pounds. Accepted applicants must provide proof of a current driver’s license and proof of health insurance coverage.
Work Schedule:
40 hours a week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Interns must be flexible with their schedule, and have the ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Compensation:
This is an unpaid internship opportunity. Housing is not offered, but housing recommendations in the area are provided upon request.
How to Apply
How To Apply:
Please email cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to our Intern Coordinator, Sierra Spears at sspears@riversidediscoverycenter.org
Riverside Discovery Center
1600 S Beltline Hwy W
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Phone: 3086306236
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