National Aviary
Flitezone Bird Show and Conservation Education Internship
Salary/Pay Range: All internships are unpaid. Housing is not provided.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Interns will work under the direct supervision of the National Aviary's Education Trainers to produce multiple free-flight bird shows. This internship focuses on the training of a collection of approximately 80 birds. Staff is responsible for the daily care of all birds in the education collection including hornbills, parrots, birds of prey and other mixed species. Staff is also responsible for the training of all birds featured in shows as well as birds used for educational classes and guest experiences.
This internship provides the opportunity to learn about the following:
- Care and maintenance of all birds in the education collection
- Daily diet preparation for parrots and birds of prey
- Observation of various bird behaviors
- Operant conditioning techniques for training show and husbandry behaviors
- Free-flight bird shows
- Participation in an enrichment program
- Public speaking skills
- Conservation education
- Participate in in-house and outreach education programs
- Participation in formal intern workshops
Daily intern responsibilities include: cleaning bird enclosures, diet preparation and providing enrichment to all birds in the education collection. Interns are also responsible for assisting with the maintenance of bird enclosures including perching, repairs and preventative maintenance. There may also be various building projects.
Interns will have the opportunity to observe and possibly assist with daily training sessions. They will also assist backstage during shows that will run twice daily. Interns will also have the opportunity to assist with daily guest experiences and to attend formal workshops on topics such as bird training and captive raptor management.
Additionally, interns will assist with classes and outreach programs. They may also help with educational camps and special events.
Experience Required
Education Trainers and interns work in a very fast-paced environment. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to prepare diets that include mice and chick
• Must be able to work as a member of a team and independently
• Must be a self-starter with a positive attitude
• Must be able to positively interact with the public
• Speak fluent English and have US citizenship
• Should be considering a career in the animal care or animal training field
• Must be able to work a minimum of 3 days a week for fall and spring and 5 days a week for the summer
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
All staff is required to pass a PA Child Abuse Investigation and must pass a Criminal Background Investigation in order to work at the National Aviary.
Additionally, we require anyone offered a position to pass the FBI Fingerprinting Background Investigation. . The Education Department has many activities involving children. Currently, the charge for that is $25.75, which is passed on to the intern. We require an original clearance certificate for our files prior to anyone starting an internship with us.
Salary
unpaid/no housing
How to Apply
please forward your resume, cover letter, and reference letter to Christa Gaus at christa.gaus@aviary.org
National Aviary
700 Arch Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-323-7235
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