Animal Well-Being Internship
Please refer to the application for deadlines.
Description
The Animal Well-Being Intern position is an opportunity for college students and recent college graduates, who desire a career in animal well-being/behavioral research, to gain hands-on experience in a zoological setting. This internship will help aspiring animal professionals acquire research experience with a wide variety of species. In addition to assisting with ongoing research projects, students will complete an independent research project. Students will formulate a research question, complete a literature review, and design an ethogram and datasheets for behavioral observations.
The internship is an unpaid position.
Reports to: Animal Welfare Specialist
Specific Duties: Interns may do all or some of the following
- Animal observations and data entry
- Develop an independent project
- Write and present findings from the independent project
- Participate in seminars and lectures on animal care, animal welfare, biology, conservation, and training
- Other duties as assigned
Length and Time Commitment: Interns are assigned on a semester basis and must complete 45 hours of interning per unit to earn college credit; typically, interns earn three credits, so work a total of 135 hours per semester. Intern shift start times and duration are flexible, but must be completed on one or two days Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, in good standing (2.5/4.0 GPA), or recently graduated
- Must be able to record hours in the online Better Impact system
- Have good communication skills both written and verbal
- Able to lift at least 50 pounds and be in good physical condition
- Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions (e.g., temperature lows in the 30s and highs in the 100s; snow, rain, high winds)
- Working in areas with flies, mosquitoes, and other insects
- Ability to work independently
- Follow Reid Park Zoo safety protocol including COVID-19 policies; precautions are taken to minimize and prevent disease transmission
Training: Interns receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures and have a three to four hour training that encompasses safety protocol and procedures, the purpose of zoos, background of AZA and accreditation, animal enrichment, and guest service. Additionally, Interns receive on-the-job training by Animal Care Staff.
Dress Code: Must wear the volunteer shirt (provided by the Zoo), jeans, work pants (yoga and exercise pants or leggings are not allowed), shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), closed-toe and heel shoes with good traction, and name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about the Internship Program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
Please refer to the application for deadlines.
Description
The Animal Care College Intern program at Reid Park Zoo is an opportunity for students interested in a zoo keeper career, or similar field, to work side-by-side with Animal Care Staff, gaining valuable pre-professional, work experience. This position contributes to the success of Reid Park Zoo by training individuals on job skills and practices relevant to a zoo keeping career, focusing on best practices, current standards and sound science, and animal welfare and husbandry.
The internship is an unpaid position.
Students with Senior, Junior, or Sophomore standing may apply.
Reports to: Animal Care Staff
Specific Duties: Interns may do all or some of the following
- Help clean habitats and off-habitat areas
- Assist with routine maintenance
- Make and give enrichment
- Diet preparation and feeding
- Behavioral observations
- Assist with public presentations
- Observe some portion of vet rounds
- Other duties as assigned
Learning Objectives:
- Learn, understand, and perform core tasks
- Understand and maintain high quality and quantity of work
- Know and understand Reid Park Zoo’s and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ missions and how they relate to staff, volunteers, guests, etc.
- Develop an awareness of zoo and aquarium career options
- Learn natural and individual history of Zoo animals
- Articulate conservation messages and actions
- Learn how to write training and enrichment plans and daily reports
- Make detailed observations using ethograms and ZooMonitor software
- Give and evaluate public presentations
Length and Time Commitment: Interns are assigned on a semester basis and must complete 135 hours of interning per semester. Intern shifts are two half days per week during the fall and spring semesters and three half days per week for the summer semester. Shifts start at 7:30am October through May and 6:30am June through September.
Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
- Must be in good standing; 3.0/4.0 GPA for Seniors and Juniors or 3.5/4.0 GPA for Sophomores
- Must be able to record hours in the online Better Impact system
- General knowledge of tool use
- Ability to communicate in a positive manner with staff and other interns and volunteers
- Ability to work independently and in group settings
- Be able to follow instructions and maintain a high quantity and quality of work
- Able to remember routine tasks from one day to the next
- A major in a related field
- Previous exotic animal experience a plus but not required
- Able to be on your feet for several hours at a time with minimal to no break
- Repetitive lifting of 20-40 pounds
- Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions (e.g., temp. lows in the 30s and highs in the 100s; snow, rain, high winds)
- Working in areas with flies, mosquitoes, and other insects
- Follow Reid Park Zoo safety protocol including COVID-19 policies; precautions are taken to minimize and prevent disease transmission
- Must be able to provide proof of a current, negative TB test (at the intern’s expense)
Training: Animal Care Interns receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures and have a three to four hour training that encompasses safety protocol and procedures, the purpose of zoos, background of AZA and accreditation, animal enrichment, and guest service. Additionally, Animal Care Interns receive on-the-job training by Animal Care Staff.
Dress Code: Must wear a volunteer shirt and name tag (both provided by the Zoo), jeans, work pants, or shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam for shorts); yoga, exercise pants, and leggings are not allowed. Must wear closed-toe and heel shoes with good traction. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about the Internship Program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
Applications are currently being accepted for consideration for the Fall 2023 Semester.
Description
The Education & Program Evaluation College Intern program at Reid Park Zoo is an opportunity for students interested in a zoo educator, conservation education career, or similar field, to work side-by-side with Zoo Education Staff, gaining valuable pre-professional, work experience. This position contributes to the success of Reid Park Zoo by training individuals on job skills and practices relevant to zoo education, conservation messaging, focusing on best practices, current standards, and sound science. For the Fall 2023 semester, this internship will focus on facilitating engaging, child-led, unstructured, nature play-based learning opportunities to connect children and their caretakers to nature and animals. This internship does NOT include work with any Zoo habitat animals or animal ambassadors.
The internship is an unpaid position.
Students with Junior or Senior standing will be given priority over other applicants.
Interested individuals should enjoy spending time engaging with children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and their families, and want to learn how zoos provide activities to connect with their community while fulfilling their mission.
Reports to: Education Specialist
Specific Duties: Interns may do all or some of the following
- Facilitate developmentally appropriate nature play-based opportunities for people of all ages and abilities
- Assist in the supervision, safety, and welfare of children and Zoo patrons
- Monitor and evaluate guest engagement in the Zoo’s nature play space
- Appropriately communicate and act as a liaison with Zoo staff and patrons of all ages
- Assist with the upkeep of resources and spaces
- Other duties as assigned and associated with the facilitation of nature play-based activities on behalf of the Zoo
Length and Time Commitment: Interns are assigned on a semester basis and must complete 45 hours of interning per unit to earn college credit; currently the Zoo is requesting interns to obtain 2-3 credits (90-135 hours) for this intern position. Interns will have a set regular schedule that is based on their and Zoo staff’s availabilities.
Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:
- Must be committed to the idea that children create meaningful connections to nature through play and exploration.
- Effectively support the mission and priorities of Reid Park Zoo.
- Ability to stand, sit, squat, crouch, kneel, crawl, walk, and be close to the ground for long periods.
- Ability to work indoors and in outdoor weather conditions (e.g., temperature lows in the 30s and highs in the 100s; in full sun).
- Working in areas where flies, mosquitoes, and other insects may be present.
- Working and being on uneven surfaces/substrates including, grass, dirt, rocks, mulch, mud, sand, inclines/declines, etc.
- Ability to lift 45 pounds.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Ability to pass a background check upon selection (applicants 18 and older only.)
- Must be comfortable with using a computer database to log and track hours and shifts.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
- Exhibit a high level of comfort speaking with the guests, staff, and other volunteers regardless of their ages, personalities, backgrounds, etc.
- Exhibit excellent customer service.
- Ability to take direction and work either independently or in groups.
- Adhere to all policies described in the Reid Park Zoo’s Volunteer Handbook.
- Must be flexible, patient, positive, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.
Other considerations – Interest or abilities in the following:
- Environmental Education
- Early Childhood Development and Education
- Conservation Psychology and Education
- Informal Education
- Inclusion and ADA accessibility
- Fluency in more than one language is a plus
Qualifications and physical demands are not meant to deter interested and enthusiastic individuals. If you require reasonable accommodations, please reach out to see if this position is a good fit for you.
Training: Education Interns receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures and have a four-hour training that encompasses safety protocol and procedures, the purpose of zoos, background of AZA and accreditation, animal enrichment, and guest service. Additionally, Education Interns receive on-the-job training by Education Staff relating to Nature Play and how it connects to the Zoo’s mission and education and conservation goals.
Dress Code: Must wear either the volunteer shirt (provided by the Zoo) or a polo shirt, khaki pants, shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), or skirt (no more than two inches above the knee), closed-toe and heel shoes with good traction, and name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about the Internship Program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
Applications for the Fall 2024 Volunteer Docent class will be available in January 2024.
Purpose
Docents are volunteer educators who work on Zoo grounds with guests of all ages, helping them to connect with wildlife and to learn about the Zoo while encouraging a commitment to the conservation of biological diversity. Docents interpret the animal population, information and artifact stations, and ambassador animals for Zoo guests. Additionally, they assist guests on grounds and help with special events.
Reports to: Volunteer Program Supervisor and Coordinator
Learning Outcomes:
- Become experienced in connecting people and animals to educate Zoo guests on a variety of animal, conservation, and environmental topics.
- Develop skills to interact with guests of all ages in a fun and educational way.
- Participate in special events and activities to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
- Advance your training to learn how to handle the ambassador animals for presentations (after six months of active status and additional training).
- After your first year of volunteering, share your knowledge and passion for Reid Park Zoo by becoming a Docent Mentor (optional).
- Learn about conservation projects around the world and help raise money to protect wild animals and wild places.
Length and Time Commitment: Docents are required to volunteer a minimum of 100 hours each year on Zoo grounds and commit to volunteer for a minimum of one year. Docents must complete and additional 20 hours of continuing education each year.
Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Enjoy interacting with diverse age groups
- Willing to learn and develop new skills
- Passionate about spreading Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places
- Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
- Able to follow the Zoo’s policies, including safety protocol
Training: Docent training takes place once a year and consists of an orientation, shadowing Docent Mentors (June-July), and a 12-session training class on Saturdays and Sundays in August and September. On the last day of class, all volunteers are required to pass a written exam and interpret an animal artifact station for Zoo guests. Volunteer training covers topics such as conservation, species-specific natural history, interpretation techniques, Reid Park Zoo operations, safety procedures, and customer service and experience. Docent volunteers receive a name tag and the Docent Handbook that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols. A $50 training fee is due on the first day of class to cover training materials.
Dress Code: Docents must wear a red or white polo shirt, khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (shorts and skirt must be fingertip length), closed-toe and heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended. Uniforms are not provided by the Zoo and must be purchased by the volunteer.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Applications for the 2024 class will be available in January 2024.
Purpose
Zoo Crew volunteers are teen educators who work on Zoo grounds with guests of all ages, helping them create inspiring memories and form connections between wild animals and wild places. As a Zoo Crew volunteer, teens increase and share their knowledge of animals, conservation, and the environment while gaining valuable volunteer experience in a Zoo setting.
Reports to: Volunteer Program Coordinator
Learning Outcomes:
- Become an expert on connecting people and animals to educate Zoo guests on a variety of animal, conservation, and environmental topics.
- Develop skills to interact with guests of all ages in a fun and educational way.
- Participate in special events and activities to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
- Progress to higher levels of the Zoo Crew and gain opportunities to mentor your peers and how to handle the ambassador animals for presentations.
- Learn about conservation projects around the world and help raise money to protect wild animals and wild places.
Length and Time Commitment: Zoo Crew volunteers must complete six hours of volunteering every month and assist with at least one special event per one-year period. After one year, Zoo Crew volunteers must be invited back to continue in the program.
Requirements:
- Must be between entering 9th grade through entering 12th grade
- Enjoy interacting with diverse age groups
- Willing to learn and develop new skills
- Passionate about spreading Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places
- Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
Training: Zoo Crew training takes place once a year and teens are required to attend all four days of class. On the last day of class, all volunteers are required to pass an exam and interpret an animal artifact station for staff. Volunteer training covers topics such as conservation, species-specific natural history, interpretation techniques, Reid Park Zoo operations, safety procedures, and customer service and experience. Zoo Crew volunteers also receive the Zoo Crew Handbook that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols. A $50 training fee is due on the first day of class.
Dress Code: Zoo Crew volunteers must wear the assigned teal or lavender Zoo Crew t-shirt, khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (shorts and skirt must be fingertip length), closed-toe and heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Applications for the January 2024 training will be available September 2023.
Purpose
The Community Engagement volunteer program is for children between the ages of 11 and 13 years looking to volunteer with a parent/guardian and individuals who are interested in volunteering with a job coach present. Volunteers will learn about the animals and habitats, gain and improve social skills, and assist the Zoo by educating guests about wild animals and wild places.
Reports to: Volunteer Program Coordinator
Learning Outcomes:
- Become an expert on connecting people and animals to educate Zoo guests on a variety of animal, conservation, and environmental topics.
- Develop skills to interact with guests of all ages in a fun and educational way.
- Participate in special events and activities to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
- Learn about conservation projects around the world to encourage guests to protect wild animals and wild places.
Length and Time Commitment: Community Engagement volunteers must volunteer for three hours every month, and complete five continuing education units during their six-month commitment. After six months Community Engagement volunteers must be invited back to continue in the program.
Requirements:
- Adults must be at least 18 years of age and children at least 11 years of age
- Both the volunteer and accompanying adult must attend the training
- Enjoy interacting with diverse age groups
- Willing to learn and develop new skills
- Passionate about spreading Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places
- Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
Training: Community Engagement training takes place twice a year over a two-day period and both the volunteer and accompanying adult are required to attend the training. Volunteer training covers topics such as conservation, interpretation techniques, Reid Park Zoo operations, safety procedures, and customer service and experience. Community Engagement volunteers also receive the Community Engagement Handbook that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols. After the training, Community Engagement volunteers are required to be evaluated interpreting an animal artifact station twice by Volunteer Department Staff before interacting with guests on their own. A $45 training fee is due on the first day of class.
Dress Code: Community Engagement volunteers must wear the assigned Community Engagement t-shirt, khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (shorts and skirt must be fingertip length), closed-toe and heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended. Accompanying adults must either wear Zoo uniform listed above or wear business casual attire.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org.
All volunteer spots are currently filled for this position.
Purpose
The Guest Service Support Volunteer position at Reid Park Zoo serves to help Guest Service Staff create inspiring memories for all by providing an excellent guest experience. This volunteer position is a great opportunity to develop or enhance customer service skills.
Reports to: Guest Service Supervisor on Duty
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain knowledge about the different activities of the Zoo such as admission cost, train, carousel, and giraffe feed to help answer guest questions.
- Develop skills to interact with guests of all ages in a welcoming, fun, and educational way.
- Participate in special events to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
- Progress your volunteer training by learning how to enter data, scan tickets, and answer phones if desired.
- Learn about conservation projects around the world to encourage guests to protect wild animals and wild places.
Length and Time Commitment: Guest Service Support Volunteers are required to commit to volunteer for a minimum of three months. Volunteers must be invited back after the three-month period to continue volunteering.
Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Able to work outdoors
- Enjoy interacting with diverse age groups
- Willing to learn and develop new skills
- Passionate about spreading Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places
- Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
Training: Guest Service Support volunteers must complete the Better Impact eLearning modules on Reid Park Zoo safety policies and procedures prior to their first shift, and will receive on-the-job training appropriate to their assignment.
Dress Code: Guest Service Support volunteers must wear the assigned Reid Park Zoo volunteer t-shirt, khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (shorts and skirt must be fingertip length), closed-toe and heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Applications are currently being accepted for this volunteer position.
Purpose
The Grounds Volunteer position provides support for Grounds Staff in creating clean and safe Zoo grounds in public and behind-the-scenes areas. Zoo grounds is the first and last impression guests have when visiting the Zoo, and volunteer efforts in maintaining a clean appearance is essential in creating an exceptional experience.
Reports to: Grounds Supervisor
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain knowledge about the different plants safe for animal use and assist with delivering large quantities of browse and other plant material to habitats.
- Increase your knowledge of landscaping and horticulture by assisting with trimming, raking, tilling, mulching, planting, and weeding.
- Learn about the different ways to responsibly dispose of various materials and how the Zoo minimizes its waste.
Length and Time Commitment: Grounds Volunteers do not have an hour or time requirement, but must have availability Monday – Sunday between 6 am and 11 am.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Able to work outdoors
- Able to walk and stand for long periods of time
- Able to lift and bend repeatedly
- General knowledge of tools is recommended
- Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
Training: Grounds Volunteers must complete the Better Impact eLearning modules on Reid Park Zoo safety policies and procedures prior to their first shift, and will receive on-the-job training appropriate to their assignment.
Dress Code: Grounds Volunteers must wear the assigned Reid Park Zoo volunteer t-shirt, jeans, work pants, or shorts (must be fingertip length), closed-toe and heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
All volunteer spots are currently filled for this position.
Description
Animal Care Volunteers work side-by-side with a zoo keeper and other volunteers and, at times, independently to help create a clean, safe, and enriching habitat for our goat herd. Volunteers are responsible for learning what a safe and clean habitat looks like and how to maintain it. Cleaning will happen around the goats, and volunteers learn how to safely clean around the animals. Volunteers will also learn to look for signs of goat wellness (observing animals themselves, food consumption, fecal output, water consumption, etc.). Volunteers will have opportunities to interact with goats and help maintain good goat manners. Volunteers will assist with feeding and providing enrichment for the goats, and may assist keepers with goat training.
The Animal Care Volunteer position at Reid Park Zoo serves to help Animal Care Staff with daily cleaning and maintenance of night houses and habitats. Volunteers may work side-by-side with Animal Care Staff and volunteers or work independently. Cleaning and physical labor are the main functions of this volunteer position, however, volunteers have the opportunity to participate in many aspects of animal care.
Reports to: Animal Care Staff assigned to the area
Specific Duties: Volunteers may do all or some of the following
- Help clean habitats and night houses
- Assist with routine maintenance
- Diet preparation and feeding, including browse
- Animal socialization, i.e., brushing
- Behavioral observations
- Assist with public presentations/interactions, e.g., goat brushing
- Tool cleaning
- Duties as assigned
Length and Time Commitment: Goat Area Volunteers are assigned to the area for a minimum of six months and must commit to volunteering one shift per week with no more than two absences during the six-month period. After six months, the volunteer may be released from volunteer duty, be reappointed for another six months, or assigned to another area. Shifts are 2-5 hours, starting at 7:30am October through May and 6:30am June through September.
Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Commit to a 6-month time period with no more than 2 absences
- Must be able to record hours in the Better Impact system
- Dependable; must be able to arrive on time and ready to work
- General knowledge of tool use
- Ability to communicate in a positive manner with Animal Care Staff and other volunteers
- Be able to follow instructions and maintain a high quantity and quality of work throughout the six month period
- Able to remember routine tasks from one day to the next
- Previous experience with domestic and exotic animals a plus, but not required
- Capable of lifting 20-40 pounds repetitively
- Able to be on your feet for several hours at a time with minimal to no breaks
- Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions (e.g., temp. lows in the 30s and highs in the 100s; snow, rain, high winds)
- Working in areas with flies, mosquitoes, and other insects
- Precautions are taken to minimize and prevent disease transmission.
Training: Animal Care Volunteers complete e-learning modules, receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures, and receive on-the-job training by Animal Care Staff. Preliminarily accepted Animal Care Volunteers are assigned one or two trial days during which the Animal Care Staff evaluate the potential volunteer and the volunteer gets a realistic idea of the program requirements. The Animal Care Staff then either recommends or declines the applicant and if offered a volunteer position, the potential volunteer may accept or decline. If accepted as a volunteer, benchmarking standards during the first three weeks of the appointment must be met to continue as a volunteer in the animal area. Standards include, but are not limited to, quantity and quality of work, proper use and location of tools, knowledge and understanding of core tasks, attitude and dependability, and observance of safety protocols and policies.
Dress Code: Must wear the volunteer shirt and name tag (provided by the Zoo), jeans, work pants (yoga and exercise pants or leggings are not allowed), shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), and closed-toe and heel shoes with good traction. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
