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Animal Care Internship

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Overview
This internship aims to provide those pursuing degrees in the natural sciences with the opportunity to get hands-on experience in primarily animal care/husbandry, but environmental education as well. Interns will be interacting with non-releasable animals and the public daily. Interns will also complete assigned projects and participate in public educational programs. This is an unpaid position.
What's in it for you?
Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience: Gain practical, hands-on experience in the fields of animal husbandry, environmental education, and conservation

  • Professional Development: Work closely with professionals and expand your skills and knowledge in biology, education, animal care, and more.

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and experts in the industry, creating valuable connections.

  • FUN: Get to be part of an awesome team and learn lots!

  • Currently enrolled in a college or university program in biology, environmental science, zoology, or other related fields.

  • Passion for wildlife conservation and environmental education

  • Comfortable around animals such as reptiles, amphibians, raptors, and others.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Be able to work outside in extreme weather conditions (hot, humid, rain)

  • Must be able to climb stairs, lift 40 lbs.

  • Comfortable speaking in front of groups and doing public presentations, or at least willing to learn

  • Weekend hours may be required

  • Must be comfortable working with people of all ages, including special needs groups

  • Computer literacy including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office

  • Must maintain a positive and outgoing demeanor

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Responsibilities
(Including but not limited to)

  • Assist in animal husbandry (day-to-day care), including daily cleaning for reptiles, amphibians, raptors, and others.

  • Assist in more advanced cleaning and animal care.

  • Assist in preparing diets for animal ambassadors.

  • Participate in providing enrichment for all species as set forth by the permit holder.

  • Participate in daily record keeping responsibilities.

  • Monitors and examines animals for any signs or symptoms of distress, illness, and/or injury and reports any issues to the permit holder or intern supervisor.

  • Present indoor and outdoor environmental education interpretive programs, workshops, field trips, and outreach utilizing live animal ambassadors and biofacts, as assigned.

  • Complete projects related to animal care agreed upon by internship coordinator and permit holder.

  • Maintain cleanliness of the Nature Center as needed

  • Assist in the facilitation of special events/fundraisers at the facilities as needed

Internship type: Full time

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Schedule: 

  • 8 hour shifts

  • Holidays

  • Weekend availability ideal

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Location:

​Fort Myers, FL: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting internship.

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All interns will be subject to a background check

muddy!
Interested?
Apply below!
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is an equal opportunity employer
 We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.
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