Internship

Do you belong in a Zoo?

Looking for more than just a Normal Volunteer Experience?

The Washington Park Zoo is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic interns to work alongside Zoo Staff. Keeper interns are involved in various aspects of animal care, including daily husbandry, diet preparation and delivery, exhibit maintenance, behavioural enrichment preparation, animal observations, operant conditioning, and informal educational interactions with Zoo guests.

If you would like more information, please swing by the Gift Shop / Main Office or call 873 -1510.

Animal Care Internships

Internship candidates must have completed one year of college and be working towards a degree in biology, zoology, animal behaviour, or any other related field. Candidates must have excellent communication skills, observation skills, and have the ability to work in a team environment. They must be reliable, trustworthy, and be able to follow oral and/or written instructions. Zoo keeping is a physically demanding profession, and interns are subjected to a variety of physical and environmental challenges. Interns may be required to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Tasks are occasionally strenuous and interns must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

Washington Park Zoo’s Internship Program

The purposes of Zoo’s Intern Program are:

1. to provide practical, on-the-job experience;
2. to provide exposure to zoo operations and zoo careers; and
3. to demonstrate the unique advantages of zoos as a supplement to more conventional learning programs.

The goal of interns in this program will be to learn and successfully perform (under supervision) the duties and responsibilities of a full-time employee in the assigned area. Interns are supervised and instructed by full-time zoo employees.

They will complete such readings and written assignments as may be required by the department to which they have been assigned. Schedule will be agreed upon in advance.

The internship term is 12 weeks with a minimum of 16 hours per week or 4 weeks with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Interns will work on a rotating schedule, which may include some weekends and holidays.

Interns may arrange for course credit with their school advisor.

Interns will receive no monetary compensation during their internship, unless sponsored thru the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana program. Interns can be dismissed for unacceptable performance of duties/responsibilities and/or for non-compliance with Washington Park Zoo regulations and procedures.

Requirements for Application

1. All applicants must be minimum of 18 years of age.
2. All applicants must have an overall “C” grade point average
3. All applicants if accepted must submit written results of a negative tuberculosis test.
4. Applicant must have the ability to stand, stoop, bend, reach, climb and to lift up to 50 pounds.

Only completed application packets will be considered. A complete packet includes the following:

1. A standard application form
2. A letter from the applicant detailing what he/she hopes to gain from the program, and how the internship relates to past experience, future plans, career goals.
3. A resume including work and/or military experience.
4. Two letters of recommendation from professionals evaluating the applicant’s aptitude, preparation, and suitability to the program.

These requirements are to be collected by the applicant and sent as a complete packet to:

Complete application packets for internships must be received one month prior to start of internship. For further information, please contact us at (219) 873-1510  or email jleblanc@washingtonparkzoo.com.

** INTERNSHIP APPLICATION

www.washingtonparkzoo.com

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