Internships

 

The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2010 summer internships.  The Zoo is seeking dependable, hard working students interested in the field of animal care.  Interns will gain valuable experience working with exotic animals by working with professional zookeepers.  This internship is voluntary and experienced based.  Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern.  Any further inquiries may be sent to lrzoointernships@hotmail.com or call (501) 661-7271.

 

Requirements:

-College student with at least 4 completed semesters, or recent graduate

-Student in good standing, GPA 2.0 or higher

-Capable of lifting 50lbs

-Up-to-date vaccinations, recent physical and negative TB test

-Available to work 32-40 hours per week for 10 consecutive weeks

-Animal experience is preferable, but not required  

 

To apply:

Applicants must submit all of the following documents to be considered

     -resume

     -letter of interest including dates of availability

     -school transcript (can be unofficial)

     -completed application

     -*additional short essay applicable only the to Large Mammal Internship*

 

     To request an application please call (501) 666-2406 or download the application here!

 

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER IN ONE COMPLETE PACKAGE

 

Deadline for Summer 2010 applications is March 15th.  Packages received after that date will not be considered.

 

Mail completed application packages to:

Little Rock Zoo

Attn: Kate Barszczowski

#1 Jonesboro Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

 

APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY

 

Available Internships

 

Carnivore Internship

(2 positions)

Interns work alongside carnivore keepers during their daily routines.  Tasks may include, but are not limited to feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, and public speaking.  Daily tasks include some strenuous activity so candidates must be in good physical condition, able to lift up to 50lbs, and able to apply safe working practices.  Interns will be trained in all carnivore areas; Big Cats, Bears, and Small Carnivores.  Species include Lion, Sloth Bear, Ocelot, Fox, Grizzly Bear, Serval, Tiger, River Otter, Bush dog, Jaguar, Binturong, and many more.  Weekly schedule may vary so interns must be flexible; any possible conflicts must be mentioned prior to the acceptance of the position.

 

Large Mammal

(1 position)

This internship is designed for students seeking a career path in the care of large mammals, specifically Asian Elephants, Giraffe, Black Rhino, and White Rhino.  Interns will be trained and work alongside the large mammal staff.  Interns will have the opportunity to lean about natural history, training, enrichment, medical practices, and general husbandry of large captive mammals.  Due to the physical demands and safety provisions of this area, candidates interested in being considered for this position must also provide a short essay stating examples of good work ethic, working within high performance teams, and working within strict safety parameters.  Successful candidates must have a strong work ethic, a previous understanding of large mammal care and training, and must have completed a previous zoo internship.

 

Birds Internship

(1 position)

A position designed for interns interested in the husbandry of birds.  Interns will work with the bird and education keeper staff learning about training, enrichment, medical treatment, and general husbandry of birds.  The focus of the internship will be birds; however interns will also have the opportunity to work with a variety of small mammals.  Candidates must have a strong work ethic, be self motivated and adaptable, and work well in a team.  Previous knowledge of a variety of bird families is also desired.  Species in these areas include Crowned Crane, Bald Eagle, Saurus Crane, Lorikeet, Spoonbill, and many more.

 

Primates and Great Apes Internship

(2 positions)

Interns will be trained by professional keepers to work in the Great Ape and Primate areas.  Duties include, but are not limited to: feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, observational studies, and visitor interaction.  Tasks may involve heavy lifting, so interns must be in good physical condition and able to lift up to 50lbs.  Suitable candidates must be positive, good workers with well developed observational skills.  Species in these areas include Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Orangutan, Lemur, Spider Monkey, Gibbon, Siamang, Tamarin, and many more.

 

Reptiles and Nursery/Farm Internship

(1 position)

Interns will work alongside professional keepers in the Reptile Department and Nursery/Farm Department.  Interns will be trained to safely handle non-venomous species in the reptile department.  Venomous species will not be handled by any interns; however interns will have the opportunity to learn about the care and handling of venomous animals.  The reptile department is home to over 75 species of snakes, lizards, amphibians, turtles, and many more.  In the Farm/Nursery, interns will learn the care of domestic, minor breed mammals and birds, as well as a variety of non-domestic species.  Interns may also participate in the care of neonatal animals should the need arise.  The farm is home to minor breed chickens, goats, horses, geese and sheep as well as flamingos, prairie dogs, vampire bats, and more.