Asia Zookeeper Internship at the Virginia Zoo

Aza•Norfolk, VA

56d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you interested in gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the zoological field and first-hand knowledge and mentoring from experienced animal care professionals? Come join the Asia team at the Virginia Zoo! We are currently accepting applications for interns in the Animal Services department from motivated individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a zookeeper. Interns will learn all aspects of animal care and management in an AZA-accredited zoological organization. Zookeeper interns at the Virginia Zoo work directly alongside zookeepers, animal managers and veterinary staff as we strive to continuously provide the best possible care for the animals here. Under the guidance of experienced zoo staff, interns have the opportunity to gain experience in many aspects of zoo keeping, including but not limited to: daily animal husbandry, care and nutrition; regular cleaning and maintenance of animal areas and exhibits, as well as an understanding of exhibit set-up and design; direct involvement in our animal enrichment and positive reinforcement training programs; an understanding of animal behavior and experience in behavioral observations and animal welfare/wellness assessments; record keeping; and guest interactions. Interns will gain daily work experience as well as specialized training through a series of instructor-taught classes and skills training sessions. The Asia team works with a wide variety of Asian mammal species including Malayan tigers, moon bears (Asiatic black bears), Bornean and Bornean/Sumatran orangutans, siamang, white-cheeked gibbons, Malayan tapirs, Asian small-clawed otters, red pandas, and binturongs. This team also cares for an avian species in the Asia section, working with the white-naped and sarus cranes.

Requirements

Applicants should either be college graduates, currently in college, or have some college semester credits completed.
Applicants need to be able to commit to the four-month program, with a weekly work schedule of 40 hrs/week.
Must be able to work in a team environment and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.
The intern is frequently required to walk and stand for long periods; reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel or crouch; lift up to 50lbs and talk or hear.
Interns working at the zoo must commit to wearing designated PPE (personal protective equipment) as assigned, such as masks and gloves.

Responsibilities

Daily animal husbandry, care and nutrition
Regular cleaning and maintenance of animal areas and exhibits
Exhibit set-up and design
Direct involvement in animal enrichment and positive reinforcement training programs
Behavioral observations and animal welfare/wellness assessments
Record keeping
Guest interactions