Butterfly and Insect Pavilion Intern

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium•Omaha, NE

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Butterfly and Insect Pavilion Intern. This position will assist with the daily husbandry and care of all species within the collection. The Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion is a total immersion exhibit that is home to an extensive invertebrate collection. One wing of the building features butterfly and moth species. The other wing is home to spiders, scorpions, walking sticks, mantids, millipedes, roaches, beetles, and a variety of other invertebrates. The building also includes several bird species throughout the building. Additionally, the Butterfly and Insect Pavilion is part of a year around program that focuses on the breeding and care of the endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle that is native to Nebraska.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices.
Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently.
Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo’s mission statement.
Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled.
Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.
Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with insects or at an AZA institution is preferred, but not required.
A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred.
Knowledge of butterfly and insect natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred.
Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to insects.

Responsibilities

Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of the Butterfly and Insect department.
Attend weekly professional development sessions.
Complete learning goals on internship checklist.
Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to: Cleaning, general maintenance, and horticultural upkeep of the exhibits and building.
Daily care of animal collection.
Assistance in minor medical procedures and administering medications.
Recordkeeping.
Animal enrichment.
Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health.
Diet preparation and feeding.
Follow all USDA/APHIS guidelines when working in permitted areas/with permitted species.
Maintain the functions of USDA/APHIS facility including some life support systems.
Other duties may be assigned.
Interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service.
May be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public.