Herpetology Intern (Unpaid)
About The Position
This unpaid herpetology intern position is geared towards those interested in day-to-day operations that occur within the herpetoculture department at the South Carolina Aquarium. The intern will have the opportunity to learn about and participate in husbandry practices and behavioral management of the South Carolina Aquarium’s native reptile and amphibian collection. The intern will assist staff with all aspects of daily animal care including husbandry, training, and enrichment design. Additionally, opportunities to learn reptile and amphibian handling, operant conditioning, and assist in cooperative projects with other animal care galleries, collect specimens in the field, and more will be available. This internship is intended for candidates with previous animal experience, herps preferred, that would like experience with captive managed reptile and amphibian populations in a formal AZA certified animal care setting.
Requirements
- Previous animal experience, herps preferred.
- College undergraduate or recent post-undergraduate preferred.
- Any major in Natural Science preferred.
- Proficient in the basic use of computers including Microsoft Suite.
- Clear communication skills during the planning, implementation and execution of projects.
- Ability to work independently; demonstrating the ability to be a proactive problem-solver strongly desired.
Nice To Haves
- Prior database experience is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Assist staff with all aspects of daily animal care including husbandry, training, and enrichment design.
- Learn reptile and amphibian handling, operant conditioning, and assist in cooperative projects with other animal care galleries.
- Collect specimens in the field.
- Follow aquarium safety and animal protocols.
- Become familiar with AZA animal care and welfare standards.
- Develop an understanding of species natural history and functional behaviors.
- Understand environmental enrichment using the SPIDER method.
- Understand behavioral training using operant conditioning.
- Understand non-profit organization operations.
- Develop animal care, cleaning, and restraint/capture skills.
- Understand and execute enrichment and training techniques.
- Work on an independent enrichment project.
- Learn and follow proper feeding procedures and techniques in caring for animals, and ensure daily care of animals.
- Be able to recognize signs of disease and understand the purpose of quarantine.
- Professionally represent The South Carolina Aquarium on the floor for visitors from around the world.
Benefits
- College credit may be available through your university
- Professional development workshops
- Ability to earn aquarium tickets and a reciprocity pass to area attractions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
