Hoofstock Intern

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

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern in the Hoofstock Department. As part of one of the largest animal care departments at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Hoofstock Interns will assist in and learn about the care of large mammals, including Giraffe, Okapi, Sable Antelope, Eastern Bongo, Cheetah, Impala, Plains Zebra, Indian Rhino, White Rhino, Yellow-Backed Duiker, Sichuan Takin, Goral, Pere David Deer, Tufted Deer, and Lesser Kudu. Hoofstock interns participate regularly in guest interactions on a variety of topics, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills with both guests and staff. Interns will work at an efficient pace caring for over 60 large mammals, developing a basis of knowledge on the care and welfare of each species. This position offers very limited direct animal interactions and no participation in animal training. Interns will be provided opportunities to observe animal care staff demonstrate proper animal handling/restraint techniques and operant conditioning training techniques when applicable. Interns are responsible for learning and modelling appropriate behavior around animals at all times.

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.
• A negative TB test is also required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with hoofstock or at an AZA institution is preferred, but not required.
• Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university.
• 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 hoofstock natural history, biology, captive husbandry, and conservation issues preferred.
• Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to hoofstock.

Responsibilities

• Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of animal care staff in the Hoofstock 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 and general maintenance of the exhibits and building.
• Daily care of animal collection.
• Recordkeeping.
• Animal enrichment.
• Monitoring behavior and changes in animal health.
• Diet preparation and feeding.
• Develop a basis of knowledge and care for all animals in the OHDZA Hoofstock collection.
• Engaging the public through Keeper Talks and regular guest interaction.
• At times, interns may be required to work in other areas of the zoo to help complete tasks, such as unloading hay trailers or work crews.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• This position offers very limited direct animal interactions and no participation in animal training.
• Interns will be provided opportunities to observe animal care staff demonstrate proper animal handling/restraint techniques and operant conditioning training techniques when applicable.
• We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit.
• We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.
• Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree