Nutrition Intern

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

1d•$15•Onsite

About The Position

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking an intern for the Nutrition Department. The Nutrition Department at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is comprised of a Nutrition Laboratory, a centralized Animal Commissary, and a Browse Team. Together these areas work to make sure that every animal at the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park is provided with a nutritionally complete diet that encourages engagement in natural feeding behaviors.

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.
Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and may be required to offer proof of a negative skin tuberculosis test.
Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university.
Must submit Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply.
Applications without these materials will not be considered.
Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.
Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview.
Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.
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.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working 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. animal science, biology, nutrition, zoology, horticulture, etc.) is preferred.
Preference given to candidates who have completed at least one nutrition class.
Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies animal nutrition.

Responsibilities

Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of the Nutrition 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:
Work in the Zoo’s centralized commissary each day, learning about zoo commissary operations and food safety protocols.
Assist with diet preparation, cleaning, and other tasks as needed.
Collect feed and/or fecal samples and prepare samples for analysis.
Learn to perform lab analyses and interpret data for procedures including Dry Matter/Organic Matter, Gross Energy, Crude Protein, Crude Fat, Total Dietary Fiber (Soluble/Insoluble).
Assist with maintaining up-to-date records of quality control samples and updating diet records.
Assist with ongoing nutrition research, potentially including intake or digestibility studies, animal observations, data entry, etc.
Interns will have an opportunity to conduct an independent nutrition-related project.
Assist with planting, caring for, and harvesting from zoo browse gardens (summer only).
Learn to reliably identify toxic and approved species of browse (summer only).
Other duties may be assigned.