Wildlife Ambassador Enrichment Internship - Unpaid

Stark Parks • Massillon, OH

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The Stark County Park District is seeking unpaid, part-time Wildlife Ambassador Enrichment interns to further their education in animal enrichment and experience at our Wildlife Conservation Center. This internship is ideal for individuals passionate about wildlife, both large and small, who wish to gain hands-on experience in animal care. Interns will gain a working knowledge of Ohio's native wildlife, human/wildlife conflicts, non-lethal solutions, and relevant state and federal regulations governing wildlife rehabilitation. Under close supervision, interns will participate in the care of education animals, including cleaning, preparing diets, and providing enrichment. They will also learn species-specific daily enrichment practices for education and some rehabilitation animals, focusing on diets, caging criteria, handling techniques, toys, programming, and data collection. Students may also be asked to assist with general duties such as laundry, dishes, and equipment cleaning. A key component of the internship is the creation and completion of a project featuring a novel enrichment item, with findings to be displayed on the park district's website and/or Facebook page. The role also provides opportunities to develop customer service, communication, listening, and leadership skills through public interactions. Interns should expect moderate to frequent exposure to insects, poisonous vegetation, zoonotic diseases, and varying weather conditions throughout the year.

Requirements

• Must currently be actively working on a degree in field of biology, pre-vet, zoology, conservation, or equivalent field(s).
• Lower or upper-class students encouraged to apply.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• GPA of 3.00 or higher preferred.
• Interest in animal enrichment research required.
• Ability to work a pre-determined hours and days of the week and a varied schedule including weekends is required.

Nice To Haves

• Some (3-6 months minimum) wildlife rehabilitation, or veterinary experience, or related field preferred.
• Ohio state certification in Wildlife Rehabilitation I preferred, not required.

Responsibilities

• Gain a working knowledge of Ohio's native wildlife, human/wildlife conflicts, non-lethal solutions, and state and federal regulations governing wildlife rehabilitation.
• With close supervision, care for education animals (cleaning, diets, and enrichments).
• Learn species-specific daily enrichment practices for education animals and some rehabilitation animals through diets, caging criteria, handling techniques, toys, programming, data collection and entry.
• Help with basic general duties as needed such as laundry, dishes, cage cleaning, equipment cleaning.
• Create and complete a project featuring a novel enrichment item and any findings from their enrichment item, to be displayed on the website and/or Facebook.
• Gain valuable customer service, communication, listening and leadership skills through customer interactions.

What This Job Offers

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