Animal Behavior Intern
Job Title: Animal Behavior Intern
Department: Animal Care Department
Reports To: Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment Coordinator
Start Date: September 9th, 2020
End Date: No later than December 18th, 2020
Compensation: none
Schedule: 24-32 hours per week
SUMMARY
Work alongside the Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment Coordinator observing, documenting, and evaluating animal behavior, and assisting with the Zoo’s Enrichment and Animal Training programs.
- Develop, conduct, and analyze animal observation research.
- Assist with the JBZoo Enrichment Program, including but not limited to:
- building enrichment,
- researching species appropriate enrichment,
- observing animal interactions with enrichment, and
- evaluating the effectiveness of enrichment offered.
- Observe, record, and discuss animal behavior and training.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be enrolled in a relevant college program.
- Must be proficient in Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc.) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Must be a highly motivated person with the ability to take direction, work independently or in a team, and complete projects in a timely manner.
- Must have excellent communication skills, and the ability to interact positively and appropriately with coworkers, supervisors, managers, and members of the general public with a wide variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Must be willing to work a regular schedule, may include weekends.
REQUIRED SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND/OR SKILLS
- Experience observing animal behavior.
- Experience recording, analyzing, and transforming data.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or GED.
- Junior or senior college status or higher (preferred) pursuing a degree in biology, zoology, zoo management, etc.
- Completed courses in animal behavior, principles of learning, or similar (preferred).
- Experience with ZooMonitor software is a bonus.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
- Increased understanding of animal behavior.
- Increased understanding of Zoo Animal Behavior programs, specifically enrichment and animal training; and how it pertains to animal welfare.
- Increased understanding of animal training and its application in Zoos.
- Experience observing animal behavior, collecting and analyzing data, and using ZooMonitor software.
- Confidence in public speaking / guest relations skills.
EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
- Presentation discussing summary of internship; presented to other interns, senior management, and possibly other staff.
- Expected to attend learning and social events hosted by the zoo.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Intern will work in various environments both inside and outside and may occasionally be exposed to inclement weather, pollen, mold, dust, dirt and other airborne contaminants.
- This position will be a mix of office work (50%) and animal observations (50%)
- Intern will not have any direct contact or interactions with animals.
- Must be able to work in close proximity to exotic and domestic animals. Must be able to tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes, and other zoonotic contaminants.