Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Animal Care Internship (Unpaid): Farm, Spring 2023
About Turtle Back Zoo
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo (TBZ) is committed to providing an enriching recreational experience that fosters excellence in wildlife education and wildlife conservation, so that present and future generations are inspired to understand, appreciate, and protect the fragile interdependence of all living things. We do this by adhering to 5 core principles that guide our goals and priorities: safety, animal welfare, communication, inspiration, and collaboration. Our team is passionate, positive, and persistent; we strive each day to protect our planet’s most precious species and the ecosystems they depend on.
Internship Summary
The Turtle Back Zoo Internship program is an opportunity for those looking to gain work experience and make important professional connections at a medium-sized, but growing, regional zoo located in northern New Jersey. Interns will receive training under the supervision of our Animal Care Team in animal husbandry and management. Interns will gain first-hand experience working safely around rare and endangered species. Interns will leave with a basic knowledge of animal natural history, behavior, reproduction, nutrition, and veterinary care. Interns will learn how to apply this knowledge alongside husbandry techniques to improve the quality of life for animals under our care.
Currently, all internships are unpaid; interns are responsible for housing and transportation. All applicants must be current students at an accredited college or university following a course of study that is related to the internship and should have a major in biology or an animal science. All interns will be required to pass a criminal background check prior to being accepted.
The Farm Internship will require a commitment of 12 weeks between March 1 and May 31. The intern’s working schedule will be a mutual decision between the intern and Turtle Back Zoo and will be considered final once agreed upon. The number of hours required weekly will not exceed 40. Adjustments to the schedule may be made if agreed upon by both intern and Turtle Back Zoo. If the intern is applying the experience to a college or university requirement, the intern is responsible for obtaining all necessary approvals from their university. Interns are required to provide proof of a negative TB test and a completed COVID-19 vaccination series including booster prior to their start date. No exceptions will be granted.
Internship Description
Animal Care Internship, Farm Department
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is looking for an enthusiastic, motivated intern to assist with daily farm routines and guest experience areas. Interns will shadow trainers in the husbandry, training, and enrichment of all animals under their care. This position will be responsible for adhering to all zoo safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards and offers a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent college graduates interested in obtaining practical experience in the animal care and training field.
The goal of this internship is to gain an understanding of animal husbandry in a dynamic, real-world atmosphere. We want this to be an exciting, educational internship for individuals looking to start their career in the Animal Care field! Outstanding interns may be offered opportunities to join the Farm Team as a paid employee at the conclusion of the internship.
Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:
- Stall and paddock cleaning and maintenance
- Record keeping
- Public speaking and guest interaction for daily presentations
- Observe training, husbandry, and enrichment sessions
- Propose, research, and prepare a project demonstrating what you learned while working with our animals
- Learn the basics of animal care
- Promote conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
- Support the zoo’s mission of fostering excellence in wildlife education and wildlife conservation
Qualifications
- 18 years of age or older
- Enrolled in or a recent graduate of a four-year college program in biology, animal science, or a related life science
- Applicants should consider themselves hard working, dedicated and reliable
- Applicants should have excellent observation and communication skills
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks daily including lifting 65lbs
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and days closed due to inclement weather
How to apply
- Prepare a cover letter that includes the following elements
- What is your status as a student (name of school, academic level, major)?
- Why do you want to intern with Turtle Back Zoo, how you would be a good fit, and any other special skills or qualities you will bring to TBZ?
- Submit directly to TBZ via email. Put your “name” and “internship application” in the subject line of your email. Email your cover letter and resume to:
Marguerite Hunt
Curator of Education
mhunt@parks.essexcountynj.org
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