Animals and Habitats Intern

Animals and Habitats Intern

Internship Description: The Animals & Habitats Intern will assist the Animals and Habitats team with the care and maintenance of a variety of plants and animals, including ~70 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates (most native to Pennsylvania) and 25-35 species of plants. Intern will educate visitors about local, national, and international conservation while highlighting our animal ambassadors.

Responsibilities:

• Routine care of our holding aquariums and habitats for a collection of animals.
• Food preparation and cleaning of animal habitats using proper husbandry techniques.
• Maintenance of aquarium physical and biological components.
• Assist staff with various tasks associated with keeping non-venomous snakes, frogs, turtles, lizards, salamanders, freshwater fish, invertebrates, and plants.
• Record daily animal and plant observations and tasks performed.
• Interact with the public presenting informal animal information through demonstrations.
• Assist visitors by answering general questions about the Kamin Science Center.
• Complete a project that will benefit either our visitors or staff (decided by the intern in their area of interest that is approved by the supervisors).
• Opportunity to engage with alternative agriculture including fertilizer concentration testing, plant maintenance and general botany.

Skills Required:

• Able to follow explicit directions, and detail oriented.
• Reliable and punctual. Able to prioritize and multi-task.
• Willingness to learn new information and tasks associated with it.
• Able to interact with visitors and staff in a positive manner while being sensitive to animal needs.
• Able to work on a project independently with materials provided including the internet.
• Utilize computer skills with programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Comfortable handling live animals. 
• Capable of working in a team environment but has the ability to work independently.

Skills to be Learned:

• Gain working knowledge of a variety of plants and animals
• Hands-on education with learners of all ages

Parameters:

• Intern will not be required to administer veterinary care to the animals, though they can observe procedures.
• Per Pennsylvania law, Animals and Habitats interns may be required to obtain a state fishing license in order to present with animals on the museum floor. Any license fees are the responsibility of the intern.
• Able to climb stairs and ladders; can bend, kneel, and lift up to 50lbs. (Accommodations are available)

Training Methods:

• Training follows a progression from observation to guided participation to working independently under the supervision of Animals and Habitats staff.

Time Frame:

• 120 hours during the semester or summer

Clearances

• Upon acceptance into the program, all interns are required to provide and pay for background checks and clearances. Act 33 and 34 Clearances are free for interns.
• Interns who have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 10 years must have their Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) and Criminal Record Check Clearance (Act 34). 
• Interns who have lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 years must have their Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) and Criminal Record Check Clearance (Act 34) plus an FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Act 114).     

To Apply: Submit an Internship Application Form at https://form.jotform.com/260356069035153 and upload your letter of intent, resume, a letter of reference from either an academic advisor or professor.