Conservation Science and Learning Intern-Brandywine Zoo
Brandywine Zoo is seeking a dynamic and engaging applicant to join our Conservation Science and Learning team! We are searching for a dedicated candidate to fill a 6-month internship. This person will assist with community engagement, education, and field conservation efforts in the Conservation Science and Learning Department at the Brandywine Zoo.
This person will assist with informal and formal education opportunities both on and off site for school programs, family programs, informal guest encounters, and deliver on-grounds experiences and live animal demonstrations or assist with special events. Public speaking and presentation skills are critical to this position, and the candidate should be comfortable presenting to various age and size audiences and working closely with animal ambassadors.
Additionally, this position will support the Zoo’s local conservation efforts both on and off zoo grounds.
They will work with staff to support our Urban Wild project by assisting with logging and inventorying camera trap photos, assist with monarch butterfly larva monitoring at the zoo, and more. This person will learn hands-on field research techniques and assist with research efforts at the zoo as well as spread awareness about this conservation work through engaging with zoo guests. This person should also be willing to assist with various administrative and housekeeping tasks.
This position will occasionally require working weekends, holidays, and evenings. Shifts for this position are usually 8 am – 4 pm, unless there is a special event.
Location Brandywine Zoo – Wilmington, DE
Supervisor Curator of Conservation Science and Learning
Term 6 months Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Qualifications:
- Must be comfortable handling a variety of live animals, including reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and mammals, and knowledgeable about their natural history.
- Applicants must be available full time during this entire internship but should possess (or be working toward) a degree in Biology, Psychology, Anthropology, Animal Science, Pre-Vet, Education, Theater, Wildlife Conservation, or other Biological Sciences.
- Attention to detail is necessary for making observations of animals during animal handling and for field research observations.
- Must have an interest in working with the public and must be comfortable educating guests of all ages.
- Interest in community-based conservation, science education, and conservation field research.
- Ability to be flexible in day-to-day tasks and a positive attitude, as tasks may involve work outdoors in varying weather conditions, administrative tasks, and educating both in schools and on zoo grounds.
- Must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity, and self-responsibility.
Required Skills
- At least 18 years old with valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Provide proof of negative TB Test within the last 12 months before start date
- Good physical condition: able to stand/walk for extended periods of time, kneel, crouch, and able to work in all weather conditions.
- Be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Must be fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication)
Responsibilities
- Delivery of on and off-site conservation based educational programming, in both formal and informal settings, with and without animal ambassadors.
- Animal handling and presenting of a variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and invertebrates while speaking.
- Management of databases and records, registering and tracking program participants, and tracking program animal data, and logging and analyzing data for various conservation projects.
- Assistance with seasonal conservation field work as assigned under supervision such as monarch larva monitoring, acoustic monitor maintenance, logging and identifying photos, and more.
- Ability to follow protocols to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and maintain high levels of animal safety.
- Strong communication skills with department staff and flexibility to complete education and conservation projects as assigned, and ability to work weekend days and flexible hours as schedules dictate.