Animal Care Summer Internship with Palm Beach Zoo managed by FAU School of Environment, Coastal Ocean Sustainability (ECOS)

Summer Internship in Animal Care with Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

** Please note: This is not an on-campus job opportunity. This internship opportunity is with the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Funding for this program is provided through FAU's School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS).

Internship Summary

While working at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, Interns will focus on developing their skills in the care and husbandry of a mixed species populations. Species include exotic mammals, parrots, birds of prey, amphibians, and reptiles. This internship will focus on animal well being and basic husbandry, animal behavior and storytelling. In addition, the interns will learn about animal presentations and interpretation and the importance of delivering a strong conservation message. 

Internship Functions

• Work alongside zoologists and assist with animal diet preparation, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, and habitat cleaning.
• Play supporting roles in animal training and husbandry sessions.
• Develop skills such as: diet preparation, water sampling, commissary clean-up, habitat and husbandry area maintenance, behavioral observations and basic positive reinforcement-based training, environmental enrichment, data recording and data entry.
• Assist team with animal training, handling, and medical procedures; and other duties as assigned.
• Perform daily routine according to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns and reporting protocols.

Minimum Duties & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a positive team-centric attitude.
• Possess a sincere desire to work with both animals and guests.
• Ability to effectively work independently and within a team.
• Must have the ability to follow specific instructions.
• Excellent communication and guest relations skills.
• Must be able to multi-task and have the ability to be flexible, adjusting to a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and needs.
• Under the guidance of WCC leadership, conduct all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards and standards that ensure animal welfare.

Physical Requirements

• Daily contact with a living population of plants and animals in a South Florida climate.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk for a moderate period.
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds on foot or in a zoo vehicle.
• Work near moving machinery.
• Bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing stairs and reaching above shoulders on occasion.

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences preferred.
• Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Please note: Students selected for this internship, must register their internship for 0 credit or academic credit with Florida Atlantic University

Skills and Competencies

• Integrity/Trust — Maintainsocial, ethical, and organizational valuesand norms; buildingtrust and confidence with the staff; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Diversity and Inclusion – Demonstrate behaviors that include fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, and ethical conduct. Foster a climate and culture in which each person is accepted and has the opportunity to grow and develop.Practice behaviors that promote diversity and inclusion in dealings with and on behalf of the Zoo, consistent with laws, regulations, and Zoo policies.
• Guest Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with team members, volunteers, and guests. Actively listen, anticipate, and evaluate the guests’ needs. Ensure that guest satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork — Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals.