About the position
The Animal Care Intern position at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in animal care and husbandry. Under the guidance of trained animal care staff, interns will engage in routine work assignments that involve the care of various Zoo & Aquarium animals, as well as the maintenance of their habitats, enclosures, and holding areas. This role is designed to provide hands-on experience in a real-world setting, allowing interns to learn essential skills and knowledge related to animal care and welfare. Interns will be expected to work 40 hours per week from September to December, with the possibility of varying start and end dates based on individual availability and team needs. The position is seasonal, and multiple openings are available across different animal care teams, including aquatics, birds, hoofstock, kangaroos, monkeys, and penguins. Preference will be given to applicants residing in the Kansas City metro area who have not previously participated in a Zoo & Aquarium internship or volunteer program. The role includes a variety of responsibilities, from assisting with daily maintenance of animal habitats to engaging with Zoo & Aquarium guests. Interns will learn to clean habitats, perform minor repairs, assist with animal husbandry activities, and observe animal health and wellbeing. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to interact with visitors, answer questions, and participate in keeper chats and animal shows, fostering a professional team environment.
Responsibilities
- Assists with daily maintenance of habitats and holding areas, including cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas.
- Learning to perform minor repairs and improvements of habitats under supervision.
- Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to the appropriate manager.
- Assisting with lawn care and other horticultural maintenance.
- Assists with the daily care of assigned team's animals, including preparing diets and creating/implementing enrichment activities.
- Learning about the daily observation of animal health and wellbeing.
- Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and staff, including performing or assisting with keeper chats and animal shows.
- Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.
Requirements
- High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
- Completing coursework for a degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred.
- Basic knowledge of animal behavior.
- Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Must have or be able to obtain a negative TB test.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to manage stress and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, employees, or the public.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
- Must pass a background and drug screening.
Benefits
- Starting pay of $14.25/hour
- Hands-on experience in animal care
- Opportunity to work with a variety of animal species
- Learning from trained animal care staff
- Engagement with Zoo & Aquarium guests
