Conservation Intern (Summer)

Part-time - Intern

Phoenix, AZ

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions

About the position

This position is a summer paid internship based at the Phoenix Zoo's Johnson Conservation Center, working with 11 native species from a broad range of taxa, including black-footed ferrets, narrow-headed gartersnakes, pygmy-owls, desert fish, springsnails, and more. The Conservation Intern gains hands-on experience with the Phoenix Zoo's native species conservation programs, including maintaining the safety, health and well-being of assigned animals. This position supports other departmental/institutional efforts including field work, research, and guest outreach.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
• Learn how to conduct routine husbandry by assisting Johnson Conservation Center staff with feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption, observing and reporting any health or behavioral abnormalities, and assisting in handling, restraint and treatment of animals, under appropriate supervision and following Standard Operating Procedures.
• Assist Johnson Conservation Center staff with appropriate field conservation activities as assigned (e.g. transport, surveys, and animal releases). Camp overnight if needed for field conservation activities.
• Assist with Conservation & Science Department research projects as opportunities are available.
• Assist with guest outreach experiences and other communication activities, as appropriate and available.
• Conduct at least one presentation about research, fieldwork, and/or husbandry experiences.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Current enrollment in a four-year degree track in life sciences with a minimum 60 credit hours completed; OR a four-year degree in life sciences completed within the last two years.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation science and applied conservation biology, as well as animal husbandry.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces, repetitively bend and reach for cleaning purposes, and climb ladders.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, often in extreme weather conditions, and hike multiple miles.
• Ability and willingness to camp overnight for multiple days, if needed for field work.
• Ability to work well with others and independently.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug test, and clear a tuberculosis test.

Benefits

• Paid internship at $18.50/hour
• Hands-on experience with native species conservation programs
• Opportunity to assist with field work and research projects
• Experience in guest outreach and communication activities