Ambassador Animal Internship – Onsite

Animal Programs Department

To Apply:

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Anna Turchick at [email protected].

Description:

Join the National Aviary’s Animal Programs team as an Ambassador Animal Intern. Gain valuable experience in animal care, training, guest engagement, and enrichment.  Our department cares for a variety of species including parrots, birds of prey, and other mixed species who participate in conservation education programs including free-flight shows, classes, outreaches, and up-close Animal Encounters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Care for a variety of Animal Ambassadors
• Maintain habitats
• Prepare diets for various species
• Observe various bird behaviors
• Observe operant conditioning techniques
• Assist with free-flight bird shows
• Create animal enrichment
• Public speaking
• Observe diverse conservation educational experiences
• Participate in formal intern workshops

Education, Experience and Skills:

Animal Ambassador trainers and interns work in a very fast-paced environment. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must:

• Be able to lift 50 pounds
• Prepare diets that include mice and chick
• Work around allergens such as nuts, fish, and latex
• Work as a member of a team and independently
• Be a self-starter with a positive attitude
• Interact positively with the public

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Work a minimum of 3 days a week for fall and spring semesters and 5 days a week for the summer
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
• Must be willing to work 7:30 am – 4 pm

For students who are eligible for work study through their college: Speak with your financial aid or student advisor within your college or university to establish the National Aviary as an approved work study site.

Education Programs Internship – Onsite

Education Department

To Apply:

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Katie Manion, [email protected].

Description: 

The goal of this internship is to provide students valuable experience in the field of informal education. Our work incorporates practices from environmental, conservation, and informal science education. Interns considering a career in classroom-based, informal education, or public engagement in AZA organizations will gain valuable experience on engaging learners of all ages and backgrounds. The Education Programs intern will work under the direct supervision of the National Aviary’s Education Programs team, including the Curator of Education and the Program Specialist. This internship focuses on developing, facilitating, and evaluating a variety of conservation-based programs and experiences, including on-site programs for schools, families, and scouts, educational events, and community outreach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Public speaking
• Conservation education
• Observing diverse educational experiences
• Participate in formal intern workshops
• Assist in development and preparation of educational programming
• Assist with delivery of onsite and outreach educational programs
• Assist in preparation and facilitation of educational events
• Plan and execute a conservation-based educational experience
• Support Animal Programs team through show ushering and AV support

Education, Experience and Skills:

Education programs staff and interns work in a very fast-paced environment. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must:

• Be enthusiastic about engaging with a wide variety of audiences in support of the National Aviary’s mission
• Interact positively with public audiences of all ages
• Work well in a team and independently
• Be a self-starter with a positive attitude

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Availability to work a minimum of three days a week is preferred
• Availability to work weekends is preferred

Veterinary Hospital Internship – Onsite

Veterinary Department

To Apply:

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Jess Lindberg, [email protected]. 

Description: 

The National Aviary’s Veterinary Hospital internship program provides a unique educational experience for pre-veterinary, veterinary, and veterinary technician students. The internship can also be for students interested in avian biology, field research, wildlife rehab, and more. The internship curriculum has 3 components: academic lessons in avian medicine, teaching hands-on skills with patient care, and working directly with the veterinary team in medical procedures. The goals of the internship are to teach interns the knowledge and skills necessary to be eligible for veterinary school or graduate from veterinary technician & veterinary school.

The expectations for the interns are to actively participate in patient care, medical procedures, and medical rounds.  Also, the interns are to study educational materials provided to them.  Each week, the students will document what they have learned, and complete a final project presentation for the veterinary team at the end of the internship session.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Patient care for Special Care Program birds (cleaning, feeding, enrichment, monitoring)
• Observing and assisting veterinary staff with medical procedures
• Independently study cases, behavior, anatomy and protocols including pharmacy, treatments/procedures, lab and surgery with an established curriculum
• Medical rounds with veterinary staff

Education, Experience and Skills:

• Currently enrolled or graduated with degree in Pre-veterinary, Veterinary, Veterinary Technician, Zoology, Wildlife or similar programs.
• Strong interest in birds and avian medicine
• Strong work ethic
• Dedication & desire to learn
• Time management skills
• Communication/Teamwork
• Attention to detail

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to work both as a team and independently