Ambassador Animal Internship – Onsite

Department: Animal Programs

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.

Winter/Spring

Application period: closed

Internship Runs: Sat. January 10 – Orientation

January – April

Summer

Application period: February 1 – February 21

Intern Runs: May – August

Orientation – TBD

Fall

Application period: June 1 – June 21

Internship Runs: September – December

Orientation – TBD

Animal Care Internship – Onsite

Department: Animal Care

To Apply:

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Brianna Crane; [email protected].

Interns work with our aviculturists to learn about husbandry, training, and education as the Animal Collections Department encompasses all of those areas.  We are looking for college students and recent graduates who are interested in the animal care and zoo fields.  This internship is very competitive, and an application does not guarantee an interview. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Daily husbandry – cleaning exhibits, diet feed out, etc.
• Food Prep – diet prep, cleaning dishes, etc.
• Daily Presentations – crowd control, assist aviculturists, lorikeet feedings

Education, Experience and Skills:

• Current college student or recent graduate – biology, zoology, psychology, or other animal care majors preferred
• Self-starter who can work as a team as well as independently
• Considering career in animal care field

Additional Requirements:  

• At least 18 years old
• Lift 50 lbs
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
• Comfortable interacting with the public
• Work at least two days/week (Fall and Winter sessions) or five days/week (Summer session)

Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted directly

Education Programs Internship – Onsite

Department: Education 

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

Horticulture Internship – Onsite

Department: Buildings & Grounds 

To Apply:

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

Description:

Zoological horticulture is a dynamic field at the intersection of plant care, landscape design, animal care, ecology, and conservation. Interns work with our horticulturist to gain hands-on experience in plant identification, plant care and propagation, landscape maintenance, and the essential role of horticulture in zoo operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Daily maintenance – irrigation, weeding, pruning, etc.
• Special projects – planting, transplanting, assisting with hardscape installation, etc.
• Public interaction – answer general questions, short-answer one-on-one education to the public when appropriate, etc.

Education, Experience and Skills:

• Current technical school or college student or recent graduate – horticulture, biology, ecology, or other natural science programs preferred
• Able to work independently as well as in small groups
• Considering a career in the horticultural field

Additional Requirements:  

• At least 18 years old
• Able to use stairs and 6’ ladders
• Able to lift 40 lbs
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
• Comfortable interacting with the public
• Available two days/week, Monday-Friday

Marketing Internship – Hybrid

Department: Marketing

To Apply:

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

Description:

This internship is geared towards students interested in a career in non-profit or cultural attraction marketing and communications. Interns will assist the National Aviary’s Marketing Department with event planning, developing marketing campaigns, digital media, and conducting research. This is a hybrid position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the planning and execution of major marketing events, working with marketing and sales initiatives.
• Conduct research needed for various marketing projects.
• Implement marketing tactics related to publicity, advertising and promotions.
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of press releases, maintain press clip library and statistics.
• Creating social media content, including writing/photography/video birds, animals, special events, guest experiences, etc.
• Consistently update internal and external digital media archives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills:

• College Junior or Senior with a concentration in Marketing, Communications, Business, English, Journalism or Public Relations
• Ability to think innovatively and creatively
• Ability to take initiative
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Detail oriented thinking
• Ability to work independently, quickly, and under pressure
• Marketing and/or Public Relations coursework a plus
• Video editing is a plus

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Proficiency in Microsoft office
• Past or current involvement in an any of the following areas: marketing, communications, event planning, customer/guest services
• Consistent internet access; this internship involves working remotely

Hours, Start Date, Duration:

Flexible within business hours (8 am to 5 pm). A minimum commitment of 20 hours per week is required. The internship will start in the summer at a mutually agreed upon date.

Philanthropy Internship – Hybrid

Department: Philanthropy

To Apply:

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter and resume to Ted Bartlett; [email protected]

Description:

The National Aviary is seeking a current college student, graduate student, or recent college graduate who is interested in serving as an intern and providing a wide range of database, copy writing, research, administrative, and general support to the National Aviary’s Philanthropy Department. In return, the National Aviary will provide a structured program in which the intern has the opportunity to gain experience in and familiarity with areas such as fundraising, philanthropy, special events, membership acquisition and retention, avian conservation issues, and the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit organization with a national and global reach. The Philanthropy intern will report to the Director of Individual Giving and Government Relations, and will collaborate with the Manager of Philanthropy Services, Manager of Institutional Giving, Philanthropy Specialist, and Senior Director of Philanthropy. This position supports the entire philanthropy team. Please note, this is a hybrid position.

Essential Duties  and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist Philanthropy staff with donor communication, including writing correspondence
• Manage projects related to our special events
• Assist with writing grant proposals, appeals, and other copy
• Perform research of potential donors, partners, and sponsors as needed
• Data entry and/or cleaning
• Reach out to potential donors and sponsors to discuss opportunities
• Develop fundraising strategies with the assistance of the Philanthropy team

Qualifications:

• Strong writing and research abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel
• Past or current involvement in any of the following areas: development (yes, fundraising for your scout troop, church, sports teams, marching band, student council, etc. counts), membership, special events, marketing
• Experience with writing for social media is a plus
• Desire to learn more about fundraising and philanthropy
• Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail
• A demonstrated commitment to the National Aviary’s mission and values
• High ethical standards and personal integrity

Additional Requirements

• Preference will be given to students earning credits for their internship
• Job listing is for a part-time, paid internship, with an estimated 20 hours/week
• No housing provided

What to Expect:

• A collaborative environment with some tasks that are tailored to your interests
• Regular check-ins to assess progress and exchange formal feedback
• A fun and unique working environment

Hours, Start Date, Duration:

Flexible within business hours (8:30 am to 5:00 pm). A commitment of 20 hours per week is required. The internship will start in the summer at a mutually agreed upon date and may continue into the fall depending on mutual interests and satisfactory performance.

Teen Volunteer Program Internship – Onsite

Department: Education

To Apply:

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

Description:

The goal of this internship is to provide students valuable experience in the field of youth volunteer coordination. Interns considering a career in classroom-based, informal education, volunteer management or public engagement in AZA organizations will gain valuable experience working with youth volunteers. The Teen Volunteer Program Intern will work under the direct supervision of the National Aviary’s Education Programs team, including the Volunteer Manager and the Curator of Education. This internship focuses on planning and facilitating engaging activities, providing mentorship and guidance to young people within a group setting, fostering a positive and safe environment, and ensuring the well-being of participants while working collaboratively with other volunteers and staff, all while acting as a positive role model for the youth they serve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working with youth volunteers 14-17 years old
• Program planning and implementation
• Mentorship and guidance
• Group facilitation
• Safety and supervision
• Communication and collaboration
• Participate in formal intern workshops

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
• Have a passion for working with youth
• Have strong leadership skills and an ability to create a positive group dynamic
• 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 four days a week, Tuesday through Friday

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 independent