Organization: Aquarium of the Pacific
(AZA Member)
Location: Long Beach, CA, United States
Job or Internship: Internship
Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific
Program Animal Intern Description
Position Purpose
The purpose of the Program Animal intern position is to give students practical experience in the care and maintenance of program animals and their environments. Program Animals interns will learn the importance of proper husbandry techniques and the responsibilities associated with keeping Program Animals in captive environments. They will utilize basic animal care principles.
The person in this position is responsible for participation in the development and implementation of the Program Animal programs that promote the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and its mission. Primary responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to food preparation, animal husbandry and maintenance, enrichment sessions, exhibit cleaning and organization, record keeping, and occasional special projects. This person will also be responsible for the effective communication between various departments at the Aquarium of the Pacific and with other facilities to insure successful programming.
The successful candidate can expect to receive many things from their internship, including training and experience in the following:
• Exhibit maintenance, both inside and outside of the exhibit
• Food preparation
• Animal Handling and basic training and conditioning
• Feeding techniques for the different types of animals
• Enrichment activities designed for Program Animals
• Observation of animal behavior with an emphasis on normal versus problem-indicative behavior
• Guest interaction and public speaking
• An intuitive feel for the relative priorities of various tasks in a public aquarium environment
• The pride and reputation of having made a contribution to a world-class aquarium institution
• References and connections to future job possibilities at other institutions if their performance warrants it.
What the Aquarium of the Pacific expects from interns:
• The drive and ability to learn tasks quickly and well
• To perform all of their assigned duties promptly and reliably
• To be prompt and on time
• To exercise care and judgment when working with exhibits and animals
• To abide by all Aquarium of the Pacific employee guidelines and policies
• To work hard, not mind getting dirty, and be a team player
• The ability to meet the minimum or greater time commitments of the position
Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
1. Broad knowledge of ecological and biological principles
2. Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs on stairs, platforms, catwalks, etc.
3. Some background knowledge of mammals and reptiles
4. Desire to work in close proximity to all types of animals
5. Willingness to work hard and get dirty
6. Strong communication skills to transmit information to staff, visitors and program participants in a clear and thorough manner
7. Ability to manage multiple tasks
8. Desire to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants
Requirements:
1. Minimum 16 hours per week distributed over at least 15 weeks
2. Must complete general orientation session
3. Must attend continuing education sessions when applicable
4. Junior, Senior or graduate standing at accredited university or college
5. Interest in pursuing a career in animal science
At present we have opportunities for 2 interns. Interns will be under the supervision of a mammalogist or curator and will have the opportunities for interaction with many members of the Husbandry and Facilities Department including departmental head. Successful candidates will be required to schedule their time in such a manner as to function as a team to share responsibilities for these systems and animals.
Candidates will be competitively chosen on the basis of knowledge, abilities, experience, attitude, reliability, punctuality and recommendations.