Safari West · California · posted 43 days ago
Animal Husbandry Intern The mission of Safari West is to actively promote conservation and environmental education while sharing knowledge that empowers each individual to think sustainably about their role in the environment and wildlife conservation. Our research and internship opportunities are one of the ways we make this possible; we are able to advance interest and knowledge in wildlife and assist in creating advocates for the environment. Safari West is able to provide an educational experience that allows students to gain valuable skills and knowledge in a variety of fields. We are happy to be able to open our doors to qualified and passionate students trying to gain the necessary skills for a career in wildlife. Safari West offers a dynamic, educational and innovative internship for students. You will have the opportunity to work in a unique environment with a wide variety of species. Students and recent graduates can apply for any of our varied internship opportunities. We currently offer internships in animal husbandry and animal behavior. Each internship opportunity has been specifically designed to provide the an enriching educational experience. Students interested in these opportunities are encouraged to review the outline and requirements for each program before they inquire. Internship Application Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years of age. All internships are unpaid. Currently, we are unable to offer housing accommodations, therefore housing and transportation are at the cost and responsibility of the intern. The intern must have reliable means to get to Safari West consistently before committing. Completed internships are based off of fulfillment of designated hour and month requirements as well as completion of a final project/paper. Official start and end dates are flexible and will be determined by the applicants’ schedule. Summer internships: June – September; Application deadline – April 1st Please send a completed application (link on website: https://safariwest.com/research-education-conservation/research-and-internships/internships/), resume and short cover letter, highlighting relevant experience, to Erika Defer at edefer@safariwest.com. Not all applicants will be offered an internship position due to the high volume of qualified candidates who apply. We strongly encourage applicants who did not receive an internship position to re-apply. All applicants will be notified of our decision by email or phone. Safari West Animal Husbandry Internship The animal husbandry internship has several strings to choose from with a variety of taxa. Interns will be given the ability to work with African hoofstock, birds, small mammals, primates, carnivores or a mixture of these animals. This program offers the opportunity for students to acquire the knowledge and skills to care for exotic animals and provide progressive welfare in accordance with ZAA regulations. Students will learn the different needs of various animals, understand the process and importance of behavioral training and appreciate the effort that goes into husbandry on a 400-acre facility. Students will develop the fundamental skills needed to look after captive exotics while challenging them to explore, develop and apply ways to enrich the animals’ lives. Academic credit may be available upon request. Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Preparation, distribution and understanding of diets based on species and individual animals • Cleaning of habitats, night houses, bomas (outdoor shelters), pens, barns, and general work areas (vet office, kitchen, storage rooms, etc.) • Safe movement around animals and strong attentiveness at all times • Understanding of proper welfare and record keeping • Construction and implementation of enrichment • General habitat maintenance Internship Requirements • Availability: Completion of 3 months with a consistent schedule of a minimum of 2 days per week (full 8 hour days) – minimum 200 hours • Fitness requirement: Intern must be able to lift/carry/maneuver a minimum of 50lbs as well as to be able to safely and efficiently navigate rough terrain • Collaborative requirement: Intern must be able to work as part of a team, take direction well and be able to interact with employees and guests in a professional manner • Self-motivated: Interns will be guided through the program but must be internally driven; they will be expected, after some time, to understand their daily responsibilities and be able to start their work without relying directly on orders • Completion of Final Project Final Project • During the internship students will be expected to develop a specified project that has been approved by the animal manager and internship coordinator. This project can focus on any aspect that applies to animal husbandry. Students will be expected to write a short paper describing their project results.
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