Zoo Intern

Department: Park Services- Zoo                                                            Intern/Unpaid Position

Position Summary

Interns will gain valuable work experience while working with keepers to help in the daily care and operations of the 160 animals at the zoo including, but not limited to helping in the daily care and operations in the zoo. Daily operations to include diet prep, feeding, cleaning, assisting in husbandry care, light maintenance and construction, animal observations and enrichment. The Zoo Intern performs duties under the direction of the Animal and Park Curator. Internships are completed while the park is open to the public and will also include assisting in educational presentations and special events. During the course of the internship, you will be required to complete 250 hours over the course of 10 to 12 weeks.  You will also be required to complete an animal behavior research project and one final project for the zoo.

*This is an unpaid Summer Internship. Uniform shirts/sweatshirts are provided. No housing is provided.*

Essential Responsibilities

• Assists with daily care of animals.
• Keep accurate records for all animals.
• Provide enrichment for animals.
• Interact with customers and guests in a professional manner. 

• • Complies with all safety and loss prevention policies. 
  • Inform supervisor of any unsafe conditions or hazardous work procedures. 

• Completes all additional duties as prescribed by management.
• Assists other Park District employees when needed.
• Supports DTPD’s Mission Statement, by providing excellent service to the community.
• Completed all additional duties as prescribed by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities – This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Marginal Functions/Responsibilities – Other non-essential duties as assigned.

Communication & Customer Service

• Employee must be able to follow directions and communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
• Employee must have the ability to read and understand materials printed in English.

• Develops and maintains positive and effective working relationship with coworkers and to promote and maintain high morale and enthusiasm.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Communicates matters of importance in a timely manner.

• Makes recommendations to management for improvements and efficiencies.
• Employee must possess good problem-solving skills and have the capacity to act rationally and calmly in high stress and/or emergency situations.
• Must have the ability to develop and maintain positive and effective working relationship with subordinates and to promote and maintain high morale and enthusiasm.
• Employee represents the Dundee Township Park District in a professional manner.

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintains a working knowledge of all general and departmental-specific safety rules.
• Uses material handling equipment or staff assistance when lifting and/or moving objects 50 pounds or heavier.
• Reports any work-related injuries to supervisor promptly.
• Immediately reports all accidents and unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Attends all required safety program and in-service education meetings.
• Corrects unsafe conditions, if possible, alerts co-workers to potential unsafe conditions and/or reports them to supervisor.
• Instructs co-workers, when necessary, on safety procedures or precautions.

Qualifications

Must be a student or a recent graduate of college (within the last two years) of an accredited university pursuing a degree in Zoology or related field. Prefer two years of undergraduate coursework. All necessary requirements must be met with respective college or university to be eligible. A valid driver's license is required. 

Capabilities to include:

• Physical work such as lifting 50 lbs., frequent bending and stopping etc.
• Standing for extended periods of time. 
• Working in an outdoor environment under any weather condition. 
• Ability to use and maintain zoo equipment and tools. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Good physical condition, sufficient strength, and mobility required.
• Mechanical aptitude required, including the use of tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Ability to speak and understand Spanish strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and skills in technology, or the ability to learn.
• Ability to learn additional software and systems required for business transactions.
• Reading, writing, speaking and understanding English language.
• Possess good problem solving skills and has capacity to act rationally and calmly in high stress and/or emergency situations.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including some nights and weekends as required.
• Ability to pay meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to execute the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Hours Standards

This is a Seasonal Internship. Zoo Interns are required to select a set shift for the duration of the internship. Rotating Shifts are 7 a.m. to noon, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Dependent on needs the internship may require evening hours and will include weekends and holiday hours.