Animal Discoveries Internship

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center; Glen Rose (TX); On-site; USD 4,500 - 5,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Onsite housing

Job summary

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers an Animal Discoveries internship focused on hands-on animal care, guest education, and enrichment activities. Interns assist with daily care, diet prep, enrichment programs, and public interaction under supervision.

The program includes a monthly stipend of $400, free onsite housing, and the chance to engage visitors through talks and biofact tables while gaining practical wildlife experience in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recent graduation with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, conservation biology, or related field.
• Two years of undergraduate coursework in wildlife/science disciplines are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Daily animal care and maintenance for ANIMAL DISCOVERIES.
• Prepare diets and identify plants for animals.
• Develop and present enrichment and training programs.

Skills

Public interaction

Basic computer literacy

Teamwork

Independent work

Patience with public

Willingness to learn

Education

Associate/Bachelor’s degree coursework

Two years wildlife/science study

Job description

Must be 21 years of age at the start of the internship!!

Spring(January-May) deadline is October 1st

Summer(May-August) deadline is March 1st
Fall(August-December) deadline is June 1st

Summary/ Purpose of Position

This position will provide care for the inhabitants of the Animal Discoveries; provide a safe, enjoyable, educational and interactive experience for our guests; and assist in maintaining the aesthetics of the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES. ANIMAL DISCOVERIES interns will also liaise with the Environmental Engagement Department to provide educational opportunities for Fossil Rim’s general guests and groups as applicable. This area provides one of the few opportunities for the public to interact with Fossil Rim Staff. This internship provides a wide variety of experiences working with a variety of goats and sheep, pot-bellied pigs, African spurred and Texas tortoises, non-venomous snakes, psittacines, black-footed cats and various arthropods.

Intern Duties and Responsibilities

The essential responsibilities of the Animal Care Intern: ANIMAL DISCOVERIES includes but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Daily care and maintenance of animals at the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES
• Diet preparation for all animals including proper plant identification
• Construction and presentation of enrichment/ training programs including food, sensory, physical, occupational/ social and browse categories
• Observe and assist as directed with medical care of the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES animals
• Record keeping on all ANIMAL DISCOVERIES animals (Daily Care, Enrichment & Diet logs, medical & behavioral observations)
• Help provide a safe environment for learning and entertainment
• Assist with developing and providing educational programs to guests via exhibit talks and biofact tables. Interns will also receive the opportunity to be tours trained.
• Constant cleaning of the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES with consideration for public aesthetics, health and impression
• Help monitor safety of both people and animals by explaining ANIMAL DISCOVERIES rules to guests and providing friendly reminders as needed. Seek additional help from staff as needed.
• Work closely with volunteers of all ages on animal care, public education and specific projects as appointed by ANIMAL DISCOVERIES staff and Supervisor
• Responsible for overseeing the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES when Supervisor and other ANIMAL DISCOVERIES staff are absent
• Able to lift and carry 50lbs
• Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the workday standing/ walking.
• Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat +100 degrees to extreme cold, below freezing and in wet conditions.
• Willingness to be trained in on using small maintenance equipment such as weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, wood shop saws
• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules and procedures, the company vision, mission and goals. Always seek clarifications from ANIMAL DISCOVERIES staff and Fossil Rim HR where needed.

Desired Qualities, Experience and Educational Skills

• Working towards or recently graduated with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. At least two years of undergraduate college work in wildlife management, conservation biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Previous experience with animal care and public education beneficial but not required
• Basic computer literacy
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Patience with public (especially children)
• Ability to monitor animal/ human interactions

Work Requirements

Regular and dependable attendance is required. Additional time off must be approved by ANIMAL DISCOVERIES Supervisor. Interns usually have a 5-day workweek, often requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays. Irregular scheduling in which days may exceed 8 hours. Interns will typically have weekdays off.

International students must have a J1 or B1 visa before arrival. Fossil Rim will not sponsor or assist with the visa process.

Stipend/Housing

• Stipend of $400/month
• Free onsite housing in a shared living environmentismandatory during your internship.
• Fossil Rim work vehicle to be used only on property when available

If selected, candidate must have a TB test conducted within 30 days prior to arrival for internship.