Reports to/Department: Under the supervision of the Assistant Curator, reports to Commissary Keeper or other assigned Animal Care staff members.

Position Description:
Brandywine Zoo is seeking a dynamic and engaging person to join our animal care team! We are searching for a dedicated candidate to fill a minimum of a 3 month internship. This is a part time, 24-hour a week intern position. This person will serve as an assistant to our Animal Commissary Keeper of the Brandywine Zoo, preparing animal diets, maintaining stock and supplies of produce, grains, meats, fish and whole frozen prey as well as managing feeder insect colonies. Interns will also assist with commissary cleaning and organization.

Interns in this position will work solely in the animal commissary with little to no animal interaction. Shadow opportunities with zookeepers and veterinary staff may be scheduled as time allows.

Responsibilities:

  • Read posted diet sheets, prepare diets for animal collection, including cutting produce, weighing items, cutting raw meat and frozen prey items, cooking vegetables and eggs, and other items as instructed
  • Restocking items as needed, including 50 pound feed bags, boxes of canned goods
  • Cleaning commissary including wiping down walk in refrigerator/freezers, counters, floors, shelves, and other tasks as assigned
  • Cleaning all dishes, buckets, utensil
  • Organizing all outgoing diets and delivering to animal areas for animal keepers to distribute
  • Preparing food related enrichment for animal collection as instructed
  • Maintaining USDA and AZA standards of food preparation and storage
  • Performing assigned Zoo Commissary tours and presentations

Qualifications:

  • Applicants must be working toward or already have a degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, Pre-Vet, Zoology, Wildlife Conservation, or other related degrees.
  • Applicants must have a strong interest in pursuing a professional career in zoo animal management.
  • Applicants must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to listen to instruction, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity and self-responsibility.
  • Applicants must work well as part of a team as well as independently.
  • Applicants must have clear communication skills both written and verbal
  • Applicants must be comfortable with public speaking to small groups of guests and zoo camps.

This Opportunity is GOOD for People Who are:

  • Interested in zoo animal management and nutritionAble to follow guidelines for safety and sanitation
  • Comfortable with public speaking

Intern Requirements:

  • At least 18 years old with valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Provide proof of negative TB Test within the last 12 months before start date
  • Good physical condition: able to stand/walk for extended periods of time, kneel, crouch, and able to work in all weather conditions. Majority of work will be indoors
  • Willing to work with knives, microwave, cleaning solutions
  • Willing to work with a variety of animal food products, including but not limited to: – produce, nuts, raw meat, live feeder insects, frozen prey food items (mice, rats, chickens, rabbits etc.)
  • Be able to lift 25-50 pounds with little to no assistance
  • Must be fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication)
  • Overall GPA must be 2.5 or higher
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Able and willing to read and follow verbal and written work instructions and work independently
  • Willing to assist with administrative, customer relations, and housekeeping tasks and possibly animal care
  • Able to commit to upholding all Zoo safety and personnel policies, and support the overall mission
  • Able to professionally represent the Brandywine Zoo in all interactions with visitors, staff, and other members of the community.

Training: Training will include animal diet preparation and various online modules in the San Diego Zoo Global Academy.

Required Time Commitment: Minimum 12 weeks

Shift Times: 8am-4pm (some minimal flexibility available)

Scheduling: 3 day/week minimum. Based on availability and agreed upon scheduled with Animal Curator and Animal Care Department.

Benefits: Interns receive free admission to all Delaware State Parks and the opportunity to attend most programs and activities at no fee

Stipend: This is an unpaid internship.

Housing: Housing is not available for this position

To Apply: All volunteers must complete the DE State Parks Volunteer Application. Volunteers must also complete and pass a background check administered by DE State Parks. For more information, please visit https://destateparks.com/Volunteer.

Questions: Email danielle.levredge@state.de.us.

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