Wildlife Intern (paid)
Title: Wildlife Intern (paid)
Division: Wildlife
Classification: Seasonal Hourly, Full time nonexempt May 16 - September 6
Reports To: Curator of Wildlife/Senior Wildlife Specialist
Supervises: N/A
Salary: $20.00 Hr.
Job Summary – Wildlife Intern
We are seeking three people interested in a career working with wildlife to support the Wildlife Team in caring for a diverse collection of animals and delivering seasonal summer programs to museum audiences. Wildlife Interns gain hands-on experience with the biology, husbandry and handling of animals in human care while simultaneously learning to deliver engaging and effective interpretive programs with an emphasis on wildlife conservation. Interns may work with Museum staff and college/university advisors to ensure their experience meets requirements for any applicable college coursework, if necessary.
Importantly, we recognize and honor that the qualifications required to excel in this position can come from a range of both professional and lived experiences. Below we describe what we believe to be important qualifications for a candidate to have while remaining open to the diversity of experiences that can lead to these skill sets. Position descriptions are often presented in a way that leaves qualified candidates feeling unwelcome, intimidated, uncomfortable and/or unqualified to apply. Recognizing that, we strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.
Qualifications
· One year or more of college coursework in a biological science and/or 6 months of practical experience in animal care, OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
· Strong interest in zoo, museum, biology, veterinary or another career working with wildlife.
· Interest in interpreting wildlife biology, natural history and conservation for the public, and developing strong presentation techniques.
· Enthusiasm for and willingness to engage in public speaking opportunities.
· Basic understanding of animal training and operant conditioning
· Interest in working in a positive and supportive team environment.
· Ability to perform physical tasks including, but not limited to, lifting 50 pounds, carrying, stooping, bending, extensive walking, crawling, or climbing and withstand working outside in the extreme weather conditions typical of Central Oregon.
· Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, some evenings, early mornings, and occasional overtime.
Responsibilities and Tasks
1. Conducts daily husbandry tasks, which may include but is not limited to, diet preparation (including the processing of whole animal diets), cleaning, scooping, hosing, scrubbing, sweeping, raking, etc.
2. Performs general maintenance and upkeep of animal habitats, service areas and Museum grounds.
3. Quickly learns to independently deliver scheduled interpretive talks to public audiences and assists in presentation of animal encounters and programs several times each day.
4. Engages with Museum visitors by answering questions, helping as necessary and providing casual interpretation of exhibit and program animals.
5. Handles animals after appropriate training, utilizing techniques and standards outlined by Museum policies.
6. Conducts data entry for daily animal records keeping.
7. Observes/assists as necessary with veterinary procedures, animal training sessions and other aspects of animal care.
8. Complies with all Museum policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
9. Embraces, supports, and helps implement the Museum’s continued learning and commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
10. In coordination with the Communications Team, represent the Museum as needed in a variety of mediums, including social media, print, photography, and video, in materials produced by both the Museum and by journalists sharing the story of the Museum’s work.
11. Executes other duties as assigned as needed to help abide by the Museum’s values, drive our vision, and fulfill our mission.
The Museum provides an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Mission
The High Desert Museum wildly excites and responsibly teaches through innovative, interdisciplinary experiences, creating connection to and dialogue about the High Desert
Please send resume & cover letter to the High Desert Museum,