Job Description

Virginia Zoo

Virginia Zoo

Animal Ambassador Zookeeper Internship at the Virginia Zoo

The current application period is for an internship running from January 9, 2025, to April 28, 2025. Interns working at the zoo must commit to wearing designated PPE (personal protective equipment) as assigned, such as masks and gloves, and be vaccinated for COVID.

Are you interested in gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the zoological field and first-hand knowledge and mentoring from experienced animal care professionals? Come join the Animal Ambassador team at the Virginia Zoo! We are currently accepting applications for interns in the Animal Services department from motivated individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a zookeeper. Interns will learn all aspects of animal care and management in an AZA-accredited zoological organization.

Zookeeper interns at the Virginia Zoo work directly alongside zookeepers, animal managers and veterinary staff as we strive to continuously provide the best possible care for the animals here. Under the guidance of experienced zoo staff, interns have the opportunity to gain experience in many aspects of zoo keeping, including but not limited to: daily animal husbandry, care and nutrition; regular cleaning and maintenance of animal areas and exhibits, as well as an understanding of exhibit set-up and design; direct involvement in our animal enrichment and positive reinforcement training programs; an understanding of animal behavior and experience in behavioral observations and animal welfare/wellness assessments; record keeping; and guest interactions. Interns will gain daily work experience as well as specialized training through a series of instructor-taught classes and skills training sessions.

The Animal Ambassador team works with a wide variety of mammals and birds including, opossums, porcupines, sloths, armadillos, toucan, parrots, kookaburra, and birds of prey. The Animal Ambassador team provides educational experiences to the public through various programming including camps, stage presentations, pop-up encounters, school programs and special events.

Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures. While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently required to walk and stand for long periods; reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel or crouch; lift up to 50lbs and talk or hear.

Experience Required

Applicants should either be college graduates, currently in college, or have some college semester credits completed. Applicants need to be able to commit to the four-month program, with a weekly work schedule of 40 hr./week. The internship does not provide an hourly salary but can qualify as paid zoological experience through a small monthly stipend for living costs.

Salary

Monthly stipend

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a resume, 3 references (include phone numbers and email addresses of references given) and a cover letter to Zookeeperinterns@norfolk.gov . Please indicate that you are applying for the zookeeper internship-Program Animal team by typing: "Zookeeper Internship-Program Animals" in the subject line of the email. No phone calls or in-person inquiries at the zoo please. Due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview can be contacted. Applications will close on December 11, 2024, or when positions are filled.

Virginia Zoo

3500 Granby St

Norfolk, VA 23504

Phone: 7574412374

Fax: Virginia Zoo

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