Animal Care Internship

Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization, has Animal Care Internships (6) available for Black Beauty Ranch (BBR) in Murchison, TX. The sanctuary provides a permanent home to more than 600 domestic and exotic animals, with over 40 species. Animal Care interns have the opportunity to learn about and perform various animal husbandry duties alongside the staff while gaining valuable ranch experience and knowledge about BBR and Humane World. The internship is for 12 weeks (offered spring, summer, fall, winter), working approximately 40 hours a week. If selected, interns must commit to the full 12-week session. 

You will be responsible for:

• Preparing diets and feed/water in measured amounts using diet instructions (for larger pastures, this requires driving a ranch truck); keeping track of animal feedings on forms and feeding board;
• Cleaning enclosures which may include raking, weeding, sweeping platforms, and climbing ladders up to 8 feet;
• Learning to identify animals as individuals;
• Observing and monitoring health and well-being of animals and maintaining detailed observation records as directed;
• Providing behavioral enrichment and stimulation daily;
• Completing general housekeeping tasks;
• Maintaining equipment through regular cleaning of vehicles and equipment used in outside work;
• Completing research project in which intern gives a 5–10-minute presentation on topic of interest (i.e., Texas exotic pet ownership laws, equine vision, etc.); topic must be approved by supervisor, or complete a project (building platforms, shelters or creating a form of enrichment, etc.) for one of BBR’s departments (must be approved by supervisor).

Learning Opportunities:

• Learn how to properly care for various species of animals including knowledge of proper diet, operant conditioning, and enrichment for various species;
• Learning the care and husbandry challenges of the animals in our care;
• Learning basic medical care procedures and documentation;
• Knowledge of BBR and how the program area fits into the larger picture of animal protection
• Opportunity to either research and present an educational presentation on a preselected topic, or complete a working project for one of BBR’s departments (must be approved by supervisor) Qualifications and Requirements:
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to maintain professionalism in attitude and appearance;
• Able to work closely with the BBR staff both independently and as part of a team;
• Attentive to detail with a commitment to accuracy and following directions;
• Must be organized and tidy, as interns are responsible for keeping the surrounding grounds clean and trash-free;
• Volunteer experience or prior internship working with and/or handling equine, farmed animals, or wildlife is helpful;
• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) test; Tetanus & pre-exposure rabies vaccinations recommended but not required;
• Must have a driver’s license and an excellent driving record:
• Must be able to learn and follow guidelines and policies of Humane World and BBR, and follow directions given by staff;
• Should have a phone for easy communication.  This position is located in Murchison, TX. On-site housing provided.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE