Fall Animal Care Intern (Unpaid)

Overview:
Position: Animal Care Internship

Department: Animal Care

Location: Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

                 201 10th Street W Bradenton, FL 34205. 

Reports to: The Director of Animal Care and Animal Care Staff

Schedule: Two consecutive days, 8-hour a day shifts,16-20 hours a week total

Term Length: 16 weeks

Compensation:Unpaid

Position Description:
At The Bishop, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat is a second-stage rehabilitation facility that provides a temporary home for manatees, as a part of the Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release program run by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Manatees come to The Bishop from critical care hospitals once they are stable and no longer in need of treatment. While here, manatees have some time to put on weight and build on life skills before their eventual return to the wild.

The purpose of the Animal Care internship is to allow interns the ability to develop knowledge and skills in the daily husbandry of West Indian manatees and resident freshwater turtles in collection. Learned responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding, cleaning, habitat maintenance (if necessary), behavioral observations, record-keeping, and guest interaction. The Rehabilitation program is a non-contact / non-interaction program for manatees.

Term Length

16-week Fall Term: August 23rd 2026 through December 12th 2026.

            Application period opens from May 1st through June 30th 2026.

Skills and Knowledge You Will Acquire:

• Learn to perform all activities in alignment with AWA, USDA, MMPA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Develop knowledge in the husbandry and care of West Indian manatees and resident freshwater turtles, including preparing and distributing approved animal diets, detailed observations, and cleaning of habitats.
• Close observation of animal behaviors with a focus on input, output, swimming, and behaviors related to monitoring health of animals and what is normal/abnormal behaviors.
• Potential to observe a health assessment.
• Observe detailed record keeping and reporting on assigned animals in line with USDA standards.
• Develop knowledge of Museum and Manatee Habitat layout to respond quickly in the event of an animal emergency and to assist guests on a daily basis.
• Initiate and complete assigned area projects.
• Develop knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.
• Develop knowledge of basic nutrition requirements for animal collection.
• Interact with guests during both formal and informal discussions.

What to Expect:

• Internship syllabus and training schedule.
• Area and animal enrichment projects.
• Bi-weekly quizzes.
• Mid-term and final competition reviews.
• Potential to shadow at other facilities.
• Resume workshop.

Qualifications:

• Schedule flexibility to work weekends and to adjust schedule as needed.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Have recently completed or are currently enrolled in a program correlating to this field of study. Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 16 hours per week, two consecutive days, each an 8-hour shift.
• Knowledge of Word processing and Excel spreadsheet software.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to multitask in a high pace environment.
• Must be self-motivated and able to take specific direction and corrections from Animal Care staff.
• Work well with others and able to work in group situations.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be a Florida resident or living in the Tampa Bay area for schooling purposes or have graduated to allow for close access. Out of state applicants are not recommended, as housing is not provided.
• A form of reliable transportation to get to and from location.
• Able to swim (for the purpose of working around the water. Interns do not dive or swim in the manatee habitat).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without difficulty.
• Ability to bend, lift, sweep, and mop without difficulty.
• Able to work in variable Florida weather conditions including heat, humidity, and rain.
• Possess visual acuity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.