INTERNSHIP – Animal Husbandry

The Conservancy’s Animal Care Team cares for over 100 species of native and non-native wildlife such as: American alligators, snakes, turtles and a wide variety of both fresh and saltwater aquatic fish and invertebrate species. The Animal Husbandry Internship is a 6-month position that provides the candidate with invaluable experience by assisting the Animal Care Team in all aspects of animal husbandry, aquatic life support systems maintenance, animal handling, training and enrichment. The Husbandry Intern will be an integral part of a small but very experienced Animal Care Team with over 30 years of professional husbandry experience at zoo, aquariums, and state wildlife agencies across the country. This is an excellent opportunity to learn industry-standard husbandry and animal welfare practices that will develop the skills and relationships essential for a professional career within the Zoo and Aquarium field.

In addition to the primary husbandry duties, the intern will gain extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems by assisting the Conservancy in bringing environmental awareness to thousands of students and visitors through educational outreach. The husbandry intern will also provide support as needed to the Education team by assisting in training, handling and presenting ambassador animals for on-site programs and serving as Touch Tank interpreter. 

$300 bi-weekly cost of living stipend and dorm accommodation, including laundry, provided.

Essential Duties

Under the supervision of the Animal Care Team, the internship duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Routine husbandry and maintenance of our indoor and outdoor live exhibits (e.g. diet prep, water quality testing).
• Daily husbandry and maintenance of our animal ambassador collection.
• Minor life support system trouble shooting, maintenance, and repair.
• Assistance in training and enrichment design and delivery.
• Record keeping and data entry (diet logs, water chemistry parameters, training and enrichment logs).
• Routine cleanings.
• A qualified candidate may earn the opportunity for an expanded role or more advanced tasks in one or more of the following areas: animal handling and training efforts, specimen collecting, life support or enrichment design and delivery, or to contribute periodic shifts in the Wildlife Hospital.

Education/Experience

• BS or BA in science or related field.
• Strong interest in professional animal husbandry.
• Ability and willingness to interact with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Some animal care experience is required.
• Experience with aquarium maintenance and basic plumbing is preferred but not necessary.
• Previous formal experience in environmental science/ecology or comparable background preferred.

Work and Training Requirements:

• Ability to take direction and work collaboratively within a small team
• Professional interest in the husbandry of reptiles, raptors, invertebrates, amphibians, and fish.
• Must be willing and able to handle (non-venomous) snakes.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate good time management skills.
• Willing and able to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings shifts.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and work outdoors in hot, humid and sometimes buggy conditions.