Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium · Nebraska · posted yesterday
Job Title: Intern FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Seasonal Hours: Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks Pay Rate: $15.26/hour This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date. SCHEDULE: Each internship session (spring, summer, and fall) is 12 weeks long. The spring internship session runs January 19, 2027 – April 12, 2027. All interns must be available during this time. DESCRIPTION: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking interns for a variety of departments including: • Jungle • Animal Behavior and Wellbeing • Aquarium Fish • Aquarium Birds • Birds • Interactive Animal Programs - Children's Adventure Trails • Interactive Animal Programs - Wild Kingdom Pavilion • Hoofstock • Elephants • Browse • Dome Mammals • Dome Reptiles • Butterfly and Insect Pavilion Interns assist keeper staff in all aspects of the day-to-day husbandry, training and enrichment requirements for the animals in their area. Depending on the area, interns may also participate in training and enrichment programs and/or public animal presentations. This internship is designed to provide an opportunity to form a knowledge base as it pertains to managing program animals under human care in an AZA accredited facility in the following areas: General Knowledge, Daily Husbandry, Nutrition, Data Collection and Record Keeping, Environmental Enrichment, Operant Conditioning, Conservation Issues, and Guest Interactions. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of animal care staff in their area. • Attend weekly professional development sessions. • Complete learning goals on internship checklist. • Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation. • Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to: • Preparing and offering approved diets. • Preparing, offering, and logging approved Enrichment in accordance to the animals' life strategy plan. • Assisting in developing and implementing Operant Conditioning techniques for the collection animals. • Assisting with and potentially individually providing animal demonstrations and encounters. • Assisting in other aspects of animal husbandry such as monitoring and recording weights and observing and recording behaviors. • Maintaining exhibit and enclosure standards for aesthetics and hygiene – raking, shoveling, cleaning glass, disinfecting equipment and other tasks. • Maintaining Behind-the-Scenes Areas and other holding areas, for aesthetics and hygiene standards according to USDA and AZA Regulations. • Assisting with exhibit maintenance, dismantling, and refurnishing. • Other duties may be assigned. • Must be at least 18 years old. • Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices. • Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment. • Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members. • Must work well with others and have the ability to work independently. • Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other interns, volunteers, and staff members to further not only the goals of the Department but also of the Zoo’s mission statement. • Must attend shifts on time and as scheduled. • Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions. Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Some positions may also require a negative TB test. EXPERIENCE: Experience is not necessary, but consideration will be given to an individual’s past direct experience with exotic animals in other zoological, aqua cultural, ecological and biological areas such as in schools, aquariums, nature centers, agricultural operations, animal merchandizing or conservation centers. EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. A minimum of one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, animal behavior, etc.) is preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to program animals and guest interaction. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position at times involves considerable physical exertion, such as regularly climbing of ladders, lifting of heavy objects (up to or more than 50 pounds) and/or assuming awkward positions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, and moisture. The position may involve exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns. PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns may interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public. DISCLAIMER We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements. Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage. The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
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