Alaska SeaLife Center · Alaska · internship · posted today
Summary: The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Marine Mammal section of the Life Sciences Department is responsible for the daily management, care, and achievement of research goals associated with the mammal collection. Animals under the department’s care include: Steller sea lions, spotted seals, ringed seals, and harbor seals. Several of these Alaskan species are exclusively housed at a few, select facilities in North America. Successful interns will build a solid foundation of knowledge and experience with animal husbandry and gain exposure to positive reinforcement training. Limited hands-on opportunities may be presented to exceptional candidates. As the successful candidate for this unpaid internship, you will learn and gain experience at a world-class, AZA accredited facility in basic animal care and husbandry techniques. The individual will assist in the daily care and maintenance of the Center’s mammal collection and mammal exhibits. Under guidance of mammal husbandry professionals, the intern will be trained and expected to perform the essential duties listed below. Education / Experience: • Pursuing a degree in biology/psychology/science field. • Minimal animal experience required but preferred. Essential Duties: (Please note: General husbandry and cleaning are a large portion of this internship) • Prepare daily animal diets and vitamin administration. • Develop and maintain good communication skills. • Learn proper techniques in maintaining USDA and AZA cleaning standards in all areas including food preparation areas, pool cleaning, and animal holding spaces. • Maintain written and computerized records. • Learn about seal and sea lion social dynamics, natural histories, medical and husbandry care to support optimal welfare of the mammal collection. • Observe animal behavior daily and note the health and condition of the mammal collection and conduct ethograms independently. • Maintain outdoor areas including leaf and snow removal etc. while demonstrating safety through adverse weather conditions. • Assist with front-of-house operations including guest engagement and interpretation. • Participate in daily educational talks, tours, and/or encounters. • Assist the mammal staff during current research projects and data collection. • Assist in unloading large deliveries of frozen food and organizing food storage areas. • Learn and apply general animal husbandry techniques and protocols including the application of operant conditioning. • Learn about and participate in a goal-based enrichment program. • Complete weekly assignments and quizzes • Observing routine veterinary exams • Perform other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required. • Foster good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, goodwill, cooperation, and providing high standards of service. • Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs. • Performs other related duties as assigned. Other Skills and Abilities: • Ability to speak effectively and to be comfortable meeting new people. • Ability to work independently and with a team with excellent organizational and time management skills. • Proficient computer skills including basic google suites knowledge preferred. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Ability to swim, see and hear; stand and walk on uneven surfaces for prolonged periods of time; ability to twist, bend, kneel and crouch for extended periods of time; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; climb stairs and ladders; and sit for periods of time. Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs. • Ability to work with and around large, wild animals. • Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed. • Working in an outdoor area with moderate to strenuous physical activity • Handling being outdoors for prolonged periods in extreme cold and wet weather.
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