Animal Care: Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles Intern

As part of OdySea Aquarium’s Animal Care Internship program, interns will have the opportunity to work alongside Animal Care Specialists, in a supportive and supervised role, for the care of a diverse animal collection including California sea lions, Asian small-clawed otters, African penguins, reptiles, psittacines, and small mammals. Interns will be instrumental in daily operations including husbandry and cleaning, diet preparation, and guest education. The curriculum for this internship includes introduction to operant conditioning, public speaking, behavioral seminars, and proper animal care and handling through hands-on experiences. This internship requires 40 hours per week for a total of 16 weeks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Participate in educational presentations and interactive programs within the aquarium
• Create positive guest interactions and experiences daily
• Keep a record of learning activities and hours
• Complete a project and give an oral presentation with visual aids to fellow peers and staff
• Follow all policies and procedures set forth by OdySea Aquarium
• Complete any applicable additional tasks, worksheets, quizzes, tests, or projects as determined by the specific internship program

EMPLOYEE PROMISE:

 All interns are expected to exemplify core fundamentals of the OdySea Aquarium Employee Promise, which states:

• I am empowered to take ownership of any opportunity to exceed expectations.
• I anticipate guest needs and pay attention to the details.
• I treat all internal and external customers with respect.
• I am on stage! (Smile)
• I have an attitude of gratitude.
• I get it right the first time.
• I display actions that are moral and ethical.
• I always provide alternative solutions.
• I am committed to learning every aspect of our product and services.
• I use the 10/5 rule, at 10 feet I acknowledge the guests’ presence with a smile and at 5 feet I greet them with a courteous word.
• I use name recognition at every opportunity.
• I take personal responsibility for our surroundings.
• I am accountable for my tools and resources.
• I value the contribution of every team member.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: 

• Current college student or recent graduate
• Adherence to OdySea Aquarium grooming standards
• Follow all Departmental Standard Operating Procedures
• Satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen
• Ability to intern a minimum of 3-5 days per week during the designated semester
• Ability to work various operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Willingness to speak in front of groups of people
• Must be comfortable speaking on microphone and engaging with guests
• Willingness to be flexible, learn and multitask
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, team oriented, responsible, enthusiastic and flexible
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to access animal exhibits, enclosures, and pools

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Brief application below
• 1 page maximum cover letter
• 1-2 page maximum resume
• 3 letters of reference, at least 2 of which must be from a past teacher, or supervisor

SEMESTER AND APPLICATION DATES

SPRING SEMESTER

• Application deadline: December 1st
• Semester runs January through April