Participation in the Animal Care Internship program with The Wild Center is a unique and exciting way to gain invaluable, hands-on experience in the field of animal care. Located in the heart of a six million-acre state park in upstate New York, the mission of the Wild Center (TWC) is to ignite an enduring passion for the Adirondacks where people and nature can thrive together and set an example for the world. Qualified applicants will have the opportunity to work alongside TWC staff while learning and completing daily animal care tasks. Interns will assist museum biologists in routine animal care including animal observations, diet preparation, enclosure cleaning and servicing, behavioral enrichment, and record keeping. Interns may assist with public education programs such as Otter enrichment and animal encounters.

Qualifications:

• Completed 2 or more years of college courses in biology, zoology, or related fields.
• Previous experience in animal care preferred but not required.
• Excellent intrapersonal skills, public speaking, attention to details, willingness to be involved in all aspects of animal care
• Physically able to complete animal care duties, including lifting up to 50 lbs, working in inclement weather, cleaning animal areas and maintaining exhibits

Compensation and Benefits:

• $4500 stipend for full-time internship for 15 weeks of work – $300/35 hour workweek
• Interpretive Guide certification from the National Association for Interpretation
  Animal Care, Education, customer service, and related training
• CPR and First Aid certification if necessary
• Museum staff will work with you to gain college credit
• Housing is not provided through staff will work with you to locate suitable housing

To apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to the email listed below.  Applications must be received no later than March 1, 2010.

Please indicate – Animal Care Internship in your cover letter.

Sally Gross
The Wild Center
45 Museum Drive
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Fax: (518) 359-3253
Email: sgross@wildcenter.org