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Conservation Science Animal Care Intern

We are seeking a collaborative, dynamic, and passionate person to join the team as a Conservation Science Intern. The primary responsibility of this position is to care for surrendered and quarantined reptiles. The intern will be responsible for daily animal care duties, enriching experiences, and habitat projects. Understanding of the quarantine procedures and cleanliness required for surrendered animals is vital to this position. This role will require a high level of retention and flexibility. The person in this position will also need a high level of communication skills to work with a variety of communication styles.
The Conservation Science Intern will work roughly 4-10 hours per week, over the course of a 4-month period. He/she/they will work closely with our Assistant Conservation Scientist to create and pursue personal goals and to learn and carry out the responsibilities of the position. Throughout the internship there will be opportunities to assist other Conservation Department members with projects ranging from habitat restoration, conservation messaging, outreach, project planning and implementation, plant propagation, and more.
Requirements*Duties and Responsibilities:
· Keep accurate and detailed records of daily observations of area collection animals containing information regarding behavior, diet intake, fecal output, behavior, health, weight, breeding, aggression, behavioral enrichment, capture/restraint, prescribed medical treatments in-house.
· Contribute and maintain a safe, positive and productive workplace environment for animals, staff, and guests
· Diet/meal preparation, feeding and restocking of feed supplies as needed and as prescribed
· Daily cleaning of animal enclosures, service areas, holding units, and support areas utilizing various tools, instruments, disinfectants; and with the ability to do so safely
· General maintenance of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, service/support areas and holding units such as: fence/enclosure repair, pond maintenance, furniture, mister system, automatic drinkers, burrow collapses, shade cloth, fill holes, etc.
· Complete daily containment checks on enclosures.
· Demonstrate and articulate conservation department values and philosophy that champions diversity, equity and inclusion.
· Confidently and safely handle and present animals as necessary for education purposes.
· Attend and participate in regularly scheduled department and all-staff meetings.
· Maintain brand standards in all official appearances and presentations.
· Perform general office duties and research as necessary.
· Maintain a safe and clean working environment.
· If desired, other unrelated responsibilities necessary to accomplish department or organization objectives.
 
Specific Skills:
· Ability to record observations intelligently and maintain accurate documentation.
· Ability to give and comprehend written and oral instructions, and to accurately carry out instructions.
· Animal handling skills are desired.
· Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
· Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
· Excellent teamwork and collaborative skills.
· Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision.
· Continuously seek process and performance improvement.
· Strong organizational skills.
· Ability to work with others in a team setting.
· Broad knowledge of desert natural history and science is desired.
To apply, please send a CV or resume and a short two paragraph summary of why you want to work in this position to Emily Thomas at ethomas@livingdesert.org
Students may enroll in a Work Experience course to receive college units for this opportunity. Please contact the Work Experience Office for complete details on how to enroll in the course 760.862.1344.