Plant Propagation and/or Wildlife Trafficking/Confiscation/Rehabilitation
• Student volunteer will understand the biological needs of each species and how to care for these animals
- Volunteer will be trained in how to care for animals (mostly reptiles) – this will include daily keeper duties (feeding, cleaning, meal prep, etc.) and learning how to identify and locate native plants that are edible for these species.
- Volunteer must be able to work small spaces and willing to handle reptiles and their food items (this can include live insects) as well as pay attention to details
- Interns must be able to work outside and lift 40 pounds and be in good physical condition.
• Volunteer will gain an understanding of disease transmission between species and learn how this is controlled in a zoo/human-care setting
• Volunteer will gain an appreciation for, and understanding of, the impacts that wildlife trafficking has on the conservation of both native and non-native species
• Volunteer may (depending on COVID restrictions) learn how to interpret conservation information and present it to guests to elicit an awareness and behavior change. Volunteers should be comfortable interacting with visiting guests and adhere to proper COVID-19 protocols. Spanish speaking is a plus.
• Volunteer may be presented with the opportunity to help with various other conservation related projects that The Living Desert is involved in, including, but not limited to, desert tortoises, desert pupfish, native plant propagation, and social media, video, and/or podcast creation.
Requirements*This is an unpaid or possibly paid position and includes weekend hours. Interns who have morning availability are preferred. College of the Desert students MUST register in a Work Experience course to earn academic credit while interning. Contact Ana Hernandez for enrollment assistance.
To apply, email resume to: Dr. James Danoff-Burg jdanoffburg@livingdesert.org