Aviculture + Mammal Internship Winter/Spring 2024-2025 Unpaid - SC Aquarium Volunteer

Description:

The Animal Care Intern will have the opportunity to learn about and participate in husbandry practices and behavioral management of the South Carolina Aquarium's native animal collection. The intern will assist staff with all aspects of daily animal care and participate in public educational programs and live animal demonstrations. The internship will mainly focus on the care of Aquarium's mammal and bird collection, but may also include herpetology and aquaculture opportunities.    

Learning Objectives:

1. Follow Aquarium safety and animal protocols
2. Become familiar with AZA animal care and welfare standards
3. Develop basic animal care, cleaning and restraint/capture skills
4. Understand and execute enrichment and training techniques
5. Work on an independent operant conditioning project

Requirements:

• College senior or recent college graduate with a background in biology, zoology, natural science, psychology or related field
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• Complete assigned reading material
• Complete a project under the guidance of staff
• Available from July 2019 to January 2020 (start/end dates are flexible)
• Must be able to work 25 to 40 hours per week, including at least 1 weekend day

Compensation:

• Unpaid, housing not included

Benefits:

• Professional development workshops
• Field experience opportunities
• Ability to earn aquarium tickets and a reciprocity pass to area attractions