Animal Care and Training Internship at Blackland Prairie Raptor Center

[belcherla2]

POSITION SUMMARY: The Animal Care and Training (ACT) Intern supports all aspects of education programs, raptor animal care and training including avian husbandry, handling of raptor species, assisting Education and Training manager in programs, training, and daily care.

DUTIES AND EXPECTATIONS:
Skills learned include species identification and natural history, enclosure set up and proper husbandry, behavior modification techniques, and educational presentations as listed below. Individual intern experience, skills and performance will determine the range of activities added to his/her responsibilities over time. Advanced duties will not be assigned until the intern has demonstrated understanding, proficiency and reliability in basic husbandry and intermediate tasks.
Animals and Care
• Maintain highest quality of care standards, refine species protocols, and oversee daily care plans, as determined by Education and Training Manager.
• Keep accurate and detailed animal health records and oversee documentation of daily animal care.
• Handle animals in a manner that maximizes human and animal safety and that staff/interns/volunteers are trained in and following safety procedures.
• Participate in daily bird training sessions.
• Present at education programs for a variety of audience sizes, including children and adults of all ages.
• Cleaning tasks (enclosure cleaning, laundry, dishes).

Teamwork
• Keep Education and Training Manger apprised (in a timely manner) of any animal behavior changes, animal care needs, quality of animal care, and department needs.
• Maintain open lines of communication, including attending all staff meetings (when applicable).
• Partner with volunteers to ensure consistent and quality care of all animals.

Administration
• Communicate maintenance needs of the education mews and work areas. Communicate needs to Education and Training Manager in a timely fashion.
Professionalism
• Use all equipment in an appropriate and safe manner, follow appropriate guidelines and protocols and obtain needed training.
• Maintain all education areas (inside and out) in a tidy and well-organized manner.
• Represent Blackland Prairie Raptor Center in a professional manner at all times.

Secondary Responsibilities
• Support education programs, as requested.
• In collaboration with the Operation and Maintenance Manager and Education and Training Manager, assist with maintenance projects in hospital and on outdoor caging, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with the public, law enforcement, regulators, veterinarians, and others.
• Excellent organizational, detail, planning and time management skills.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently with limited supervision and as a member of a team.
• Ability to multi-task, manage multiple projects simultaneously and re-prioritize as needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive approach in resolving problems with a positive outlook and can-do attitude.
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and database management including RaptorMed.

QUALIFICATIONS
• A passion for Blackland Prairie Raptor Center’s mission and a keen interest in conservation.
• Previous experience in animal care (domestic or wildlife) is encouraged.
• A degree (or degree in progress) in natural sciences, wildlife management, education, or applied behavior analysis is preferred, but we will consider interns from all disciplines.
• Good health and fitness to perform physically demanding tasks, such as cleaning and lifting, and work outdoors in all types of weather. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely.
• Possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Be able to learn quickly and perform various tasks in a fast-paced work environment; work quickly and efficiently while following directions and procedure exactly.
• Be able to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Be able to work independently and as a team member in collaboration with volunteers, other interns and staff.
• Be 18 years of age or older. Must be legally entitled to work in the USA.
If interested in this opportunity, please send your resume to laura.johnson@bpraptorcenter.org.

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