PT Temporary Keeper - Commissary

About the Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and accepts employment applications and/or resumes for current open positions only.

Qualifications

• Be 18 or over and interested in pursuing a career in the zoological or botanical field;
• hard-working, highly motivated, professional, and committed to following detailed instructions;
• positively approach team-based, collaborative working environments and engaging with visitors;
• comfortable working with and/or handling many different species encompassing all taxa of animals;
• full availability to work the entire internship session and days required.

Internships

• Internships
• Veterinary Experiences at the Cincinnati Zoo

Intern Program

• Provides participants with early career experience in a specific department.
• Gains valuable skills through hands-on training with staff, attending lectures, and continuing education courses.
• Networking opportunities to develop professional contacts throughout the Zoo community.

Requirements

• Be 18 or over and interested in pursuing a career in the zoological or botanical field;
• hard-working, highly motivated, professional, and committed to following detailed instructions;
• positively approach team-based, collaborative working environments and engaging with visitors;
• comfortable working with and/or handling many different species encompassing all taxa of animals;
• full availability to work the entire internship session and days required.

Core Values

• Recognize, welcome, and celebrate differences.
• Follow detailed instructions.
• Engage in team-based, collaborative working environments.
• Work with and handle many different species.

Physical Demands

• Regular occurrences of standing for long periods of time, walking, climbing, balancing, and grasping tools or objects.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, snow, cold temperatures).
• Must be able to lift & move 50 lbs without mechanical assistance.
• Must pass a pre-start drug & nicotine screen.
• Must provide a negative TB Test result before beginning internship.
• Must provide proof of current medical insurance & maintain insurance for the duration of the internship.
• If applicable to your department, COVID vaccination may be required.

Internship Schedule

• Full-time workweek pattern: 4-5 consecutive days per week, ~8 hours per day, generally from 7-8 am to 3-4 pm.
• The Zoo is open 364 days a year, so your schedule may include weekend and holiday work.
• Department supervisor sets final schedules.

Living Stipend

Interns receive a living stipend of $3,000 per full 14-week internship term to offset the cost-of-living expenses incurred while participating in the internship learning experience. If interns do not complete the expected hours/days within the session, stipend compensation may be adjusted to reflect as such.

Application Process

• Qualified applicants can apply via our online application.
• Upload a separate cover letter per internship opportunity you are applying for.
• Provide the following documents and information with your application:
• PDF format required
• Contact information for one professional reference

Cover Letter Tips & Tricks

• Show your personality in your writing.
• Relate your experience to the specific opportunity you are applying for.
• Talk about what you can contribute to the team.
• Discuss your motivation for being passionate about a specific topic.

Internship Objectives

• Support the Africa Department staff.
• Enhance productivity and efficiency of the Africa Department team.
• Provide professional experience as a keeper intern at a world-class zoological facility.
• Gain a strong understanding of potential careers in animal husbandry, training, and conservation education.

Animal Ambassador Team Internship

• Work with animal care staff to keep areas clean.
• Prepare daily food diets such as cutting and weighing out produce and meat diets.
• Assist with programs and observe training sessions.
• Handle and observe various species including tamanduas, six-banded armadillos, prehensile-tailed porcupines, tawny frogmouths, and snakes.
• Work in multiple buildings during the 14-week internship.

Animal Excellence Scientist Internship

• Assist with applied behavioral research projects and other initiatives related to animal welfare.
• Conduct research and work in a zoological facility.

Animal Excellence Research Internship

• Aid in the planning and execution of various animal behavior monitoring and welfare projects around the zoo.
• Work under the supervision of the Animal Excellence Research Interns.