Bird Department Intern (Fall 2021)

Fall 2021 Term:

Zoo Atlanta's Bird Department plays an integral role in the zoo's mission, by raising awareness of conservation issues and providing engaging, educational and entertaining experiences as we strive to inspire people to environmental action.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The bird department encompasses a large variety of bird species. Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside bird keepers in the day-to-day care of these species as well as interacting with guests. Bird interns will learn about bird husbandry, behavior, dietary requirements, operant conditioning training, enrichment, animal restraint, and species management. Interns will also have the potential, depending on the season, to learn about incubation and hand-rearing techniques of certain species.

RESPONSIBILIITES:

• Provide support to the Bird Department staff by enhancing productivity and efficiency.

• Helping maintain clean indoor and outdoor habitat for the bird collection.

• Diet preparation.

• Interns must be comfortable answering questions from the public

• Assist in administering enrichment.

•Embody the mission and values of Zoo Atlanta at all times.

OBJECTIVES:

• Allow qualified individuals the opportunity to gain professional hands-on experience at a world-class zoological facility.

• Promote interest in animal keeping, training, education, and other zoo directed careers

• Enhance productivity and efficiency of the bird department and its objectives.

• Learn the roles and responsibilities of the Bird Department keepers.

• Understand the basic health and welfare needs of the animals in the collection.

• Must be 18 years of age or older. Upper classmen and recent college graduates are preferred.

• Summer Term: Must be able to work 32-40 hours/week

• Spring & Fall Term: Must be able to work 16-24 hours/week

• Must be able to work approximately 8 hours per day on assigned days.

• Must provide proof of negative TB test and be willing to submit to a background check

• Must be able to work quietly, efficiently and safely around live animals.

o This includes the ability to follow specific protocols and guidelines that are in place to ensure your safety and that of the animals.

• Must abide by all rules and regulations set forth in the internship handbook and the bird department.

• Willingness to work closely with bird keepers and perform tasks requested of them to enhance the productivity of the department.

• Willingness to participate in an intern project that will be determined after the start of the internship.

• Ability to interact with the public on a daily basis and to have the ability to answer questions by zoo guests.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to be on your feet for up to 4 hours at a time and lift up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.