Palm Beach Zoo Employment Opportunities

Job Listings

Curatorial Administrative Assistant (Part time): Duties for this position include assisting Animal Department curatorial staff with general office management and clerical work, department billing, digital photo and video editing and storage, conservation program data input, representation of curatorial staff in professional correspondence with other zoo departments and other conservation based institutions, computerized presentation development in conjunction with professional development and conservation related programs.; Successful candidate needs excellent computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and photo editing software. Excellent communication skills, public speaking experience, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment is needed.; This position requires pre-employment tuberculosis (PPD) and drug screening. This part-time, non-benefitted position will require a 5-6 hour work schedule 4-5 days weekly. Some schedule flexibility exists with the successful candidate. Starting compensation is $11 hour. Please send letter of intent, resume, and list of references to Curator of Animal Programs, Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 or email to pbzoo@lycos.com or fax to 561-585-6085.

Internship Opportunities

Animal Care Internships (Unpaid)

Animal Care Interns will work side-by-side with professional animal care staff providing daily husbandry, enrichment, record keeping, exhibit maintenance, and diet preparation for the Zoo's animal collection. Interns will also provide interpretive talks for Zoo visitors, focusing on natural history and conservation education. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided. Selection preference for internships will be given to undergraduate or graduate-level college students studying in the field of biological science, psychology, or other related disciplines who are looking to pursue a career in zoology. Internships are available throughout the year. The Palm Beach Zoo is currently offering Animal Care Internships in:

Carnivore Care
Primate Care
Avian Care
Reptile Care

To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135

Animal Hospital Student Internship (Unpaid): Animal Hospital Student Interns will work side-by-side with professional veterinary staff providing daily medical care, record keeping, hospital maintenance, and care of hospitalized animals in the Zoo's animal collection. Interns may also be involved in providing interpretative tours for zoo hospital visitors. Each intern will be expected to complete an assigned project during their tenure. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period, must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate, be able to lift at least 50 lbs, and have basic computer skills. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. All applicants must have completed at least two full-time semesters of a Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, animal science, veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided. Selection preference for internships will be given to undergraduate students with an emphasis on pre-veterinary studies, or students currently enrolled in a veterinary medical program, including veterinary technology. Internships are available throughout the year.; To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest and reasons for selecting this internship, and proof of college enrollment to Cara Schweller, RVT. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program-Hospital, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: cschweller@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135

Behavioral Training Internship (unpaid): Behavioral Training interns will work side-by-side with professional trainers and assist with daily husbandry duties and animal training techniques, including helping with our bird show “Wings Over Water” and our mammal show “Wild Things”. This internship experience will provide the opportunity to work very closely with a variety of different bird and mammal species, to develop a deeper knowledge of exotic animal care and behavior, and the ability to gain greater hands-on experience in the zoological field. Applicants that have experience within a zoological, veterinary, environmental, or rehabilitation organization are preferred. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided.; To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135

Conservation & Research Internship (Unpaid): The Palm Beach Zoo has internship opportunities available for undergraduate and graduate level students that are interested in gaining experience in the field of conservation and scientific research. Interns will participate in the following: 1) literature searches, data collection, and data entry relevant to ongoing Zoo research projects 2) interaction with guests on conservation education messages 3) completion of an independent research project that will require a written report. All applicants must have completed at least two full-time semesters of a Bachelor's degree in animal behavior, biology, psychology, zoology, or related field. Some experience in animal behavior, conservation, and/or equivalent coursework is preferred. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided.; To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135

Education Internships (Unpaid): The Palm Beach Zoo's mission is to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat, and to inspire others to value and conserve the natural world. Education interns assist in meeting this mission, while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Summer internships run May 31 – August 13, part-time or full-time.; Job Description: Gain teaching and animal-handling experience by assisting with the zoo's summer camp program. Present animal encounters to campers and to the public. Lead small groups of campers in zookeeping activities. Teach science lessons. Assist education staff in developing and evaluating new curriculum. Full-time interns will complete a term project.; Requirements: Applicants should be college students with at least one year completed, or recent college graduates. Good communication and public speaking skills required. Able to interact well with children, staff, volunteers and zoo guests. Self-motivated, reliable, up-beat, and able to work outdoors in hot/humid weather. If accepted, applicants must provide proof of a negative TB test within the last year, and must pass a drug screen and background check.; To Apply: Send resume and cover letter, proof of college enrollment, and one letter of recommendation to Palm Beach Zoo, Attn: Education Programs Manager, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405.

Marketing & Development Internship (unpaid)

The Palm Beach Zoo has internship opportunities available for undergraduate level students that are interested in gaining experience in the fields of marketing and development. Interns will participate in the following:

visitor demographics research;
customer service
special event planning and implementation
report preparation
general clerical duties including returning phone calls/emails, filing, data entry, and assisting with mailings
managing the marketing department's extensive photographic database
assisting with grant management when needed

Requirements: All applicants must be pursuing a degree in the areas of business, marketing, communications, recreation, or a related field and must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period as well as be able to work outdoors in a typical Florida climate. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided. All interns must be able to work nights and weekends as needed, no holidays are required. Computer experience including Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Power Point is a must. Due to potential exposure to non-human primates, all applicants regardless of placement must present proof of a negative TB test administered within the past year.

To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, two samples of writing, proof of college enrollment as well as proof of a negative TB test to Claudia Harden, Marketing Manager. Mail: Marketing Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: info@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 585-6085. No phone calls please.

Volunteer Programs Intern (unpaid): Responsibilities: Are you a people person? The Volunteer Programs Intern will assist the Volunteer Programs Manager in scheduling and recruiting potential volunteers. The intern will also assist with the planning, co-ordination and implementation of the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner, special event activities designed to encourage and promote retention of volunteers, and in setting up and facilitating recruitment opportunities.; Qualifications: Applicant should be working on a BA in Education, Marketing, Human Resources or related field. Applicants should be detail oriented and highly organized. The applicant should feel comfortable talking to and interacting with wide varieties of volunteer staff from differing backgrounds and ages. All interns regardless of placement must present proof of a negative TB test, administered within the past year.; Schedule: Interns are expected to commit to a regular schedule for at least one semester or minimum of 60 hours. Schedules are arranged on an individual basis in consultation with the intern's immediate supervisor. Benefits: Volunteer t-shirt and name badge provided. Reports to: Volunteer Programs Manager; Director of Education.; Please send a completed volunteer application (available here), résumé with cover letter, three (3) letters of reference, and unofficial transcript to Volunteer Programs Manager, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405.

Waterfowl Nursery Internship (Unpaid): The Palm Beach Zoo is offering a summer waterfowl nursery internship. This position will offer training in artificial incubation methods and hand-rearing of ducklings, goslings, and cygnets as well as other water birds including flamingos. Interns will work side-by-side with professional animal care staff providing daily husbandry, enrichment, record keeping, exhibit maintenance, and diet preparation for the zoo's avian nursery. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 30 hours of work per week period for ten weeks and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided.; Selection preference for internships will be given to undergraduate or graduate-level students with previous avian hand-rearing experience or those studying in the field of biological science, psychology, or other related disciplines who are looking to pursue a career in zoology. Applications are due no later than May 15.; To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135

Animal Care Internship Application

Externship Opportunities

Veterinary Externships (Unpaid)

These opportunities are only available for veterinary students currently enrolled in an accredited veterinary medical college. Externships are 4-8 week periods offered throughout the school year. Since students are expected to have a basic working knowledge of medicine, veterinary medical students must be in their 4th year and have completed at least one rotation each in medicine, surgery, and anesthesiology. Veterinary technology students must be in their second year and have completed courses in at least clinical pathology, anesthesiology, medicine and surgery courses. Each intern will be expected to complete an assigned project during their tenure. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 40 hours/week of work over a 4 week period, must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate, be able to lift at least 50 lbs, and have basic computer skills. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment.

To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter describing reasons for selecting this externship, and proof of college enrollment to Cara Schweller, RVT. Mail: Veterinary Externship Program-Hospital, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: cschweller@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135

Some expectations for the externship include:

Assist with medical/surgical procedures in the field and hospital, including setup, data collection and monitoring, and clean-up
Assist with care and husbandry of hospitalized animals
Be trained and become responsible for care of injured/ill wildlife cases
Help with processing and analyses of laboratory samples and data input
Assist veterinarian with pathological exams
Learn system for data input into computerized medical records system
Learn and be given responsibilities related to hospital management including housekeeping, inventory control, stocking, and identification of commonly used veterinary supplies/drugs/equipment
Perform a special project related to veterinary/conservation medicine – this may be historical data review for disease and nutritional trends, development of wellness protocols for species at the zoo, assisting with data preparation and analyses for conservation projects, research on a special topic of interest
Spend time with animal care, research, and education staff to assist and learn the importance of their roles