Conservation Intern

~ Nestled against the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Zoo is an urban oasis. It is home to over 1,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing more than 250 species and lovely peaceful gardens full of native and foreign plants. ~

The majestic Leanne Roberts African Region and the Valentine Family Savanna offer a multi-species landscape with giraffes, zebras, kudu, ostriches, storks, and more. At Hearst Grizzly Gulch, visitors can get nose-to-nose with rescued grizzly sisters Kachina and Kiona. Lemurs leap through the Lipman Lemur Forest, the largest outdoor lemur habitat in the country.

Penguin Island is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins outside of the wild. The Zoo's troop of gorillas lives in the lush Jones Family Gorilla Preserve. Farm animals for feeding and petting can be found in the popular Fisher Family Children's Zoo. The historic 1921 Dentzel Carousel and the 1904 miniature Little Puffer Steam Train are treasured by generations of visitors. And the $3.2 million Elinor Friend Playground re-opened to the public in fall 2013.

The SF Zoo offers a rich history for its guests, including fun rides, educational programs and exciting events for children of all ages. The SF Zoo is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Position Overview

This is approximately a 3 month, temporary position. The goal of this internship is to develop skills in the areas identified below: The goal of this internship is to learn and successfully perform (under supervision) the duties and responsibilities of a Zoo employee.

Responsibilities

• Assisting Zoo conservation staff with the daily husbandry needs of the captive rearing and breeding program frogs and turtles. Duties will include:
  • Water changes
  • Regular water quality testing
  • Daily feedings
  • Daily observations of health and behavior of the individuals
  • Periodic weight and daily health checks
  • Periodic exhibit maintenance
  • Associated paperwork
• Aid in data gathering for new or ongoing research projects involving animals in conservation department.
• Maintain specialized food cultures for the frog and turtle populations that include house flies, crickets and others.
• Assist with maintenance of the enclosures which includes monitoring and periodic cleaning of water filters, cleaning of tanks and their associated furniture, weekly siphoning of rocks and water, as well as other duties as assigned.
• Assist with maintenance of the water systems associated with the animals. 6. Other duties may be assigned as needed by staff.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The ideal candidates for the position will possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• College level coursework in biology, zoology, ecology, or related area is preferred.  
• The candidate must have good organizational skills and exceptional people skills, including the ability to communicate well with zoo visitors of all ages.

Environment:

• Includes working indoors and outdoors; physical work requires lifting up to 50 lbs. and working in tight quarters at times.

Education:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

Experience:

• Experience working with or caring for amphibians is preferred, but not essential.

Other Qualifications:

• Minimum age requirement is 18 years.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to kneel or squat.
• Reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including inclement weather.

Compensation: $13.00 per hour. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays and occasional evenings. Must be able to make a firm commitment to work through the three month period.