Internship Opportunities

The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) currently offers internships at the Myakka City Lemur Reserve. Internships are unpaid, and on site housing is provided.

LCF also offers an "Introduction to Field Research" internship. For details see below.

Although these internships are targeted primarily to undergraduate students, graduate students are also welcome. 

If your interest is in conducting research at the reserve, please visit ourResearch at the Reserve page for more information.

Introduction to Field Research Internship:

 For details click here.

Animal Husbandry Internship:

The reserve is currently home to seven different species of lemurs in both semi-free ranging habitats and traditional captive habitats. Interns will gain hands-on experience in the many aspects of maintaining an animal collection and contributing to a conservation mission. Responsibilities include daily care of our growing lemur colony, habitat construction and maintenance, behavioral enrichment, maintaining the cleanliness of lemur shelters, assisting with annual physicals and other duties as needed. The work is challenging, dirty, and frequently unglamorous; interns should expect to work in all weather conditions. Consequently, applicants should be in good physical health, extremely reliable, and dedicated. Please note that the Myakka City Lemur Reserve does not house education program animals and physical contact with the lemurs is not allowed.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain advanced experience in a difficult but highly rewarding field. Interns will have the satisfaction of contributing to the physical and psychological well being of the lemurs housed at the reserve as well as directly contributing to the greater mission of conserving these unique and fascinating primates. The highly trained and experienced staff at LCF will work closely with interns. However, applicants should have some previous animal husbandry experience and at least two years of undergraduate course work in a related field (biology, anthropology, animal behavior, zoology or the like).

Requirements:

 - Typically, interns will work 40 hours per week and must be willing to work weekends and some holidays.

 - All interns must show proof of health insurance.

 - The reserve is remotely located and interns must provide their own transportation to and from the nearest town, 25 miles away.

To Apply:

Applications for Animal Husbandry Internships are accepted on a 'rolling' basis. To be considered please review the instructions and requirements, then contact LCF's Director of Research and Operations.

Interested candidates should send the following:

- Letter of introduction describing why you are interested in the internship and what you hope to gain from it

- Resume or CV

- Two letters of recommendation, one of which should address previous husbandry experience

- Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)

Send All Materials To:

-Director, Research and Operations:

pwalsh@lemurreserve.org
or
PO Box 249, Myakka City, FL 34251.

Accommodations and Amenities:

The Lemur Conservation Foundation is proud to offer accommodations on the reserve for visiting interns and researchers. The LCF Researchers' House is equipped with two bathrooms (one handicap accessible), four bedrooms, a full kitchen, a dining area, a washer and dryer, and shared living space. Maximum capacity is eight students. 

A variety of cultural and entertainment options including state parks, art museums, theaters, zoo and botanical gardens, as well as the beautiful southwest Florida beaches can be found within 40 miles of the reserve.  Visit theSarasota Visitors Bureau  and Bradenton Area Visitors Bureau.