The Lemur Conservation Foundation offers two husbandry internships at our Myakka City Lemur Reserve that include onsite housing, professional development opportunities, and experience at an AZA certified-related institution.
3-month Husbandry Internship (Unpaid)
Designed for dedicated individuals that have at least 2 years of college courses completed in an animal related science. The internship is unpaid, but college credits may be earned.
Interns will shadow animal keepers to provide daily husbandry, enrichment and enclosure maintenance to our lemur colony. Interns will be trained in animal management techniques and will have the opportunity to observe animal training sessions.
Duties
Interns shadow our keeper staff to learn skills and techniques necessary to provide care for the lemurs. The following duties and responsibilities are typically associated with the internship program. However, an intern may be called upon to perform additional tasks not listed.
- Enclosure maintenance: Learn the proper techniques for cleaning/disinfecting animal enclosures and holding areas.
- Food preparation and distribution: Become familiar with the nutritional needs of the lemurs at LCF and learn proper food preparation/distribution.
- Animal observation and documentation: Learn about normal animal behaviors and how to recognize behaviors that deviate from the norm. Interns will also learn how to document and record behavioral observations.
- Animal enrichment and training: Learn how to implement enrichment for animals based on their natural history. Interns will also learn about positive reinforcement training.
- Basic medical care: Learn how to administer daily supplements and monitor health conditions in our lemur colony.
Prerequisites
- Available to work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 3 months
- Interns should be enrolled in or recently graduated with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a Life Sciences or related field from an accredited college or university
- Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between LCF and their school before beginning the internship.
- Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation
- Proof of negative TB test within the last 12 months and tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years
- Proof of health insurance coverage for illness or injury
- Available to work weekends and holidays
- Must be physically able to stoop, bend, reach, climb, lift, carry or push at least 50 pounds in a south Florida climate
- Ability to be an effective team member, often times with minimal supervision
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working with animals is preferred
Salary/funding: The 3-month internship is unpaid though onsite housing with utilities is provided. Housing is shared, non-smoking, no pets, and additional codes of conduct apply.
7-month Husbandry Internship (Paid)
Designed for dedicated individuals that have a college degree in an animal related field. The internship receives a bi-weekly stipend.
Interns will be trained and then work independently to provide daily husbandry, enrichment and enclosure maintenance to our lemur colony. Interns will be trained in animal management techniques and will have the opportunity to participate in animal training sessions.
Duties
Interns will work side-by-side with our keeper staff to learn skills and techniques necessary to provide care for the lemurs. The following duties and responsibilities are typically associated with the internship program. However, an intern may be called upon to perform additional tasks as necessary.
- Enclosure maintenance: Learn the proper techniques for cleaning/disinfecting animal enclosures and holding areas.
- Food preparation and distribution: Become familiar with the nutritional needs of the lemurs at LCF and learn proper food preparation/distribution.
- Animal observation and documentation: Learn about normal animal behaviors and how to recognize behaviors that deviate from the norm. Interns will also learn how to document and record behavioral observations.
- Animal enrichment and training: Learn how to implement enrichment for animals based on their natural history. Interns will also learn about positive reinforcement training.
- Basic medical care: Learn how to administer daily supplements and monitor health conditions in our lemur colony. Interns will also assist with medical procedures as needed.
- Recordkeeping: Interns will be trained on LCF’s recordkeeping system and expected to complete comprehensive and accurate daily records.
- Animal handling: Learn (through observation) proper and safe animal handling/restraint techniques used when necessary for animal transport, medical examinations, and routine husbandry procedures. Interns will also become familiar with capture and restraint equipment.
- Infant care: Interns will learn how to monitor newborn infants (seasonal).
Prerequisites
- Available to work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 7 months
- Interns should possess a Bachelor’s degree in a Life Sciences or related field from an accredited four-year college or university OR an equivalent degree from a teaching zoo.
- Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation
- Proof of negative TB test within the last 12 months and tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years
- Proof of health insurance coverage for illness or injury
- Available to work weekends and holidays
- Ability to work outside of normal business hours as necessary
- Must be physically able to stoop, bend, reach, climb, lift, carry or push at least 50 pounds in a south Florida climate
- Ability to be an effective team member with minimal supervision
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
- Ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working with animals is preferred
Salary/funding: The 7-month internship comes with a bi-weekly stipend and onsite housing with utilities. Housing is shared, non-smoking, no pets, and additional codes of conduct apply.
Information and Application
Internship dates are rotational based on housing availability. For information about upcoming internship slots, contact zoological manager Caitlin Kenney, ckenney@lemurreserve.org
