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Penguin & Sea Otter Internship

Internship: Penguin & Sea Otter Internship
Season: Fall 2021
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: Monday August 2 at 9am

Internship Overview: 
This career learning experience offers exposure to the different facets of animal husbandry and positive reinforcement training. Working closely alongside staff, interns support teams that care for our animals. Our penguin and otter team cares for our northern and southern sea otters, and rockhopper and Magellanic penguins.  Interns will assist with a range of daily tasks including cleaning, diet preparation, observations, and recordkeeping.  They will learn the principles of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training. There is also the opportunity to work on a focused project to further understanding of the profession. 
 
Learning Objectives: 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in communicating and collaborating across teams 
  • Practice animal care skills including diet preparation, observations, and cleaning habitat and support areas 
  • Learn USDA guidelines 
  • Learn AZA accreditation expectations 
  • Identify and explain the principals of positive reinforcement training and operant conditioning 

Responsibilities & Projects: 
  • Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
  • Partner with staff to maintain high standards of animal care, including 
  • Providing a healthy environment through cleaning and disinfection of habitats, reserve spaces, and kitchen spaces and equipment following USDA guidelines 
  • Preparing diets for all animals, which involves thawing, inspecting, weighing, and cutting various food types and vitamin administration. 
  • Recordkeeping of cleaning, diet consumption, behavioral observations, session notes, and enrichment details 
  • Assist in training sessions and presentations, including operating manual and hydraulic doors, setting up and breaking down equipment for public presentations, and managing guests. 
  • Complete and present an assigned project focused on animal enrichment, animal behavior, or data analysis. 
  • Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Applicants should have a genuine interest in careers related to animal husbandry, positive reinforcement training, and animal behavior.
 
Skills/Characteristics: 
  • Committed to high quality work 
  • Strong communication skills and a positive attitude 
  • Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. 
  • Willing to ask questions and collaborate towards solutions.  
  • Able to lift objects in excess of 40 pounds as well as bend, crouch, squat and carry heavy buckets as needed. 
  • Able to withstand exposure to very cold temperatures and to salt water on a regular basis. 
  • Must be at least 18 years old 
  • Have a high school diploma or GED. 

Time Commitment: 
  • Minimum of 25 hours and maximum of 32 hours per week 
  • Minimum of 4 months
  • Weekend availability desirable
  • Set schedule based on intern availability

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships. 
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. 
 
If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).