The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers a range of internship opportunities for individuals passionate about wildlife care and conservation science. These internships provide hands-on experience, education, and mentorship in various aspects of wildlife management, including population management, wildlife welfare, horticulture and nutrition, wildlife behavior, interpretation training, and more.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Internship Program
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s internship program is a comprehensive 12-week program that runs from May 20 to August 9, 2024. The program is open to dedicated and passionate individuals who are at least 16 years old, and it welcomes applicants from various academic backgrounds, not just those in wildlife-related fields.
Internship Highlights
- Duration: 12 weeks, from May 20 to August 9, 2024
- Eligibility: Individuals 16 years and older
- Application Period: January 15 to January 28, 2024
- Stipend: $5,000 paid in three installments over three months
- Work Schedule: 8 hours per day, 4 days per week
- Hands-on Experience: Opportunity to work alongside experts in wildlife care, behavior, welfare, conservation, veterinary care, nutrition, horticulture, and more
- Tailored Education: Specialized education courses, group activities, and learning opportunities
- Mentorship: Assigned a Host Department and a Mentor to guide the intern throughout the program
- Excursions and Farewell: Optional excursions and a farewell brunch at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Internship Focus Areas
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance internship program covers a wide range of focus areas, providing interns with a comprehensive understanding of wildlife care and conservation. Some of the key focus areas include:
- Wildlife Care and Management: Hands-on experience in population management, wildlife welfare, and animal husbandry.
- Horticulture and Nutrition: Exposure to the importance of plant-based diets and habitat management for wildlife.
- Wildlife Behavior and Interpretation: Developing skills in observing, understanding, and interpreting animal behavior.
- Conservation Science: Gaining insights into the organization’s research and conservation efforts.
- Veterinary Care: Observing and learning about the veterinary procedures and treatments for the zoo’s animals.
- Education and Outreach: Participating in interpretation training and public engagement activities.
Eligibility and Application Process
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance internship program is open to both local and international candidates. However, international candidates must be able to show proof that they are legally allowed to live and work in the United States during the program.
The application process for the Summer Internship Program is as follows:
- Application Period: January 15 to January 28, 2024
- Application Submission: Applicants must submit their application, resume, and a cover letter during the application period.
- Selection Process: The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will review the applications and select the most qualified candidates for the program.
- Notification: Successful applicants will be notified of their selection for the internship program.
Benefits and Opportunities
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance internship program offers a range of benefits and opportunities for participants, including:
- Stipend: Interns receive a $5,000 stipend, paid in three installments over the three-month program.
- Hands-on Experience: Interns gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside experts in various fields of wildlife care and conservation.
- Education and Mentorship: Interns participate in tailored education courses, group activities, and receive guidance from their assigned Mentor.
- Networking and Connections: Interns have the opportunity to build connections with professionals in the field of wildlife conservation.
- Comprehensive Benefits: The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers a range of comprehensive health, financial, and recreational benefits to help employees maintain a good work/life balance.
Conclusion
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s internship program offers a unique and immersive experience for individuals interested in pursuing a career in wildlife care and conservation science. With a focus on hands-on experience, education, and mentorship, the program provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of wildlife conservation.