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LTE Intern – Zoo Camp Animal Encounter

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Dane County

3mo ago

  • Internship
    Full-time
    Summer Internship
  • Science
    Education & Teaching
  • Madison
  • 16d left

AI generated summary

  • You need college-level training, CPR/First Aid, physical strength, agility, and the ability to work with kids, animals, and diverse weather. Must be reliable and passionate about conservation education.
  • You will lead animal encounters, support Summer Zoo Camp, educate campers on conservation, enforce safety rules, and work on a personal project while learning about education methods and animal handling.

Requirements

  • Requires training and/or experience equivalent to one semester of college.
  • Prefer majors with an interest in a career in Environmental Education.
  • Must have CPR and First Aid training or be willing to get it before camp starts.
  • Must be available to work some weekend days in May during training (exact days and times TBD).
  • Strength to perform average lifting of 5-10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
  • Body agility and equilibrium for activities including touring and games.
  • Ability to walk 2 or more miles per day.
  • Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, crouch, and crawl.
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to use finger, wrist, and hand motions.
  • Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices.
  • Ability to speak and be heard.
  • Ability to tolerate exposure to animal food/waste, hay, and fur/feathers for entire shift.
  • Ability to safely handle, present, crate, and transport Ambassador Animals following AZA and Henry Vilas Zoo standards and protocols.
  • Ability to speak in front of groups and present information in line with the Zoo mission.
  • Ability to uphold Zoo Camp’s Behavior Policy.
  • Ability to learn and support the vision of the Education Department and the Henry Vilas Zoo.
  • Demonstrated respect for all animal species.
  • Demonstrated attendance punctuality and reliability.
  • Ability to work with all ages, but especially with children between 4 and 12 years of age.
  • Demonstrated appreciation for science education and a commitment to conservation.
  • Knowledge of relevant safety precautions and practices.
  • Demonstrated reasoning skills and the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and/or diagrammatic form.
  • Ability to effectively relate with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.
  • Ability to organize and perform necessary duties efficiently, effectively, and safely.

Responsibilities

  • The Education Ambassador Intern supports our popular Summer Zoo Camp learning experiences.
  • Interns are responsible for leading animal encounters with our ambassador animals for our summer campers.
  • They must have an appreciation for environmental and science education and a commitment to conservation and working with children.
  • They should be prepared to learn about current education methods for child-led science investigations, Next Generation Science Standards, and encourage children to make discoveries for themselves.
  • The Zoo Education Ambassador Internship is 40 hours a week from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, from May 21st to August 29th, 2025.
  • Under supervision, the intern will perform duties necessary to support Summer Zoo Camp and other educational programming as well as follow AZA standards and zoo protocols for working with zoo animals.
  • Interns will learn to handle and present Education Ambassador Animals and lead behind-the-scenes interactions as part of the Summer Zoo Camp curriculum.
  • The intern will enforce rules with each group to ensure the safety of the staff, campers, and animals, and will lead campers in encounters using interpretation techniques and specific questioning skills to push campers’ critical thinking.
  • During their internship, interns work on a personal project for the Zoo.

FAQs

What are the working hours for this internship?

The internship is full-time at 40 hours per week, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, from May 21st to August 29th, 2025.

Is there any guarantee of hours each week for this position?

No, Limited Term Employees (LTEs) are not guaranteed any hours per week and are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year.

Are there any specific educational requirements for this internship?

Yes, candidates should have training and/or experience equivalent to one semester of college, preferably in a major related to Environmental Education.

Will a background check be required for this position?

Yes, some positions may require a criminal background check, which could include fingerprinting, due to the nature of the job's responsibilities.

Is CPR and First Aid training required?

Yes, candidates must have CPR and First Aid training or be willing to obtain it before the camp starts.

Are there any physical requirements for the internship?

Yes, the position requires the ability to lift average weights of 5-10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds, as well as the ability to walk at least 2 miles per day and work in various weather conditions.

What is the main focus of the internship?

The main focus is to support the Summer Zoo Camp educational experiences by leading animal encounters with ambassador animals and facilitating child-led science investigations.

Can I apply if I have no previous experience working with children?

An interest in working with children is essential; while previous experience is preferred, having a commitment to learning and engaging with children is important.

Is this position open to all applicants?

Yes, while all applicants are welcome, those from traditionally underrepresented populations, including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, are especially encouraged to apply.

Are there opportunities for personal projects during the internship?

Yes, interns will have the chance to work on a personal project related to the Zoo during their internship.

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Dane County

Government
Industry
1001-5000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

Dane County, Wisconsin, provides a wide array of public services and administrative functions to support the community's well-being and development. It manages services such as public safety, health and human services, environmental protection, transportation infrastructure, and economic development. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for all residents by fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment. Through collaborative efforts and strategic planning, Dane County aims to address the needs of its citizens, promote social equity, and ensure long-term prosperity for the community.