THE LUBEE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM offers a unique and exciting opportunity that helps participants gain professional animal care experience at a world renowned conservation organization. Lubee is an AZA Certified Related Facility.
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The Lubee Internship Program is offered throughout the year, in four 14-week seasonal semesters.
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Spring: February - May
Summer: May - August
Fall: August - November
Winter: November - February
Start dates TBD.
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Applicants can submit inquiries for their desired semester to lubeebatconintern@gmail.com.
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WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR IN OUR INTERNS:
You need to be self-motivated and an energetic individual that's interested in gaining experience in the animal care field. Interns will learn husbandry skills for bats, small mammals, and reptiles alongside our professional animal care staff.
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WHAT YOU SHOULD EXCEPT TO GAIN:
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:​​
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Intern schedule is a 40 hour week (5 days a week 8:00am-4:00pm). Days off will be determined after acceptance to program.
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Animal husbandry including cleaning exhibits, preparing diets, enrichment activities, record keeping, and assisting with environmental enhancements.
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Observe and/or assist in veterinary procedures and medication administration.
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Learn formal and informal interpretive educational programs for visitors.
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Develop and implement animal enrichment programs.
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Learn and follow animal/keeper safety guidelines, operations, and polices.
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General grounds maintenance, that may include the use of power tools.
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Learn USDA and AZA guidelines, procedures and protocols, and other related literature.
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Complete and present one enrichment project and one project of intern’s choice during internship.
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This internship description is not intended to be all-inclusive; therefore, the intern may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by staff.
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WHAT WILL MAKE YOU QUALIFIED:
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Experience working around animals in a zoo or similar setting preferred.
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Must have strong communication skills.
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Engage in a team environment that includes staff, interns, and volunteers.
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Ability to work outdoors in ALL weather conditions.
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Be in good physical condition – able to stand for long periods of time, stoop, climb, and lift at least 50 pounds.
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Must have a current negative TB test (within the last 2 years of application).
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Must have current Tetanus vaccine (within the last 10 years of application).
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Proof of COVID vaccination or negative test within 2 weeks of internship start date.
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Preference will be given to those with a sincere desire in becoming an animal keeper.
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Reliable transportation.
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Valid ID.
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Be 18 years or older.
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And last, but not least important - Fun, Personable, Engaging, Passionate, willing to learn, ask questions, and generally enjoyable to be around. We cannot stress this enough!
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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HOUSING:
The intern will make his or her own housing arrangements in the north central FL area.
COLLEGE CREDIT:
We will work with your college/university to offer college credit, however it is your responsibility to arrange this. We will provide any documentation or testing your school requires for credit hours.
SALARY:
This is an unpaid internship.
CATEGORY TYPE:
Internship
APPLICATION:
Please send resume, cover letter, and two professional or educational references to lubeebatconintern@gmail.com with the subject line reading:
INTERNSHIP (Your Name & the semester you'd like to participate in).
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Example: INTERNSHIP (Arthur Batt - Fall Semester)
INTERNSHIP LOCATION:
Lubee Bat Conservancy
1309 NW 192nd Ave
Gainesville, FL 32609
352-485-1250
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FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
FACEBOOK: Lubee Bat Conservancy INSTAGRAM: lubeebatconservancy TWITTER: @batconservancy
TIKTOK: @lubeebatconservancy YOUTUBE: Official Lubee Bat Conservancy
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