Intern - Conservation Research Assistant, Aquatics - Turtles & Mussels

Intern - Conservation Research Assistant, Aquatics - Turtle & Mussel

Minnesota Zoo

13000 Zoo Boulevard

Apple Valley, MN 55124

This posting may be used to fill multiple paid internships. One position will handle Turtles, and one position will handle Mussels.

Conservation Research Assistant - Turtles

Conservation Research Assistant - Mussels

Salary Range: $20.00 / hour.

Anticipated to work mid-May through mid-August. The expected work schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, may vary for event scheduling.

This position assists daily operations of the Minnesota Zoo’s Conservation Program, with particular emphasis on Minnesota’s threatened and endangered species of turtles and mussels. This position will support field research efforts; help with the collection and management of field data, perform data entry; provide care for imperiled turtles and mussels; assist in the management of tools and materials; and other related tasks. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Demonstrate and maintain appropriate workplace behaviors and protocols as established by the Minnesota Zoo so that animal’s health and well-being is maintained, staff have a safe and respectful work environment, and guests have a welcoming and extraordinary experience. 
• Implement established field research and husbandry protocols associated with native turtles and mussels to ensure the highest standards of scientific integrity and animal care are maintained. 
• Collect data associated with all field research and husbandry activities and log all activities / enter data to ensure appropriate record-keeping that will facilitate increased scientific knowledge of native turtles and mussels. 
• Maintain spaces so that proper health and quarantine procedures are assured. 
• Perform other duties as assigned or apparent to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and its projects. 

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.

To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; AND
• Your advisor must certify that you will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.

AND

Knowledge of basic biology and zoology.

• High level of attention to detail.
• Interest in zoo-based conservation of wildlife.
• Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet and other software applications sufficient to create emails and enter, compile, store and retrieve data.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
• An unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting field research related to ecology and / or wildlife biology. 
• Experience working with reptiles and / or native mussels. 
• Work experience with animal husbandry. 
• Experience with aquatic systems, or an interest in learning about them. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outside under potentially extreme weather conditions. 
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven and occasionally wet terrain.
• Ability to lift, carry and move up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to operate a golf cart, i.e., possess a valid driver’s license. 
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate basic hand tools, light power tools, sprayers, and basic cleaning supplies. 
• Ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, walk, run, jump, push, pull, lift, stand still, and sit still.