Animal Programming and Husbandry Internship

Animal Programming and Husbandry Internship

Interested candidates must apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, which can be accessed via https://jobs.virginia.gov/
 

Overview

Are you passionate about education with live animals? Are you looking to learn more about animal husbandry?  Then apply to be one of our Summer Interns!

Job Description:

All Summer Interns gain exposure to a wide range of museum career pathways through hands-on experience, professional development, and career exploration. The Animal Programming and Husbandry Intern will develop practical skills relevant to careers in animal husbandry, informal science education, museums, and nonprofit organizations.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the intern will assist with the care and management of the Museum’s live animal collection, including insects, arachnids, reptiles, and rats. Responsibilities include supporting animal handling procedures, contributing to the development of an animal ambassador program, and helping design engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences for diverse audiences.

The intern will gain experience in informal education by staffing the Animal Lab and select permanent exhibitions, learning best practices for live animal interpretation and guest engagement. Additional internship components include meetings with Museum senior leaders, professional development sessions, career exploration presentations, and networking opportunities focused on science and museum careers.

Opportunities for Professional Development

Interns will complete a project based on their interests. Projects could include (but are not limited to):

• Developing live animal programming
• Developing animal interpretation and presentation resources for staff and volunteers
• Other related projects based on the candidate's interests and talents. 

Qualifications

• Interns must be at least 18 years of age and be enrolled as college undergraduates or graduate students 
• First-generation college students are encouraged to apply
• Candidates should be outgoing, enthusiastic, creative, energetic and able to work in a busy exhibit space
• Candidates should enjoy working with people of all backgrounds – especially children. 
• Candidates should have a strong interest in zoology, biology, animal husbandry, animal behavior, animal training, entomology. or science preferred
• Candidates should be able to take direction and adhere to museum policies and be able to work with staff to address any challenges
• Candidates should enjoy learning new information and sharing it in an age appropriate, interesting, accurate, fun and educational manner
• Candidates should demonstrate maturity and the ability to work independently while following supervisor’s instructions and guidance

Commitment

• This is a paid internship position. Interns will be expected to complete 300 hours between Mid-May and Mid-August and will be paid at an hourly rate of $15/hr. 
• Candidates selected for interviews should be prepared to discuss their general summer availability during the interview. 
• If you will be receiving school credit for your internship, please specify your program and the required hours and schedule. Interns must commit to participating in any and all training sessions associated with the position. 
• The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, which can be accessed via https://jobs.virginia.gov/

All submissions must include a letter of intent describing their interest in the specific internship and a résumé.

Name/Address of Internship Site:
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23200-2054

Additional Questions please contact:

Candidates with questions can contact Volunteer and Intern Coordinator, Jared Strawderman, at jstrawderman@smv.org or call 804.864.1514.