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 will gain exposure to a wide selection of museum career opportunities. The Animal Programming and Husbandry intern will gain experience and skills key to careers in reptile husbandry,  education, museums and the non-profit world, including activity development, informal education techniques for all age groups and education department operations. 

Working with their mentor, this intern will co-develop handling procedures, assist in the development of an animal ambassador program, and work with the live animal collection, including insects, arachnids, reptiles, and rats.   They will learn best practices for gallery interpretation by staffing the Animal Lab as well as other permanent exhibitions at the museum. 

Internship activities will include meetings with Museum senior leaders, direct work experience, professional development, participation in career exploration presentations on science and the museum field, and networking opportunities. 

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 $14/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, a résumé, and two letters of reference. 

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.