SEASONAL INTERN – EDUC. DEPT
STIPEND

The goal of the Seasonal Internship is to provide a pre-professional, experiential learning opportunity for students interested in environmental conservation, informal education, and communication. Interns will receive on-grounds training in interpretive techniques and relevant animal information. Upon completion of training, interns will be responsible for providing presentations focusing on conservation action and awareness to zoo guests at a variety of locations and activities around zoo grounds. Interns will also act as mentors for the Zoo’s youth volunteers. The Seasonal Intern reports to the Guest Encounters Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Constantly exhibit a customer service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in visitor comfort and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist visitors with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo.  Address the visitor - do not wait to be asked.
• Remove trash and debris from public areas; i.e. pick up litter whenever you see it.
• Participate in training to learn accurate exhibit information, including species and individual animal information.
• Participate in training/mentoring process to learn effective public presentation and interpretation techniques.
• Provide interpretive guest experiences at Education Station activity carts and exhibits throughout the zoo.
• Act as a mentor for youth volunteers in public speaking skills.
• Provide a structured and successful environment for youth volunteers to help the Zoo achieve its mission of connecting guests with wildlife.
• Encourage, develop, and support the youths’ interest in animals and wildlife.
• Participate in the evaluation process for teens, peers and guest.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated strong conservation and environmental knowledge in order to communicate appropriate conservation and wildlife messages to all guests.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information in an informal setting, such that it is personal and relevant to guests.
• Proven oral communication skills, including both one-on-one delivery and formal microphone presentations.
• Willingness to act as a mentor to youth ranging in ages 14-18 years.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors all day in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• College Sophomore or above
• Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Zoology, Animal Behavior, Conservation, Psychology, Hospitality, Communication, Human Resources, Recreation/Tourism or related major.
• Availability to intern at least 30 hours per week for a minimum internship period of 10 weeks starting May 30, 2007.
• Knowledge and experience in interpretive techniques.

BENEFITS

• $2000.00 stipend provided in three installments paid monthly upon completion of service.
• The chance to further develop professional skills and explore potential careers available within the fields of zoos, conservation and interpretation.
• Certificate of achievement based on successful completion of internship.
• Discounts at food service locations and gift stores throughout the zoo.

San Antonio Zoo
Attn: Human Resources Department
3903 N. St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 734-7291 Fax

 

Download the Zoo's Employment Application (PDF)

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