Internships
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a privately owned zoological and botanical garden in Sarasota, Florida. Our park hosts species of flora and fauna from around the world. Our park was opened in 1939 and continues to be one of Sarasota’s favorite family attractions. Sarasota Jungle Gardens has daily educational animal shows, keeper talks, and animal interactions. Our mission is to educate and inspire our community through interactive experiences with animals and nature supported by unmatched customer service.
Description
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is in search of students passionate about education and conservation, looking for an opportunity to learn in the zoological field. Students are able to experience a functioning zoological organization and develop beneficial education skills. This is an unpaid internship. Interns will develop skills of public speaking, animal care, animal handling, husbandry and offsite programs.
Interns can expect to:
- Learn and perform daily keeper talks about selected species
- Develop public speaking skills in a range of scenarios
- Learn about animal care and husbandry
- Learn and assist with positive reinforcement training
- Help to create new educational programs
- Assist with offsite outreach experiences
- Learn record keeping, observation methods, and the importance of animal enrichment.
- Gain experience for a future in zoological education
Internships Dates:
Fall August-December
Spring January- April
Summer May-July
Requirements
Interns are expected to work a total of 30-40 hours a week. Hours are typically 8:30am-4:30pm and are scheduled according to department needs. However, some earlier or later shifts may be available. Hours may change based on scheduling. A lunch stipend will be provided. Individuals interested in this position must be of 18 years or older and be seeking a biology-related degree. Candidates who have graduated with a biological degree will be considered within 6 months of graduation. Interested persons must be able to work long hours in the heat of Florida, be available for all scheduled shifts, be comfortable with public speaking, have an interest in animal care, and be passionate about the natural world. Candidates must be on time, organized, self-driven, and have a willingness to learn to be considered for this position. Candidates must also be able to pass a level 2 background check and drug screen.
How To Apply
Interested individuals should note that you are applying for an internship in your email with a cover letter, resume, and at least one letter of recommendation to: employment@sarasotajunglegardens.com