Bird Department Internship
The Bird Department oversees the daily management and care of all the Zoo’s exhibit birds, with a collection of about 300 birds representing about 66 different species. Although the Bird Department oversees all of the Zoo’s exhibit birds, the majority are located in the Zoo’s three acre indoor Tropics Trail.
Summer Internship:
Approximately 400 hours between May 1st and Labor Day (start and end dates somewhat flexible). College credit required.
Responsibilities for the Bird Department Internship include cleaning, husbandry, diet preparation, feeding and monitoring of birds that are exhibited throughout the Zoo. Work hours are 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm daily.
Duties to include:
- Daily maintenance of bird exhibits.
- Learn identification of all birds in the collection and their daily needs.
- Monitor birds daily for health and breeding behaviors.
- Learn incubation techniques.
- Assist in the care of newly hatched chicks as needed.
- Assist in animal health procedures as needed.
- Interact with guests and volunteers when working in the public areas.
- Maintain accurate records.
- Daily diet preparation and feeding of the birds in the collection.
- Assist in developing and implementing a conservation message or project.
- Enter bird records into the computer.
- Assist with reference work or additional tasks as needed.
For more information, please contact:
Internship Coordinator Jill Wallin, Human Resources
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
E-mail: jill.wallin@state.mn.us
Phone: 952.431.9219
Toll-free: 800.366.7811 ext. 219
Fax: 952.431.9211
TTY: 800.627.3529
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