Interpretive Resources Intern

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This is an unpaid position intended to provide a professional learning experience to students or other appropriate individuals whose career intent includes interpretation, informal education, conservation, communications, or museum or library curation, administration, and collections care. This internship will provide practical, real-world experience by working directly with the Manager of Public Programs and the Education Department to provide support in the creation and maintenance of resources used for interpretation and education of Zoo guests.

• Assist the Manager of Public Programs in the research, writing, and organization of animal information to be utilized as reference material for Education programming, the Zoo Atlanta website, Zoo signage and other Zoo Atlanta sources.

• Assist with evaluation of interpretive programs, media, and resources.

• Collaborate with Education, Animal Care teams, Multimedia, Communications, and other Zoo departments in developing content for resources.

• As a member of the Biofact Team, assist with maintenance and curation of Zoo Atlanta’s biofact collection, containing more than 1,000 items primarily comprised of biological materials like bones, fur, feathers, and utilized in education programming.

• Effectively use Resource Mate library automation software to track and preserve records of Zoo Atlanta’s biofact collection.

• Data collection and assessment.

• Occasional assistance with interpretive program delivery, activities, or events.

• Other projects as assigned.

• Gain professional experience in helping Zoo Atlanta create messaging that is supported by science and inspires our guests to take conservation action.

• Develop skills applicable to zoological, aquarium, museum, library, or educational settings.

• Gain hands-on experience working with a large collection of biofacts, including loaned USFWS property.

• Enhance the productivity and efficiency of the Education department.

• A chance to network professionally within one of the world’s most respected zoological and conservation organizations.

• A chance to join Zoo Atlanta in its mission of wildlife conservation, education and industry leading research.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program OR a recent graduate in a related field.

• Must be willing to submit to a background check.

• Available to intern a minimum of 10 weeks (scheduling can be flexible according to academic schedule and individual needs).

• Available to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week.

• Excellent writing, communication, research, organization, and time management skills.

• Creative, self-motivated to accomplish goals.

• Must be collaborative and work well in a team oriented environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.

• Experience with Survey Monkey and Microsoft Outlook preferred but not required.

• Experience with interpretation or informal education preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must be able to occasionally work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Zoo Atlanta is open to the public 363 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at Zoo Atlanta may require employees and interns to work some weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Complete Online Application then Email Cover letter, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation to internship@zooatlanta.org. The internship you are applying for needs to be in the subject line of the email.

• Cover letter must include:

1. Term for which you are applying.

2. Why you are applying for this internship.

3. What makes you a good candidate for this internship.

4. If you are applying to multiple departments for internships at Zoo Atlanta. If so, please indict your top choice.

• 2 letters of recommendation may be submitted by the applicant or the reference; however, the applicant’s name should appear in the subject line of the email.

• Submit all required documents as one PDF or Microsoft Word file. (Letters of reference being sent directly from the reference are the only exception).

• Complete applications must be submitted by 4:00PM on the day of the application deadline; Fall 2019 deadline: July 12th, 2019

• You will need to contact your college/university advisor to determine if our program qualifies for credit at your institution.

• We make every effort to support additional projects your advisor requires in order to receive credit and are happy to discuss modifications of our program with your advisor

• Any paperwork, including project terms, evaluations, minimum hours, or any other requirements must be submitted upon acceptance into the program, no later than 2 weeks prior to the term start date.

• No preferential treatment will be granted to interns earning credit over interns not earning credit.

All submitted applications will be reviewed by the Manager of Volunteer Programs. Complete applications from applicants who have followed all directions will be sent onto internship departments for review and potential phone interviews. Applicants who do not follow directions will not be considered for internships.

Volunteers serve up to: 30 hours Weekly