Job and Internship Opportunities

---

 Animal Academy of the Emerald Coast is offering an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about animals and eager to expand their understanding of animal behavior through hands-on experience in care, nutrition, and handling. Our internship program is tailored specifically for aspiring zookeepers, veterinarians, biologists, conservationists, animal/wildlife educators, animal trainers, and other animal-related fields, making it the perfect platform to kickstart your career. 

Although interns will be required to handle all the animals, we prioritize your educational goals and will customize your internship to align with your interests. By participating in our program, you'll gain invaluable knowledge in domestic and exotic animal husbandry and behaviors, empowering you with the skills needed to excel in your desired field.

Join us at the Animal Academy of the Emerald Coast and embark on a journey of discovery, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the fascinating world of animal behavior!

Qualifications:

· Must be able to commit 10-15 hours a week (2-3 days a week: 5-hour shifts a day) with a 4-month commitment (Spring: Jan-Apr, Summer: May-Aug, Fall: Sept-Dec).

· Must be willing to work events, which may include weekends or holidays.

· Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions that Florida has to offer, including but not limited to rain, heat, cold, wind, sun, humidity, and bugs.

· Must be willing to care for and interact with all animals in our collection, including macaws, owl, pigeons, chickens, cockatoo, bearded dragon, alpaca, goats, mini horse, African crested porcupine, guinea pigs, domestic canines, and more.

· Must demonstrate enthusiasm and good judgment while working with children and event guests.

· Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, verbal and written, and be able to follow directions.

· Be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs., bend, kneel, and stand for long periods of time.

· Must be in high school or college to apply. Need to be enrolled in your schools’ internship program to receive school credit. Applicants pursuing a degree in biology, life sciences, or psychology preferred.

· Must be punctual and display time management skills.

· Must have reliable transportation and be able to navigate successfully to events and the facility.

· Must be at least 16 years of age. 

Responsibilities:

· Focus is on husbandry, nutrition, handling, training, and public education.

· You will help care for all of the animal ambassadors at Animal Academy of the Emerald Coast and assist our animal care specialists in the daily care of the animals including but not limited to: macaws, owl, pigeons, chickens, cockatoo, bearded dragon, alpaca, goats, mini horse, African crested porcupine, guinea pigs, domestic canines, and more.

· Follow the daily cleaning schedule including deep cleaning of animal enclosures.

· Diet preparation. Each animal has a specific diet and as animal caretakers and zookeepers, it is our job to ensure the animals are given the proper diet.

· Enrichment- we do not want our animals to get bored and therefore need to enrich the animals with exercise, food, handling, and toys that encourage natural behaviors.

· Training- you will assist the training and education specialists in daily animal training. Since these are ambassador animals, regular handling is necessary. Some animals are also trained on cooperative care and fun behaviors that require practice for maintenance.

· Observe the animals and take note of any health or medical issues and be able to communicate it with your team leader. 

· Assist with the administration of medications to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.

· Aid our education specialists in our Exotic Education Program, EEP! Whether it’s a public or private event, birthday party, petting zoo, or online encounter, assist our education specialists to inspire the community about animals, wildlife, and their importance in the world we share.

· Complete a special project about animal observation, a training project, research, an enrichment project, in your area of interest.

Knowledge you will gain:

· Hands on experience applying principles of learning and behavior in real world training experiences.

· Critical zookeeping and animal caretaking skills pertaining to a variety of species.

· Valuable education and communication skills.

· Multitasking and time management skills.

· Important animal nutrition information.

· How to care for exotic animals in captivity.

· Public speaking and animal presentations skills.

· How to work with a team of both people and animals.

· Learn how to communicate needs, ideas, and instruction to others.

Application Question(s):

· Have you ever been fired or left a job with less than 2 weeks’ notice? If yes, please give a brief explanation.

· What are your future aspirations and what do you hope to gain from this internship?

Experience:

· Animal care: 1 year (preferred, but not required)

Language:

· English (required)

License/Certification:

· Driver’s License (preferred)

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in joining our team, please send an email with your name, phone number, and resume to animalacademyec@gmail.com or call us at (850) 739.2878.

FAQs

Will I get to touch and handle the animals?

Yes! You will handle most, if not all, of our animal ambassadors at one point during your internship.

Will I be paid?

No. At this time, this is an unpaid internship, but you will gain valuable experience working as a zookeeper and trainer with a number of different species.

Will I be hired on at Animal Academy of the Emerald Coast after my internship?

Though it is not guaranteed, this internship does have the potential to become a job in the future.