Summary:
Mary Wilson was a
senior zookeeper at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore where she worked for 38
years. She was the first African-American woman zookeeper at the zoo. In honor
of her legacy, the Maryland Zoo has created the Mary Wilson Animal Care and
Conservation Scholar Program for a local black, indigenous, or person of color
(BIPOC) student with a passion for animals and an interest in a wildlife or
conservation career. This intern will be paired with an experienced zookeeper
to learn first-hand about working with animals and Zoo visitors. The Scholar
Program will allow a student to experience the daily work of an Animal Keeper,
with additional exposure to other departments, which might include the Animal,
Hospital, Commissary, and Education, providing a unique insight into the Zoo
world. A research project throughout the six weeks will round out the learning
experience. Upon successful completion
of the program, the Scholar will be knowledgeable about the benefits and demands
of various wildlife careers, and will have valuable hands-on experience in
animal care.
The Mary Wilson Scholar Program is designed to provide an understanding of the zoo field as well as basic skills for individuals interested in pursuing a career in animal science, biology, ecology, conservation, veterinary medicine, and/or zoology. Candidates with limited prior work experience in animal care but a demonstrated passion for the field, are highly encouraged to apply. The Scholar will receive weekly feedback from their mentor, and will get a written evaluation on general performance and the research project at the end of the Scholar Program.
Eligibility:
Qualified candidate must be an actively enrolled student
age 18 or older with a demonstrated interest in a wildlife or conservation career.
Students pursuing careers related to biology, animal sciences, conservation, or
veterinary medicine are encouraged to apply. Students must have completed one
year of biology, life sciences, natural sciences, or equivalent.
Duration of Internship:
Week of June 27, 2022 through week of July 31, 2022
Schedule:
Approximately 40 hours per week. The Mary Wilson Scholar
will be scheduled as the keeper they are assigned to.
Stipend:
The Mary Wilson Scholar will receive a $3,600 stipend to
cover costs associated with completion of this program.
Responsibilities:
- Under the guidance of zoo staff, learn to provide basic care and husbandry for zoo collection animals including habitat cleaning, food preparation, and enrichment;
- Accompany Keepers during paid guest experiences with zoo animals;
- Interact with visitors in a professional and friendly manner;
- Gain exposure to zoo operations by observing various departments within the organization;
- Throughout the six week session, design and complete a research project on a related topic of interest, under the guidance of a staff mentor
- Promote the mission of The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore;
- Perform other duties as assigned; and,
- Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.
Qualifications:
- Enrollment in an academic program with a desire to pursue a career in biology, ecology, conservation, animal sciences, zoology, veterinary medicine, and/or related field.
- Minimum one year of coursework in life science, biology, or equivalent;
- Experience with customer service preferred;
- Experience working in outdoor environments preferred; and
- Ability to work in a team environment with a wide variety of individuals from different ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
- Candidates must provide proof of COVID vaccination. A recent negative TB test is optional, and will allow for broader access to animal areas.
- The zoo will provide uniform shirts, and the Scholar must provide their own khaki pants and closed toes shoes. The shoes must be left at the zoo for the duration of the program for biosecurity purposes.
Working Conditions:
- Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
- Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo as needed;
- Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
- Ability to work a fixed schedule that may include weekends and holidays;
- Must be able to work while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including a facemask;
- Potential contact with hazardous chemicals; and,
- Exposure to zoonotic diseases, insect bites/stings, and risk of animal attack.
To apply for the Mary Wilson Animal Care and Conservation Scholar Program, complete the application at this URL: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1616372698
Deadline for application submission is April 30, 2022.