Job Type: volunteer position
Opportunity location: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Closing date (if specified): 8 Oct 2010
Opportunity Description:
Introduction
The Wildlife Care Department of the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park offers internships to students who are currently enrolled in biology-related undergraduate and graduate programs at accredited colleges and universities. Although most of our interns work here during the summer, our program is open all year to qualifying applicants.
Benefits
No pay is earned during the internship experience in our Department, and transportation, room, and board are the responsibility of the intern. However, we have two bedrooms inside our Felburn Wildlife Care Center that are available on a first-come, first served basis to successfully placed interns. The bedrooms share a full bath, and a kitchenette with microwave oven and refrigerator are available 24-hours a day to interns living in the Center.
Time Commitment
Although the position of intern is a specialized volunteer placement, for the internship to be validated, we require a time commitment of 30 hours per week for at least 8 weeks. Additional hours can be accommodated, up to a 40-hour work week. The weekly schedule will vary depending on the duties assigned.
Summer Session: May-August
Fall Session: September-December
Spring Session: January-April
Duties
Your service at the Park will include care of wildlife and their enclosures, maintenance and housekeeping inside the Center, and presentation of educational programs. Interns work with ALL of the Park's wildlife; there are no positions available to work exclusively with manatees.
You may pursue a specific research project along with your duties. Your proposal must be submitted in writing for approval by the Wildlife Care Supervisor. This proposal must include an introduction describing your goals and objectives, materials and methods, and an estimate of the amount of time required to complete the project.
What follows is a basic outline of the job responsibilities of an intern at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. They are based on the job description of a Wildlife Care Ranger; however, some requirements have been eliminated to realistically accommodate the abilities of a temporary intern. Your specific job description may be altered depending on the instructions of the Wildlife Care Supervisor.
VISITOR SERVICE
Explains facilities and services provided for public use. Meets visitors, answers questions and provides information and directions. Provides informative and accurate information to the public.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Follows instructions and implements wildlife management plans. Intern will be expected to read and research existing park literature to fully understand the state's philosophy on ecosystem management.
MAINTENANCE
Intern may be asked to help maintain and repair buildings, fences, trails, service roads, boardwalks, docks and other facilities. You will be expected to maintain cleanliness of grounds and facilities.
ADMINISTRATION
Intern is expected to keep accurate records relating to wildlife care. Understanding state required forms on a wide range of subjects will be necessary.
PROTECTION
Intern must ensure park rules are followed for the enjoyment of the visitor.
Attire
We are a uniformed service. Interns wear a gray volunteer T-shirt provided by the Park. When presenting educational programs, you are required to wear a plain white or grey shirt with collar and buttons down the front, which is not provided by the Park. The Park will issue a nametag for the shirt. You must wear black shorts or slacks with the white shirt or the T-shirt. Black socks and black shoes (athletic shoes are acceptable) must be worn with slacks, and white accessories must be worn with the shorts.
Process
Interns will be interviewed and placed by the Wildlife Care Supervisor, Susan Lowe. Additional training will be provided on-the-job and through workshops.
If you are interested in an internship with us, please contact Allyssa Kordon at (352) 628-5343 ext 1006 or via e-mail at Allyssal.Kordon@dep.state.fl.us.
For more info, contact:
To Apply: Send the following information in one mailing to Allyssa Kordon, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446:
•Name, home and college addresses and phone numbers, email address (particularly important is a phone number where you can be reached during the day)
•Name of college, university, current academic status, curriculum (major and minor)
•Degrees held or expected with institution names, dates and anticipated completion dates.
•A statement defining your interest in pursing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals and reason for wanting this internship. Your statement is very important during application evaluations, as they will be shared with the Wildlife Care Team prior to interviews.
•The session you are applying for must be indicated (Spring, Summer or Fall).
? Letter of recommendation and approval from faculty advisor and professor as well as any agreement forms required for the Florida Park Service to complete by the University.
Our Opportunity ID: 16241
COLLEGE STUDENT INTERN PROGRAM
