The Oregon Zoo’s Conservation Research Internships are educational and provide students with real world experience that complements their academic training. We offer a structured internship program and work with each student to define the nature, scope and appropriate schedule of the internship. Interns are expected to take on an ‘independent study’ during their term, typically focused on a particular aspect of captive husbandry, butterfly biology, ecosystem conservation, or an element of husbandry data not yet thoroughly explored. There are no fees involved in participating in an internship at the Oregon Zoo; however, all of our internships are unpaid and we are unable to provide any form of compensation or assistance.

The Butterfly Conservation Program is one of a handful of programs conducting captive rearing of threatened and endangered species for release to the wild. The Conservation Butterfly Intern will receive the opportunity to work both with keepers in the Imperiled Butterfly Lab and with Conservation Research staff.

Captive rearing
During the active rearing season, February – October, staff care for thousands of butterfly larvae that are cleaned and fed daily; dish washing, leaf (food) preparation, and record keeping are constant. The work can be tedious, the procedures are highly detailed and the margin for error very small.

Conservation Science
In addition to the captive rearing, our butterfly projects are Research Programs. Many of the records kept during husbandry routines are entered into a database to be summarized for reports and analyzed for comparison across rearing years &/or facilities. Each of Oregon Zoo’s captive rearing projects are part of much larger Species Recovery Programs that include partners from federal, state and local agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Information about our Butterfly Conservation Programs can be found at: https://www.oregonzoo.org/conserve/fighting-extinction-pacific-northwest

At the Oregon zoo, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment.

Application requirements
In addition to the electronic application, please include:
1) a curriculum vitae (coursework resume), including experience related to the minimum requirements and essential expectations of the internship AND
2) a letter of recommendation from your academic advisor or sponsor. Please instruct your academic advisor or sponsor to submit the letter of recommendation separately from this application, to the following email address: HR-Recruitment@oregonmetro.gov and include “Letter of Recommendation” in the subject line. A confirmation will be sent to the sender and applicant once it has been received. Alternatively, a signed PDF may be attached to this electronic application. All materials must be received by the application deadline.

• Learn the natural history of two species of imperiled NW native butterflies
• Explore broad conservation issues and their impact on various threatened species
• Develop competencies to assist animal care staff with day to day activities in a species recovery laboratory by learning to provide consistent care for small, endangered animals in a captive environment
• Collaborate with Horticulture and other zoo staff to understand nutritional requirements of larvae and butterflies and to ensure necessary quantity and quality of food.
• Support research and reporting by learning and applying best practices for keeping concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, hatchings, deaths, transfers, etc.
• Advance your database knowledge by assisting with data management in an MS Access database, use ImageJ to calculate morphological measurements from wing photos, and use Hoboware to download and analyze environmental data
• Attend regular Butterfly Lab, Conservation and Living Collections Division, and zoo-wide meetings
• Participate in communications and meetings with program partners
• Assist animal care and conservation science staff with butterfly captive breeding and population management
• Contribute directly to the recovery of two species of threatened NW native butterflies

Intern(s) may receive additional opportunities to:

• participate in local conservation efforts or other occasional field trips
• accompany captive reared individuals to field sites for release
• assist with a variety of other tasks as they arise

As part of the internship program, intern(s) will be required to:

• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, including legibly completing husbandry data sheets, clarifying instructions, and written summaries.
• Contribute to a sanitary lab environment by washing cups and bins used to house larvae, general cleaning (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, laundry), and processing compost, recycling and garbage.
• Stock and maintain organization of supplies, including cutting and folding fabric, tape, and paper towels
• Enter data and use specialized software for a variety of tasks.
• Review of primary literature, includes searching online databases, cataloging articles, and written summaries of findings.

• Successful completion of at least one year of classes at an accredited institution of higher education including 1 year of general biology.
• Internship must fulfill an academic requirement of an accredited Institution of Higher Education in a directly related field of study.
• Proficiency in computer use including word processing, manipulating spreadsheets, creating presentations, online research, and willingness to learn new software as necessary.
• Availability to dedicate 25-40 hours/week including one weekend day.
• Completion of tuberculosis testing (TB Skin Test) prior to start of internship (see more information below).*

Preferred

• Coursework in conservation biology, ecology, invertebrate zoology, environmental science, and chemistry are strongly preferred.
• Competitive applicants have coursework in research methods and applied field conservation or research experience.

Due to the critical nature of caring for small, live animals and to ensure integrity of research data, the successful intern must be self motivated and possess a strong attention to detail.

* TB Skin Test
Tuberculosis can be transmitted from humans to some Zoo animals; therefore, all employees, volunteers and interns who have contact with Zoo animals must be tested annually for TB. Individuals are responsible for ensuring that this requirement is met on an annual basis. Verification is required.

Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Criminal background check: In order to protect the well being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.

Equal employment opportunity:  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law.  Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer