Aviculture & Environmental Education Paid Internship
Summary: The Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy (LRWC) is accepting applications for a unique internship opportunity in the combined disciplines of aviculture and environmental education. Interns receive on- the-job training alongside our internationally known staff in all aspects of aviculture and environmental education programs.
Position Description: Internships are 24 weeks in duration (six months) with the potential for renewal. This position has dualresponsibilities in the aviculture and environmental education programs. There is overlap in responsibilities and some dayshave more emphasis on one program than the other. Aviculture responsibilities include feeding and maintenance of thecaptive waterfowl collection, assistance with bird capture/restraint/transport, veterinary staff support, and record keeping.Environmental education responsibilities include interacting with LRWC visitors, guiding tour groups, presenting avian relatedprograms, training/working with education birds, and representing the organization at community events. Successfulapplicants will also assist with the supervision of volunteers and student work groups, and assist with special events andfundraising. This is a demanding position that sometimes requires long hours and extended periods outside in adverseweather conditions. Applicants must be willing to put in the time and effort to complete projects as needed.
Qualifications: Applicants must have prior experience in animal care and an interest in environmental education. Undergraduates and graduate students in the fields of education, science or biology are encouraged to apply. Students with college degrees in related fields may also be considered. Experience in animal care is required and knowledge and/orexperience with avian husbandry is highly desirable. The position requires exceptional attention to detail, the ability tomanage multiple and diverse tasks simultaneously, excellent writing ability, a high level of professionalism with stronginterpersonal skills and a cordial attitude. Applicants must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, climb a ladder 20 feet or higherand perform overhead work. Applicants must also be available to work any of the seven days of the week and holidays withthe possibility of late evenings as needed. A valid driver license is required.
Compensation: Interns receive housing and a bi-weekly stipend of $200.00 ($400.00 per month).
About the Conservancy: The Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy is a not for-profit organization dedicated to theconservation of waterfowl and wetland habitats through research, education, and conservation action. An integral part of ourconservation and education programs are the aviaries, where over seventy species of waterfowl, as well as cranes andscreamers, are housed. Conservancy staff conducts on-site and off-site environmental education programs relating tobiodiversity and waterfowl and wetland conservation, often utilizing the aviaries and imprinted education birds.
LRWC is located in a small town with 8,000 residents in northwestern Connecticut. Applicants should be aware of theopportunities and limitations of living in a quaint New England community. Litchfield is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise andLRWC itself has access to several hundred acres of wetland and upland habitats.
To Apply: Qualified applicants should email a letter of inquiry, resume, and at least three references to Jessica Caton, LRWC Director of Education at jcaton@lrwc.net Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, with application deadline of September 15, 2014. Intern start date last week of October. Selected candidates will be interviewed shortly thereafter. No callsplease.