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Animal Care Internships

Oatland Island Wildlife Center offers interns a unique opportunity to experience the world of zookeeping in a beautiful, natural setting featuring native Georgia species. This internship program is designed to provide hands-on training and valuable experience for individuals seeking a career in an animal-related field. Preference is given to candidates currently pursuing a degree in biology or a related discipline.

Internship positions can be highly rewarding for animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts; however, they do not guarantee interaction with all animals on the property. For safety reasons, direct physical contact with most animals is not permitted. Interns will receive comprehensive training across multiple areas of animal husbandry, which may include (but are not limited to): animal safety and welfare, diet preparation, feeding, enclosure maintenance and cleaning, enrichment, observation, medication administration, rehabilitation, exposure to veterinary procedures and exams, animal dietary management, and enclosure design.

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Internship Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license
  • Must have a high school diploma/GED
  • Enrollment in or graduation from an associate or bachelor’s degree program in any animal science or related field
  • Ability to work 20 + hours weekly for twelve consecutive weeks
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly, crawl, climb, jump, rake, stoop, sweep, bend, lift, reach and lift overhead, kneel, and carry objects for short distance without difficulty.
  • Must be willing to work holidays and weekends if necessary.
  • Must maintain a current tetanus vaccination (within 5 years).
  • Must have a negative TB test within the last year. Rabies vaccine not required but strongly encouraged.
  • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions including rain, heat, and cold.
  • Ability to traverse grounds on foot and stand/walk for extended periods of time.
  • Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.
  • Housing is the responsibility of the intern.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and stairs.
  • Must be able to load and operate wheelbarrows loaded up to 150 pounds.
  • Must be able to operate small machinery such as weed eaters and mowers.
​​Internship Terms:

Unpaid internships are offered in seasonal terms. These time frames are as followed:

Season Dates of Internship Application Period
Spring February - April Nov 1st - Dec 31st
Summer May - July Feb 1st - March 30th
Fall August - October May 1st - June 30th 
Winter  November - January Aug 1st - Sept 30th 

 

Application Information:

To apply for the animal care internship, please submit your application at the following link. Depending upon available space and department needs, you may then be contacted for an interview.

Food Prep

Internship Details:

288 hour requirement for 3 month internship (typically 3, 8 hour shifts a week for 3 months). No housing or stipend provided. Personal vehicle with current license and registration required. Recent negative TB test. Completion of Intern Project to be approved by Senior Animal Care/Director of Animal Programs.