Our primary objectives are to shelter and find homes for animals who cannot be returned to the wild, and return native species to their natural, wild habitat once they are rehabilitated.

An internship at Colorado Reptile Humane Society provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with many different reptile and amphibian species, including captive-bred foreign and native-born wildlife. This includes daily observations of eating and other normal behaviors, habitat development, enrichment, and maintenance, growth measurements, and socialization where appropriate.

CoRHS interns learn skills such as safe animal handling techniques, cleaning and disinfection procedures, habitat enrichment, diets, food preparation and feeding methods, and assist experienced staff and volunteers with first-aid treatment procedures.

Field Work
Summer 2009, CoRHS continues studies on wild T. o. ornata, our native ornate box turtle. This work takes place at various locations on the eastern plains, involves working as part of a team, and field data recording. All interns will participate in field data collection events.

Expectations
Interns at CoRHS are self-motivated individuals who can both work independently and as part of a team as well as follow established procedures and make suggestions for improvements. Good observational skills are critical as are writing and speaking skills. All interns are required to work during CoRHS's annual Open House, June 23rd & 24th, 2007.

Working Conditions
Much of summer work takes place outdoors; Colorado summers are very hot, dry, and sunny. Resident chelonia may weigh between 20 grams and 40 kilograms (juvenile box turtles to adult sulcata tortoises). Habitat maintenance may include fence repairs, plant cultivation, and other demanding labor. You will use tools such as scales, calipers, digital camera, garden implements, wheel barrow, etc. Indoor working conditions are also hot and often also humid.

If you are interning for school credit or have a specific school project that needs to be completed during your time with us, please let us know.

Recommended prior experience
Previous experience in animal care with reptile and amphibian wildlife or domesticated animals is desired. Degrees (or in progress) in the natural sciences, wildlife management, veterinary medicine, veterinary technician, or environmental education are preferred but we consider interns from any background.

Session Dates
May 15th-July 15th (summer session 1)
June 15th-August 15th (summer session 2)

Weekly time requirements
30-40 hours per week, or more if desired
6-8 hour shifts

Transportation
Your own transportation to and from the shelter must be provided. It may be possible to car pool with staff or volunteers depending on the specifics of the situation.

Housing
There is currently no on-site housing at CoRHS. If you are coming from a distance, you will be responsible for finding your own housing. However, we are available to make recommendations on affordable housing in the area.

How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, letter of recommendation from an employer or professor, and Internship Application.
They can be emailed to volunteer@corhs.org, faxed to 303-776-5206, or mailed to:

Colorado Reptile Humane Society
Attn: Summer Intern Program
13941 Elmore Road
Longmont, CO 80504

Due date
Applications are due on or before April 1st, 2007 for summer session 1 and by May 1st, 2007 for summer session 2. All positions are on a volunteer, unpaid basis.

Due to insurance reasons you must be 18 or older to apply.