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Summer
Internship Program
Summer Session: May through August
About the program
Summer interns at Colorado Reptile Humane Society are primarily focused
on studies on wild T. o. ornata, our native ornate box turtle (see
Colorado Box Turtle
Project for more details). For 2012, we will be radio tracking numerous
turtles to better understand home range and habitat preferences. This work
takes place on the eastern plains, involves early mornings, working as part
of a team, and field data recording. Data entry and analysis is also part
of the internship.
During summer
2012, expect to go out to the field 3-4 times per week, leaving Longmont
as early as 5:00 am. We will take 1-2 trips within Colorado conducting
surveys for box turtles; one trip may be as long as 2 weeks.
Under the direction of the Lead Intern, you will gain hands-on experience
with
morphometric data measurements of wild turtles
plant identification
tracking (radio telemetry) turtles
home range calculation
map creation
Other duties
Summer Interns may also provide care for many shelter chelonia (turtles
and tortoises). CoRHS shelters approximately 75 chelonia during summer.
Other duties involve working with lizards, snakes, and amphibians with
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 may assist experienced staff and volunteers with
first-aid treatment procedures.
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. Interns are required to work during CoRHS's
annual open house, The Reptile Experience!, Sunday, June 24th, 2012.
Working Conditions
Much of summer work takes place outdoors; Colorado summers are very hot,
dry, and sunny. Indoor working conditions are also hot and sometimes 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 when you
apply.
Recommended
prior experience
Previous experience in animal care with reptile and amphibian wildlife
or domesticated animals is helpful. Degrees (or in progress) in the natural
sciences, wildlife management, or environmental education are preferred
but we consider interns from any background.
Time requirements
and Stipend
We require interns to work a minimum of ten weeks, 30 hours per week (or
more if desired) for the course of the summer. We expect to begin the
week of May 13 or May 20, 2011. Dates can be flexible and we work together
to form a schedule that accommodates everyone. A $500 stipend is provided.
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 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 March 1st, 2012.
Due to insurance reasons you must be 18 or older to apply.
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