5-7 small snake habitats
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.
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, The Reptile Experience, June 26th & 27th, 2010.
Working Conditions
Summer work takes place indoor and outdoors. Colorado summers are
very hot, dry, and sunny. Indoor working conditions are also hot and
often also humid. Squamata interns feed captive animals such foods
as frozen/thawed rodents and larger prey items; live insects larvae,
and worms; as well as prepare herbivorous diets. Habitat maintenance
may include cleaning, repairs, plant cultivation, and other labor.You
will use tools such as scales, calipers, digital camera, garden implements,
wheel barrow, etc.
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.
Field Work
During the summer of 2010,
CoRHS continues studies on wild T. o. ornata, our native ornate
box turtle (see Colorado Box Turtle
Project for more details). 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. We like to describe fieldwork as "punctuated boredom"
-- be ready for long hours and tedious observations (though of course
fascinating) in the hot Colorado sun!
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.
Time requirements
We look for interns to work a minimum of
eight weeks, 20 hours per week (or more if desired) for the course
of the summer. Dates can be flexible and we can work together
to form a schedule that works for everyone. A
$500 stipend will be 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, 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, 2010. All positions are
on a volunteer, unpaid basis.
Due to
insurance reasons you must be 18 or older to apply.