An adult leopard gecko.

A volunteer socializes a monitor lizard.

                    
                                     


Volunteer Positions


Internship-Chelonia

Internship-Squamata

Animal Sponsors

Wish List

Workplace and Direct Donations


Vehicle Donations


Squamata Summer Internship Program
Summer Session: May through August

About the program
This intern at Colorado Reptile Humane Society is primarily focused on the care of many shelter squamata (snakes and lizards). Other duties involve working with turtles, tortoises, and amphibians. CoRHS shelters approximately 30 squamata during summer and maintains:
  • an iguana room of 180 sq. ft.
  • 3-8 small lizard habitats
  • 2 monitor lizard habitats
  • 3 large snake habitats
  • 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 possibl
    e 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.



 
 
home

Colorado Reptile Humane Society is licensed by the State of Colorado, Pet Animal Care Facilities Act, as an animal shelter.
Colorado Reptile Humane Society is a federal 501(c)(3)non-profit organization.

Copyright 2009 by Colorado Reptile Humane Society.