The Lemur Conservation Foundation is offering a 3-month internship from September 14th to December 14th (start and end date flexible) in primate husbandry. LCF’s internship offers an exceptional opportunity to receive training at an AZA-certified related institution with a strong commitment to conservation, education, and animal care. The Primate Husbandry Intern will be trained in these high standards of care, including proper cleaning procedures, exhibit maintenance, enrichment, diet preparation, and daily monitoring of animal behavior and health. Primate Husbandry Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in lemur training within the colony. Additionally, interns will complete both an enrichment project and a behavioral research project, and will have the opportunity to take multiple courses offered by the San Diego Wildlife Alliance. The purpose of this three-month internship is to help interns gain experience relevant to their education and career goals. LCF will work with students to document the hours, projects, or other requirements necessary to receive university credit for the internship.

The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit publicly supported organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of lemurs through managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art. LCF sits on a 130-acre, non-public reserve in Myakka City, Florida.  The reserve is currently home to five species of lemurs in both semi-free ranging habitats and traditional indoor/outdoor habitats. The reserve is remotely located; however, a variety of culture and entertainment including state parks, beaches, art museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and theaters can be found nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa.

For the protection of its staff and the lemurs in its care, the Lemur Conservation Foundation requires that all employees take the personal initiative to schedule and receive COVID-19 vaccination(s).

Prerequisites

• Available to work minimum of 3 days a week including weekends for a minimum of 12 weeks
• Interns should be enrolled in or recently graduated with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a Life Sciences or related field from an accredited college or university
  • Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between LCF and their school before beginning the internship.
• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation required
• Proof of negative TB test within the last 12 months, covid vaccination, and tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years
• Proof of health insurance coverage for illness or injury
• Available to work weekends and holidays
• Must be physically able to stoop, bend, reach, climb, lift, carry or push at least 50 pounds in a south Florida climate
• Ability to be an effective team member, often times with minimal supervision
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with animals is preferred

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate proficiency in AZA-standard primate husbandry practices including cleaning exhibits, preparing food and enrichment activities, assisting with enclosure enhancements, and understanding primate behavior.
• Conduct and complete a behavioral research project, including data collection, analysis, and summary of findings.
• Construct and implement enrichment items that support animal welfare and behavioral needs.
• Evaluate enrichment items utilizing ethograms and LCF’s enrichment evaluation program.
• Learn and follow animal/keeper safety guidelines, operations, and policies.
• Learn USDA and AZA guidelines, LCF directives, procedures and protocols and other related literature.
• Participate in animal training programs, successfully train a new behavior for assigned lemur using positive reinforcement techniques.
• Gain a significant understanding of primate behavior through observation and development of ethograms to quantify natural behaviors.
• Apply knowledge gained through professional development opportunities, including coursework, weekly lectures, and San Diego Wildlife Alliance courses.
• Gain skills in resume building, cover letter writing and interviewing.

Salary/funding: The 3-month internship is unpaid though onsite housing with utilities is provided. Housing is shared, non-smoking, no pets, and additional codes of conduct apply.