Have you ever wondered what it would be like to chop up a salad for a sloth or send kids for a spin on a carousel? Adult volunteers assist in many areas of the Zoo, including guest services, animal care, and special events. If you'd like to join us, perhaps volunteering is right for you! 

Applicants should meet the following requirements: 

Application Procedure: 

Applications can be downloaded here or picked up at our gift shop. Please complete the volunteer application and submit it by email to Silvia Schuh- sschuh@cityblm.org, or dropped off at our gift shop. Once your application has been received:  

Fee: 

After being accepted into the program, each volunteer will pay a one-time fee of $25; this fee provides you with a uniform t-shirt and a name tag. 

If you have questions please contact our Events/Volunteer Coordinator, Silvia Schuh, at (309) 434-2826 or by email at sschuh@cityblm.org 

        Photo by David Suttinger

Internships

MILLER PARK ZOO CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP 

The Miller Park Zoo is located in Bloomington, IL in Central Illinois. It is one of the smallest AZA-Accredited institutions at 4 acres but has a very diverse animal collection. The Miller Park Zoo has several conservation initiatives that fit well with an internship program.  

Miller Park Zoo is currently accepting applications for a conservation internship.  
(1 position available per session).  

This internship program is designed to provide learning opportunities and practical experience, while gaining valuable knowledge relating to a career in wildlife conservation. The Conservation Intern will assist the Zoo Curator and Superintendent of Parks Maintenance with the preparation and facilitation of conservation programs, the majority of which will be field work, but will also include research and helping with on-site programs. Our internship offers a hands-on opportunity to work in a conservation program in a zoological setting.  

Interns will be involved in the organization of Zoo activities and programs that engage Zoo staff in sustainability and conservation work. Internship will take place at the Zoo with time split between the Zoo and off-grounds.  

RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:  

- Maintain Beehives both on and off Zoo grounds  
- Maintain Pollinator Gardens both on and off Zoo grounds  
- Maintain Puerto Rican Crested Toad breeding population  (other new programs coming soon)  
- Assist with Animal Care  
- Give presentations to Zoo Guests
- Will be expected to complete a conservation project by the end of the season.
- Perform other tasks as assigned  

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS:  

- 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year college students working toward a sustainability/conservation related career in a wildlife, environmental, communication, or education-related field. A recent college graduate with this focus will also be considered.  
- Applicants interested in this position should be detail oriented, dependable and exhibit excellent communication skills.  
- Ability to conduct research, compile and analyze data  
- Passion for sustainability, conservation, and wildlife  
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, particularly Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint  
- Exhibit excellent oral communication and writing skills, including public speaking  
- Ability to multi-task and excel in a fast-paced environment  
- Effective project management skills are essential  
- Experience working in the field is preferred, it is however essential that the candidate enjoys working outdoors  
- Interns need to have a recent negative TB test, and tetanus shot  
- Demonstrate maturity, self-motivation, and an ability to follow direction  

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT:  
This opportunity involves moderate physical activity. Walking and lots of time outside may be required for specific projects, in all different weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, cold, or dust. It may also involve considerable physical exertion such as reaching, repetitive motions, and lifting and/or moving heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.). Due to the nature of this environment, interns will have heavy public contact requiring considerable interpersonal skills, extensive interaction with the public, donors and Zoo members.  

SALARY  
The Conservation Internship is unpaid. Professional development opportunities will be available. Possible college credit is available for those able to receive it through their college/university. No housing provided.  

WORK SCHEDULE  
Summer sessions is expected to begin May 29th-August 7th. Conservation Interns are expected to work 32-40 hours a week for the duration of the 10-week scheduled session. Interns may be scheduled to work on holidays.

HOW TO APPLY
For timely consideration, please submit required documentation by
April 30th, 2023 for the summer session. Application can be found HERE

If interested, please send application, cover letter, resume and unofficial transcripts to rijohnson@cityblm.org or mail it to

Rose Johnson
Animal Care Manager
1020 S Morris Bloomington, IL 61701

MILLER PARK ZOO ANIMAL CARE INTERNSHIP

The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois is offering hands on experience for future Zoo professionals to learn Zoo management from experienced Keepers. Several full-time internships are available to those interested in developing their careers and contributing to the success of the Miller Park Zoo. Miller Park Zoo is a smaller institution which prides itself on providing its interns with a wider range of opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:
· Will be able to experience a variety of protocols that include the overall maintenance of a variety of exhibits, record keeping, diet preparation, animal observations and animal transports.

· Must have the ability to work independently and be self-motivated.

· Must be able to climb ladders/stairs/fences, lift and carry crates/animals/ feed, operate mowers, operate weed eaters, load and operate wheelbarrows loaded, be agile and flexible to maneuver in and around animals within exhibits and holding areas.

· Will be required to complete an animal care project by the end of the season.

· Must have strong communication skills with speaking with the public is required.

· Will be responsible for other duties as assigned by Zoo Staff.

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS:
· Prefer candidates that are pursuing a degree in Zoology, Biology or Life Sciences.

· Must commit to a schedule including weekends and holidays.

· Must be prepared to work in inclement weather and in all weather conditions.

· Must have a current TB test screening (within the last 12 months) Will need proof of testing before first day of internship.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT:
This opportunity involves moderate physical activity. Walking and lots of time outside may be required for specific projects, in all different weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, cold, or dust. It may also involve considerable physical exertion such as reaching, repetitive motions, and lifting and/or moving heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.). Due

to the nature of this environment, interns will have heavy public contact requiring considerable interpersonal skills, extensive interaction with the public, donors, and Zoo members.

SALARY
The Animal Care Internship is unpaid. Professional development opportunities will be available. Possible college credit is available for those able to receive it through their college/university. No housing provided.

WORK SCHEDULE
Summer is anticipated to begin May 29th-August 7th. Interns are expected to work 32-40 hours for a total of 10-week scheduled session. Interns may be scheduled to work on holidays.

 
HOW TO APPLY
Please use the following link to apply for internship positions
Animal Care/ Conservation Internships applications

Rose Johnson
Animal Care Manager
1020 S Morris Bloomington, IL 61701
email: rijohnson@cityblm.org

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