Job Description and Application - Roger Williams Park Zoo

Animal Care Internship
Job Posting
Interns participating in the Animal Care Internship Program are responsible for working
directly with the Roger Williams Park Zoo animal care staff. This internship is a
wonderful, hands-on experience designed to educate people interested in careers with
animals and conservation. Interns rotate through the different animal areas of the Zoo.
Whenever on Zoo grounds, all interns act as ambassadors to the Zoo and are therefore
expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner. This is a volunteer position. It
is unpaid and there is no housing provided.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of the animal holding areas, exhibits,
pools and ponds, exhibit buildings, and zoo grounds associated with exhibits
including roads and paths within the perimeter fence of the animal areas. Service
may also be required on exhibits and animals outside of zoo grounds (temporary
exhibits, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, etc.)
Assist in the preparation of animal diets
Assist in the watering and feeding of animals
Assist in providing enrichment for the animals
Conduct visual, and when appropriate, physical, inspections of animals and
exhibits
Assist animal care staff in their daily routines
When appropriate, be responsive to visitor inquiries
CRITERIA
18 years or older
Negative TB test results (from 9 months or less prior to internship)
Be able to work 34 hours per week, Monday-Thursday, 8am-4:30pm
Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work independently
Ability to follow all instructions, verbal and written
Adhere to ethical and confidential codes
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
Ability to walk on uneven surfaces, including stairs
Ability to conduct visual inspections of animals and exhibit area
An appreciation for informal, lifelong learning in agreement with Roger Williams
Park Zoo’s mission and commitment to education and conservation
Deadlines
Applications for Fall Semester: due July 1 st
Applications for Spring Semester: due November 1 st
Applications for Summer: due April 1st

Animal Care Internship Application Form
A complete application should include the following:
1. Completion of this packet
2. A letter of recommendation from a non-relative
3. A one page essay answering all of the following questions:
Why are you interested in the internship?
What are your expectations for the internship?
What makes you qualified for this internship?
What skills can you bring to the Zoo?
4. Copy of negative TB test (performed no more than 9 months before internship start date)
Please mail completed application to: Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
Attn: Manager of Volunteer Resources
Questions? Please email the Manager of Volunteer Resources at volunteer@rwpzoo.org
PERSONAL INFORMATION (Please Print)
Last Name First Name Middle Name Today’s Date:
Permanent Address (street, city, state, zip code)
Email address:
Cell Phone Home Phone Work Phone (if we can call)
Name of Emergency Contact #1 Contact Phone # (s) Relationship
Name of Emergency Contact #2 Contact Phone # (s) Relationship
Have you ever been convicted of a crime (other than a juvenile offense) in the past ten years? (Do not state arrests, only convictions).
If you answered ”yes” to the above question, please explain:

EDUCATION
High School
Business/Vocational/College Location Major area of study
Graduate School Location Major area of study
Are you currently attending school?
When will you/did you graduate?
EMPLOYMENT (Please put most recent first)
Place of employment
Dates of Employment
Job Title
Job Description
Place of employment
Dates of Employment
Job Title
Job Description
Place of employment
Dates of Employment
Job Title
Job Description
1. Please describe your experience working with animals:
2. What internship are you applying for (please circle one) Fall Spring Summer
3. Are you seeking school credit for this internship? If so, what is the registration deadline for the semester
at your school? If you are seeking credit please include a copy of the requirements for credit, and a letter
from your advisor verifying that you will be receiving credit.
4. During your internship, you may be asked to go to other areas of the zoo when needed. Do you
understand that your rotation may be interrupted temporarily and there will be a need for flexibility on
your part? YES____ NO____

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK FORM
(For applicants 18 or older only)
NAME (PLEASE PRINT) _____________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH _____________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY # _______________--__________--_______________
Disclaimer
I, ______________________________________, request that the Bureau of Criminal Identification
of the Department of Attorney General for the State(s) of:
(list all states lived in for past 10 years)
_______________________________________________________________
to make available to me any criminal record that I may have on file with the Bureau of Criminal
Investigation.
I hereby waive and release any and all manner of actions, cause of actions, and
demands of every kind, nature and description, arising from any release of
criminal records and requests therefrom, whatsoever against the state(s) of
(list all states lived in for past 10 years)
________________________________________________________________,
Bureau of Criminal Identification, the Attorney General, and the employees of the
Attorney General’s Office in both law and equity, which I may now have or in the
future may have.
______________________________________
Signature of Applicant
________________
Date