This Program is designed to introduce college students or graduates seeking theoretical as well as hands on experience in the many facets of the Zoo World.  Participants are exposed to a broad range of fields inherent in Zoo operations such as administration, public relations, development, medicine, animal husbandry, education and many others.

Extern and Intern Programs provide an opportunity to earn credit towards a degree or gain insight and experience into career opportunities in the zoological field.

The purpose of Cougar Mountain Zoo’s Extern and Intern Programs is to enrich and to benefit candidates who are seeking to pursue a zoo career.  The Program is considered a service to those who are about to dedicate their lives, at first through study then followed by a career, in the quest of preserving the earth’s vanishing wildlife and the natural world as we know it today.

PART TIME Extern and Intern Program

Time Commitment:    

Work 16 hours or more per week for 12 weeks or more.  This may include weekends.

Curriculum:                

Due to the nature and duration of time commitment, participants function in two Departments:  Animal Care Department and Education Department

Requirements:

Purchase a uniform, medical coverage, Tuberculosis Test

Recognition of Achievement:

Certificate of Achievement

Participants successfully fulfilling their pre-established personal commitment wil receive a Certificate of Achievement indicating number of hours spent in each prescribed Curriculum discipline.

Evaluation

Personal Performance Evaluation is optional and will be given at the conclusion of the Program if requested in writing by participant.

Letter of Recommendation

Participants fulfilling the entire term of their pre-established commitment shall receive a letter of recommendation from appropriate Department Heads if requested in writing.

FULL TIME Extern and Intern Program

Time Commitment:    

Work 24 hours or more per week for 12 weeks or more.  This may include weekends.

Curriculum:                

The Full Time Extern and Intern Program is a General Curriculum program.

Participants in this curriculum function in the following areas:

            Zoo Animal Husbandry                              50%

            Assisting Zoo Keeper

            Zoo Administration                                    5%

            Working in Zoo Office

            Zoo Education>                                          40%

            Assisting Education Coordinator

            Zoo Development and Public Relations       5%

            Assisting Development Director

Requirements:

Purchase a uniform, medical coverage, Tuberculosis Test

Recognition of Achievement:

Certificate of Achievement

Participants successfully fulfilling their pre-established personal commitment will receive a Certificate of Achievement indicating number of hours spent in each prescribed Curriculum discipline.

Evaluation

Personal Performance Evaluation is optional and will be given at the conclusion of the Program if requested in writing by participant.

Letter of Recommendation

Participants fulfilling the entire term of their pre-established commitment shall receive a letter of recommendation from appropriate Department Heads if requested in writing.