IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Period
September 1, 2010-August 31, 2011 (5 positions available)
Location
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Background Information
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a state-of-the-art facility providing veterinary treatment to sick and injured sea turtles that strand along the Georgia coast, as well as those that are transferred from other states and facilities. The Center treats turtles with conditions ranging from boat strikes and severe trauma to cold-stunning in the cold waters of the Northeast. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is also the leading facility in the ongoing collaborative debilitated loggerhead sea turtle study of which the causes of this syndrome are being studied to determine the best methods for treatment. The husbandry intern will be responsible for participating in all aspects of sea turtle husbandry including daily care, medical treatments, record keeping and participation in research projects.
Duties
The GSTC Husbandry Member responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
I. Conduct all aspects of turtle husbandry
•Tank and filtration maintenance, diet preparation, feeding and behavioral observation, laundry, facility maintenance, and other projects as needed
•Complete feeding logs and daily husbandry reports and report any behavioral abnormalities or changes in daily routine to veterinary staff.
II. Assist full time staff with turtle treatments and diagnostic evaluations as needed.
•Animal restraint for bandage changes, blood draws, tube feeding, radiographs etc. (wearing waders and entering tanks may be required)
•Preparing treatment supplies
•Record data and notes as needed, during entrance exams and treatments
•Regularly weigh patients based on their treatment schedule.
•Participate in diamondback terrapin road mortality project.
III. Public Education and Awareness
•Work alongside husbandry volunteers throughout the day.
•Interaction with the public - answering questions from public on walkway while performing daily tasks.
•Conduct veterinary education programs
•Participate in behind the scenes tours
IV. Assist with various research projects
•Debilitated sea turtle study
•Diamondback Terrapin Patrols and population assessment
•Loggerhead nutrition study.
•Other field projects as coordinated by staff veterinarian
V. Assist with other departments at the GSTC as needed and as time allows (exhibits, outreach programs).
•Potentially participate in outreach events or school groups.
•Participate in monthly focus classes
VI. Member project:
•Each member will be required to complete an individual project that will demonstrate what they have learned throughout their experience with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Specifics: Work conditions include long hours, including holidays and weekends. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40lbs, and withstand extreme heat/cold working environments. Internship will include cleaning the tanks, laundry, food prep, feedings, and assisting with treatments as needed. Also will need to be available to come in during evening hours and perform various medical tasks (i.e. feeding, checking vital signs, administering medications, etc)
Requirements
General Requirements:
•Excellent communication and writing skills
•Strong public speaking skills
•Well-organized
•Self-motivated and able to work independently and with a team
•Basic computer skills
•A desire to learn
•Flexible daily schedule
•Positive attitude
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
•18+ yrs of age
•Current undergraduate student or recent graduate
•Prior experience with animal husbandry or B.S. in biological sciences
•U.S Citizen
•Ability to obtain a U.S. driver’s license
Benefits/Costs
Benefits/Costs: Stipend, island amenities, housing, education award and potential student loan deferment.
Housing: On-site shared house with utilities provided, including basic utilities. Houses have air conditioning/heat and are equipped with basic furniture and kitchen supplies. You must provide your own linens, towels, & food. Not provided by employer but available: telephone, cable, and Internet (however there is free wireless available at various locations on JI). Temporary Jekyll Island parking pass will be supplied.
Additional Contact Information
Interested applicants should email or fax a letter of intent, CV and 3 reference letters to:
Michelle Kaylor, Rehabilitation Coordinator
Email: Mkaylor@jekyllisland.com
Fax: 912-635-4198
*No phone calls please
