Animals & Habitats Intern

This is a temporary position estimated to last from January 19, 2025 to April 30, 2025. 

Assist the Animals and Habitats team with the care and maintenance of a variety of plants and animals, including ~70 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates (most native to Pennsylvania) and 25-35 species of plants. Educate visitors about local, national, and international conservation while highlighting our animal ambassadors.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or trades educational program.

Per Pennsylvania law, Animals and Habitats interns may be required to obtain a state fishing license in order to present with animals on the museum floor. Any license fees are the responsibility of the intern.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Able to follow explicit directions, and detail oriented.
• Reliable and punctual. Able to prioritize and multi-task.
• Willingness to learn new information and tasks associated with it.
• Able to interact with visitors and staff in a positive manner while being sensitive to animal needs.
• Able to work on a project independently with materials provided including the internet.
• Utilize computer skills with programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Comfortable handling live animals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Able to climb stairs and ladders; can bend, kneel, and lift up to 50lbs. (Accommodations are available)

employment training: Training follows a progression from observation to guided participation to working independently under the supervision of Animals and Habitats staff.

TIME COMMITMENT: 120 hours to be completed during the summer and/or semester.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Routine care of our holding aquariums and habitats for a collection of animals.
2. Food preparation and cleaning of animal habitats using proper husbandry techniques.
3. Maintenance of aquarium physical and biological components.
4. Assist staff with various tasks associated with keeping non-venomous snakes, frogs, turtles, lizards, salamanders, freshwater fish, invertebrates, and plants.
5. Record daily animal and plant observations and tasks performed.
6. Interact with the public presenting informal animal information through demonstrations.
7. Assist visitors by answering general questions about the Carnegie Science Center.
8. Complete a project that will benefit either our visitors or staff (decided by the intern in their area of interest that is approved by the supervisors).
9. Opportunity to engage with alternative agriculture including fertilizer concentration testing, plant maintenance and general botany.
10. Capable of working in a team environment but has the ability to work independently.
11. Intern will not be required to administer veterinary care to the animals, though they can observe procedures.
12. Other duties as assigned.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.