Life Sciences Apprentice

The Life Sciences Apprenticeship is the pre-requisite phase for the Keeper Trainee program. The Apprenticeship Program is between 10 to 12 weeks in length. The Apprentice will be assigned a mentor and meet weekly with the mentor for support and performance reviews.

• The Apprentice will be rotated through many of the Life Science departments, including the Veterinary Hospital and Commissary and will closely observe (“job shadow”) selected employees performing their day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
• The Apprentice may be trained to perform, and perform, certain appropriate and approved tasks.

Responsibilities in the following areas include (but are not limited to):

• While working with the Veterinary Hospital staff, the Apprentice will focus on developing an understanding of basic husbandry skills needed to care for the variety of animals that are housed in Patient and Quarantine at the Veterinary Hospital.
• The Apprentice will also job shadow the Veterinarians and staff during designated procedures.
• The Apprentice primarily will develop a basic understanding of food safety, diet development, nutrition, and commissary logistics.
• In the Animal Care areas, the Life Sciences Apprentice will learn how to: help prepare diets, will learn how to clean and feed the collection.
• Will learn how to identify the collection.
• Will observe training and enrichment sessions.
• Will learn about other routines involved in animal care.
• Will observe medical treatments/or procedures.
• Will learn about record keeping and data collecting.
• While working in Horticulture, the Apprentice will tour and develop a working knowledge of Zoo grounds and behind the scenes areas, including but not limited to the White River Gardens and Butterfly Kaleidoscope Exhibit.
• The Apprentice will be assigned to a Horticulturist or Gardener for training and will assist with various tasks.
• The Apprentice will learn the various distinctions of the exhibits, the White River Gardens, and how the plantings in the area support the theme of the exhibits.

Working Conditions include (but are not limited to:

• This position will work approximately 40 hours per week. Daily shifts may vary. 
• Exposure to work indoors and outdoors, under all environmental conditions, which include inclement weather, cold and hot temperatures, and humidity.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 50 pounds of force frequently. 
• Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
• Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.

Experience Required

• Must be a current college junior, senior, or graduate student