http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

Conservation Specialist/Educator

May 2016 - February 2018 • Jacksonville, FL

What I liked

Hands on work with children, adults, and peers, regarding education of conservation causes and animals. Varied routine. Independent supervision. Interaction with interns, biologist, and keepers. Botanical and zoological work. Educational workshops for career. Work with US Fish & Wildlife.

What I wish was different

Limited interaction or handling with animals, outside of goats. Team leads managed by other teenagers, often led to mismanagement or favoritism. Limited movement at education stations, sometime was disobeyed for engaging guest.

Advice

Be prepared for the Florida experience. Humidity, heat, direct sunlight, and bugs are a part of the job. Shifts last for several hours at a time, with a small lunch break dividing the day. Apply because you value conservation and other environmental causes, NOT because you want to handle or work with animals.
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Veterinary Technician Intern

September - December 2018 • Jacksonville, FL

What I liked

I loved getting to gain hands-on experience with a variety of animals. The veterinary team was willing to work with my level of experience and build from there.

What I wish was different

Comming into the internship with more necropsy experience would have been helpful.

Advice

The first step is applying! Don't doubt yourself and be ready to learn so much every day! Brush up on medical methmatics too!
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