Internships
THE BIG CAT INTERNSHIP INVOLVES ANIMAL CARE APPRENTICE AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
Please be informed that working for Tiger Creek as an intern in Smith County is a 90-day unpaid position (by four quarters/terms), allowing one to gain experience in the zoological field. Job duties include cleaning, diet preparation, light maintenance, educational tours, etc. Interns are responsible for the daily care of a number of exotic feline species including, but not limited to: tigers, lions, servals, pumas, and bobcats. This wide variety of training provides the intern with an exciting array of new skills and experiences. Training will be provided by the staff.
Our Staff and Interns at Work
WHEN ARE INTERNSHIPS OFFERED?
- There are four internships offered during the year:
- Winter Term: November – February (Target Date for Application Submission: August 1st each year).
- Spring Term: February – May (Target Date for Application Submission: November 1st each year).
- Summer Term: May – August (Target Date for Application Submission: February 1st each year).
- Fall Term: August – November (Target Date for Application Submission: May 1st each year).
- You should hear about the status of your application within 3-4 weeks after the target date.
- Applications are accepted year-round for all terms. Preference will be given to those received by the application target dates; however, applications received after the target date may still be considered if the positions have not yet been filled.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- You must be at least 20 years of age.
- You must have two years of college study in a related field (Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Ecology, etc.) or at least one year of job experience in a related field (vet clinic, zoo, etc.) or three years of verifiable job experience in an unrelated field.
- You must maintain or have maintained at least an overall average of 3.0.
- Some animal care experience is preferred.
- You must be capable of lifting up to 60 lbs. and in good health.
- You must be drug-free.
- We are looking for individuals who are hardworking, dedicated, and self-motivated.
DESCRIPTION OF INTERN DUTIES
- Interns will be working full-time
- All interns will undergo training on safety procedures, crisis management, Class 1 Animal Care, and behavioral target training.
- Animal Care: Interns will be involved in the daily care of the animals upon completing training, including food preparation, feeding techniques, cleaning, light maintenance of the enclosures and grounds, etc.
WHAT DOES TIGER CREEK PROVIDE?
- Housing (the house is fully furnished, and bedding and towels are provided)
- TV, DVD, and Satellite System
- Uniform Shirt
- Materials, Curriculum, and Training
WHAT DO INTERNS PROVIDE?
- Travel arrangements to and from Tiger Creek (if flying, you will enter at Tyler Airport, and we will pick you up)
- Your own meals
- Hiking/work boots and work pants
- Spending money
- Work clothes for ~1 week (it takes about a week for your uniforms to come in)
- During winter months (i.e., November-March), you will need gloves and a coat or a long-sleeved shirt to layer under your uniform.
- Rain gear
TO APPLY YOU MUST PROVIDE:
- Completed application
- Cover letter (including an explanation of your previous experience, why you want to intern at Tiger Creek, and what your career goals are for the future)
- Resume
- Proof of a current tetanus shot (taken within three years)
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE DIRECT CONTACT WITH BIG CATS!
DIRECT contact is defined as any physical contact with any animal, including cage contacts (i.e., reaching limbs through gate openings, chain links, etc.).
These animals are not pets, and if that is what you are looking for, you should consider an internship somewhere else.
Only the park management is authorized to allow direct or indirect contact, requiring either DIRECT SUPERVISION and/or TRAINING.
DIRECT SUPERVISION is defined as “in-person” or as a “physical presence of a manager.” This means that a manager must PHYSICALLY be in YOUR presence and/or authorize the occurrence.
ANY and ALL VIOLATIONS involving direct PHYSICAL contact with the big cats are subject to immediate dismissal from the property under escort by local law enforcement, security, or management!
For the safety of our animals and staff, there are NO exceptions to this policy!
We do not allow any member, visitor, guest, family member, employee, intern, or staff of any kind, nor the general public to have direct contact with any big cat over the age of 6 months. This is in accordance with the rules and regulations of the USDA and our liability insurance policies. There are only two exceptions of direct contact with juvenile or adult big cats over the age of 6 months:
Absolutely no one else is allowed to touch any big cats. The safety of the animals and the staff must always come first over personal needs or wants.
- Direct contact may be authorized during medical procedures while the big cat is sedated under veterinarian care.
- The executive director and/or the director of operations, on a case-by-case basis, may need to have direct contact to assess, treat, or shift a big cat.
Absolutely no one else is allowed to touch any big cats. The safety of the animals and the staff must always come first over personal needs or wants.