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Stacey LuhringSr. Education Specialist
Volunteer and Guest ServicesPoint Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Internships – What are they?
Academic
Career Change Externship
?
PDZA Internships = Academic
Provide college students or recent
college graduates practical experience in
a zoological environment
PDZA Internship Program History
Prior to 2004 Each departments own program2004 Volunteer section recruit and process
applications
2006 Started database - Volgistics for management
2009 Academic section oversight of entire program
2010 18 individuals, 6 departments
Overview of Management Zoological
AquariumRocky Shores/Tundra (marine mammals) Veterinary Student PreceptorshipVeterinary TechnicianWild Wonder Theater Animal Handling Budgie Buddies Exhibit
Education Interpretive ServicesSummer Camp ProgramsAcademic & Community Programs
Gift Shop/ Business ServicesIT
Parameters (PDZA)3 to 4 months long; 32-40 hour workweek or
400 hrs.
Flexible schedule with ability to work
weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
All positions are unpaid.
No housing
$
Application Requirements Enrolled in a college or recently graduated One year of course work in a major field of
study Be capable of the physical abilities required
to work with animals (i.e. lift 50 pounds, etc.)
Application Cover letter (including your career goals) Resume Application questions. Letters of recommendation
Internship ProcessRecruitment
Selection
Paperwork
Internship
Evaluation
Annual Reporting
RecruitmentWebsite – Description and Applications
(Academic)
Posting Opportunities (Academic & Depts.)UniversitiesProfessional Organization (AZA, AAZK, IMATA,
etc.)Professional Schools (Moorpark, Veterinarian
Schools)
Word of Mouth
Internship ProcessRecruitment
Selection
Paperwork
Internship
Evaluation
Annual Reporting
SelectionTracking Form Created
(Academic)
Applications sent to departments for review (Individual departments)
Interview and select applicants (Individual Departments)
Internship ProcessRecruitment
Selection
Paperwork
Internship
Evaluation
Annual Reporting
PaperworkBackground CheckDisclosure StatementSexual HarassmentDrug & Alcohol
Agreement• Intern Contact• Intern Liability Release• Intern Swim Form• TB• Department specific
Institution Forms
Department Forms
• Departments Send to Applicants
• Academic collects paperwork
• Volunteer input into Volgistics
Internship ProcessRecruitment
Selection
Paperwork
Internship
Evaluation
Annual Reporting
Internship
Departments manage the
internship
Schedule, projects, tests,
check offs
Interns track hours on
Volgistics
Internship ProcessRecruitment
Selection
Paperwork
Internship
Evaluation
Annual Reporting
Completion & EvaluationReview of projects (Department)
Exit interview (Department)
Notification of end date
(Department to Volunteers)
Internship ProcessRecruitment
Selection
Paperwork
Internship
Evaluation
Annual Reporting
Annual Reporting
•Hours - Volgistics
•# of interns - Volgistics
• Included in Academic annual report
StrengthsCooperation between departments
Strong CommunicationNo applicant is lostTracking formVolgistics
Ease the workload on departments
Better placement of interns (good fit)
Each department strong program based on staff strengths
Areas for ImprovementCommon curriculum template/ format
Enrichment Program Some departments already do but not allCross department field trips or shadows
Common evaluation - track goals & outcomes
Improve annual reporting Copy of evaluations in their fileWrite up of final projects
Thank you!
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