This Program is designed to introduce college students or graduates seeking theoretical as well as hands on experience in the many facets of the Zoo World.  Participants are exposed to a broad range of fields inherent in Zoo operations such as administration, public relations, development, medicine, animal husbandry, education and many others.

Extern and Intern Programs provide an opportunity to earn credit towards a degree or gain insight and experience into career opportunities in the zoological field.

The purpose of Cougar Mountain Zoo’s Extern and Intern Programs is to enrich and to benefit candidates who are seeking to pursue a zoo career.  The Program is considered a service to those who are about to dedicate their lives, at first through study then followed by a career, in the quest of preserving the earth’s vanishing wildlife and the natural world as we know it today.

Click here to download intern program application.

PART TIME Extern and Intern Program

Time Commitment:    

192 hours minimum requirement. Work 16 hours or more per week for 12 weeks or more.  This may include weekends and holidays.

Curriculum:                

Due to the nature and duration of time commitment, participants function in two Departments:  Animal Care Department and Education Department

Requirements:

$200 training fee, purchase a uniform (50% discount), have active health insurance coverage, Tuberculosis test and current Tetanus vaccination.

Recognition of Achievement:

Certificate of Achievement

Participants successfully fulfilling their pre-established personal commitment wil receive a Certificate of Achievement indicating number of hours spent in each prescribed Curriculum discipline.

Evaluation

Personal Performance Evaluation is optional and will be given at the conclusion of the Program if requested in writing by participant.

Letter of Recommendation

Participants fulfilling the entire term of their pre-established commitment shall receive a letter of recommendation from appropriate Department Heads if requested in writing.

FULL TIME Extern and Intern Program

Time Commitment:    

396 hours minimum required. Work 24 hours or more per week for 12 weeks or more.  This may include weekends and holidays.

Curriculum:                

The Full Time Extern and Intern Program is a General Curriculum program.

Participants in this curriculum function in the following areas:

            Zoo Animal Husbandry                         30 - 50%

            Assisting Zoo Keeper

            Zoo Administration                                  10%

            Working in Zoo Office

            Zoo Education>                                     50 - 70%

            Assisting Education Coordinator

Requirements:

$200 training fee, purchase a uniform (50% discount), have active health insurance coverage, Tuberculosis test and current Tetanus vaccination.

Recognition of Achievement:

Certificate of Achievement

Participants successfully fulfilling their pre-established personal commitment will receive a Certificate of Achievement indicating number of hours spent in each prescribed Curriculum discipline.

Evaluation

Personal Performance Evaluation is optional and will be given at the conclusion of the Program if requested in writing by participant.

Letter of Recommendation

Participants fulfilling the entire term of their pre-established commitment shall receive a letter of recommendation from appropriate Department Heads if requested in writing.