Dome Reptiles Intern

Job Title:

Dome Reptiles InternFLSA Status:
Non-exempt

Classification:
Seasonal

Hours:

Up to 24 hours per week for 12 weeks

Pay Rate: $15.26/hour

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date.

SCHEDULE:

Each internship session (spring, summer, and fall) is 12 weeks long. The spring internship session runs January 19, 2027 – April 12, 2027. All interns must be available during this time.

Orientation:
First day of each semester from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.

Weekly

Schedule:

Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week and attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and animal area supervisors.

DESCRIPTION:

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Desert Dome Reptile Intern. Under the direction of the Supervisor of Dome-Reptiles & Amphibian Conservation, along with the Curator of Reptile & Amphibians, Reptile interns will assist in the day-to-day husbandry requirements for the animals in the Desert Dome Reptile/Amphibian Collection and will also be expected to help care for animals in the Zoo’s Reptile/Amphibian Collection that are maintained in other departments.

The Desert Dome-Reptile/Amphibian Collection is comprised of almost 1000 individual reptile and amphibian specimens. These specimens represent nearly 150 different species and include 20 venomous reptile species and 6 crocodilian species. The collection is featured in the Desert Dome, the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome and in the Kingdoms of the Night which features the world’s largest indoor swamp. Covering ¼ acre and at 160,000 gallons, The Swamp features over 65 individual turtles, a leucistic American Alligator, a small group of adult American Alligators that are involved in an intense training program and includes 5 species of freshwater fishes.

The Desert Dome stands at 13 stories, covers one full acre and features 3 major deserts;
Namib of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia and Sonora of the southwestern United States into Mexico. It is the only exhibit at Henry Doorly to feature venomous reptiles including the Black Mamba, Death Adders, and 7 species of Rattlesnakes some of which are showcased in the world’s largest indoor rattlesnake exhibit. Desert Dome Reptile Keepers are also responsible for several satellite exhibits which include Gray’s Monitors, White-throated Monitors, and African Spurred Tortoises.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of the Reptile Department.

Attend weekly professional development sessions.

Complete learning goals on internship checklist.

Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.

Assist in and complete tasks as assigned, including but not limited to:

Attends to all aspects of daily animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and visitor service for a large and diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians in a major AZA accredited institution.

Writes clear, concise reports and maintains accurate records on animals and aquatic systems. Practices good communications skills and has the capacity to work well with others while maintaining the ability to work effectively as an individual.

Reports potential issues or concerns promptly to the supervisor or curator including, but not limited to, animal health concerns, exhibit failings, safety issues, facility and maintenance problems,…