Turtle Back Zoo Internships: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities

Turtle Back Zoo, operated by the Essex County Parks Department, offers a range of exciting internship opportunities for students and recent graduates passionate about wildlife conservation, animal care, and environmental education. These internships provide hands-on learning experiences that combine education, professional development, and community engagement, offering participants practical experience in various zoo operations. Interns gain an inside look at how a modern zoological facility functions and learn about the care, management, and conservation of diverse animal species.

Internship Opportunities at Turtle Back Zoo

The zoo offers internships across multiple departments, including:

Animal Care
Education
Veterinary Services
Marketing
Guest Experience

Internships are typically offered during the spring, summer, and fall semesters, allowing students to select a schedule that aligns with their academic calendar.

Animal Care Internships

Interns placed in the animal care department work closely with zookeepers to maintain habitats, prepare diets, monitor animal behavior, and assist in enrichment activities that promote animal well-being.

Education Internships

Education interns focus on public engagement. They assist the Education Department with programs, tours, and camps that teach visitors about conservation and biodiversity. This role offers opportunities to develop communication and teaching skills while inspiring the public to appreciate and protect wildlife.

Read also: Sea Turtle Conservation

Internship Structure and Benefits

Interns at Turtle Back Zoo engage in daily activities that enhance their understanding of zoo operations and animal welfare. Turtle Back Zoo places a strong emphasis on professional growth and mentorship. Interns receive guidance from experienced staff members who are committed to helping them build technical expertise and confidence in their chosen fields. In addition to hands-on training, the zoo provides opportunities for interns to attend seminars and participate in projects that address conservation challenges.

A unique aspect of the Turtle Back Zoo internship program is its commitment to conservation education and community involvement. Interns contribute to public outreach events, sustainability initiatives, and wildlife awareness campaigns. The zoo’s mission emphasizes the importance of connecting people with nature, and interns play a key role in delivering that message.

Signature Internship: Sea Turtle Recovery Center

The Sea Turtle Recovery (STR) Internship offers college students and recent graduates an in-depth, hands-on opportunity to learn about sea turtle husbandry and conservation. Additionally, interns practice science communication by delivering environmental education programs and public tours. Interns also learn about nonprofit organizations through an in-depth project involving education, marketing, communications, facilities, or another area of interest. Interns working in the summer session also practice leadership by mentoring high school Junior Interns and Sea Turtle Camp volunteers.

Free Housing

Free, shared housing with utilities included is provided. Valued at $400/month, our intern guest house is conveniently located next door to our sea turtle hospital. Housing is co-ed, and interns should expect to share a room with one other intern of the same gender. No pets are allowed.

Stipend

Full-time interns (40-50 hours per week, 12 week minimum) who meet all internship expectations, complete all internship responsibilities, and work the entire 12 weeks will receive a $1,440 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn $120/week added stipend.

Read also: First Aid for Turtle Bites

Part-time interns (20-30 hours per week, 12 week minimum) who meet all internship expectations, complete all internship responsibilities, and work the entire 12 weeks will receive a $720 stipend at the end of their internship to help defray the costs of participating. Additional weeks earn $60/week added stipend.

Duration and Time Commitment

The summer internship is 12 weeks, 40-50 hours per week, with the opportunity to add a week at the end of the internship. The fall and spring semester internships are 12-18 weeks, 20-50 hours per week. Interns should expect an irregular work schedule consisting of days, weekends, and holidays. Some workdays will exceed eight hours. Interns should be prepared for work that is physically demanding.

Additional Expenses

All other expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns should expect to pay for food, travel to and from the internship, entertainment and recreation, and any other personal expenses that are not part of the internship.

School Credit

School credit may be available from your institution. The intern is responsible for completing all paperwork and paying all fees required by their institution to receive credit for their internship.

Application Requirements and Process

Applicants for the Turtle Back Zoo internships should be enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program related to biology, zoology, animal science, environmental studies, education, or a similar discipline. Most positions require applicants to be at least 18 years old and comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

To apply to be an intern:

Be sure to upload your cover letter into the form.
Be sure to upload your resume into the form.
Be sure to upload three letters of recommendation, including one from a professor, into the form.

The application process generally involves submitting a résumé, a cover letter detailing career interests, and academic references.

Additional Opportunities: Volunteering

Volunteer opportunities are available year-round in many different departments. Please note: Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to participate, and at least 18 for most positions. Volunteers are asked to commit to one full day a week for a minimum of six months. Volunteers who are SCUBA-certified are able to dive in the Giant Ocean Tank but first must complete six months as an Assistant Dive Volunteer, which is a dry (no diving) position.

Family Nature Club

Family Nature Club (FNC) is all about discovering the world, and playing WITH nature, not just IN nature. Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors with FNC as we explore our natural heritage within Essex County’s parks. Available to individuals 6-106, this family-friendly program include a visit to South Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, Zoo, or local county park as weather permits.

Nature Adventurers is an FNC hiking program where we explore our local ecosystems, from rivers to forests and more. We strive to foster discovery of NJ’s fascinating and diverse wildlife and the roles that they fill within our local ecosystems, no matter how big or small. Most programs have a discovery theme, but in the spirit of nature, anything can happen! Programs begin at various locations including the Berson Family Center, Reservoir, or local trail heads. Nature Adventurers is for all ages and all abilities, though best recommended for 6+. There’s something for everybody- teens and adults are invited and encouraged to join in the fun, not just little ones! Wear comfortable outdoor clothing including long pants, closed-toed shoes, raincoat, and other seasonal or weather gear. Bring a reusable water bottle, camera, emergency medications such as Epipens and inhalers, and your imagination! Additionally, Family Nature Club backpacks, filled with nature play goodies, are available for purchase on the day of your event ($10 cash only). Please do not bring anything you don’t want to get dirty, wet, broken, or lost.

Nature Guardians is an FNC program focused on community engagement that connects families with local conservation actions and citizen science research, shaping our understanding of the natural world. This evolving program began as we created a garden to provide habitat for our VIP’s: Very Important Pollinators! This season’s programs will focus on building your birding skills. Programs begin at various locations including the Berson Family Center, Reservoir, or local trail heads.

Family Nature Club FAQs

Q: Are all Programs conducted inside the zoo?A: No, programs do not always meet at TBZ, and program tickets do not include zoo admission. You will receive detailed instructions if we plan to meet at a location off zoo grounds. Program locations include the zoo, reservoir, or a local county park.

Q: What is Nature Play?A: Nature play is playing WITH nature, not just IN nature, and is a great way to interact with nature no matter your experience level or play style. Run, climb, build, dig, or even just sit and experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors. Family Nature Club is a great activity for your family.

Q: What Should I bring?A: Wear comfortable outdoor clothing including long pants, closed-toed shoes, raincoat, and other seasonal or weather gear. Bring a reusable water bottle, camera, emergency medications such as Epipens and inhalers, and your imagination! Additionally, Family Nature Club backpacks, filled with nature play goodies, are available for purchase on the day of your event ($10 cash only).

Q: What should I leave at home?A: Please do not bring anything you don’t want to get dirty, wet, broken, or lost.

Q: What is inside a Nature Adventurers Backpack?A: We now have drawstring, water-resistant backpacks available with your own starter kit of adventuring supplies to take home! These are not required but recommended if you intend to come often or go on your own adventures outside of our meetups (or both!). The cost is $10 while supplies last. These are while supplies last. We have them in the following color themes: Magenta, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Lime Green/Black, Forest Green, Teal/Bright Orange, Light Blue, Royal Blue. When purchasing a ticket with a backpack, please indicate what color(s) you would like.

Cancellations

In order to receive a refund, cancellations must be made in writing at least 7 days prior to the scheduled date and time; no refunds will be given less than 7 days before the event. TBZ reserves the right to cancel a program for any reason.

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