Bear Educator (fall season)
Position Description:
Educate NABC visitors about the four ambassador bears (via on-site programs and Q&A) and wild black bear behavior (via videos, exhibits, and Q&A). You will be required to conduct programs and give tours to visitors. This position will be responsible for all aspects of bear care including maintaining a clean bear enclosure, bear foraging and feedings, bear enrichment activities, and food preparation. This position will require giving visitors information on local flora and fauna. Some additional research on local wildlife may be required to effectively lead a program. You will also assist with small animal care when necessary. Additional and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
1.) Conduct captive black bear care by: feeding, food preparation, maintaining and executing feeding schedule, documenting diet and behavior, enclosure maintenance, and other caretaker procedures.
2.) Engage our guests in conversation, answer questions, and help direct them to info and exhibits within the NABC.
3.) Lead and assist in programing for our guests in a professional manner guests by guiding tours, Q & A sessions, online broadcasts, and other programs.
4.) When necessary, assist in maintaining the exhibit hall areas so that they are clean and presentable to guests.
5.) When necessary, assist in native small animal care by: feeding, documenting diet and behavior, enclosure cleaning and maintenance, handling for and with guests, and other small animal caretaking procedures.
6.) Research and utilize relative Minnesota flora and fauna to enhance your knowledge and to heighten your ability to educate others.
7.) Create and present a program, exhibit, or display to improve the North American Bear Center (to be completed over the course of the entire internship).
8.) Daily closing business procedures.
9.) Learn all the information at the NABC and www.bear.org
Expectations for all Interns:
1.) Represent the NABC in a positive manner with member, donors, visitors, vendors, and the community.
2.) Uphold the Mission Statement of the North American Bear Center.
3.) Interact effectively with a diverse group of staff, interns, volunteers and visitors.
4.) Follow and adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines.
5.) Arrive to work on time and strictly adhere to the NABC dress code.
6.) Learn and follow all NABC protocol.
7.) Maintain up-to-date knowledge on Ambassador Bears and wild bear behavior.
9.) Maintain up-to-date knowledge on local wildlife and our captive small animals.
10.) Work 45 to 50 hours (sometimes more) per week including weekends and holidays.
11.) Continued learning of all information at the NABC.
12.) Good observation, judgment, and problem solving skills
13.) Be reliable and motivated.
14.) Successful completion of NABC training course.
Internship includes $1500 stipend and housing paid for by the North American Bear Center. Should you opt to find your own housing, the North American Bear Center will not pay for it, nor will you receive any compensation for finding your own housing.