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Internships

a day in the life of an intern

Who We Are

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is striving to see the end of the US big cat, within our lifetime. Allowing these magnificent animals to enjoy life without fear, abuse, abandonment, or neglect; giving them the freedom to be wild. Through education, advocacy, and quality care, we are making strides in changing the mindset of a nation.

Our Mission

6 Month Internship Information

Spring: February 1 – August 27 (Deadline for application November 1)

Fall: August 15 – February 12 (Deadline for application April 1)

Available Internships

Animal Care Internship

Job Description

Our Refuge, located in NW Arkansas, is seeking a full-time, 6 months Animal Care Intern. The refuge is a non-profit facility for exotic cats, bears, and other exotic animals. Work is often physically demanding. Applicants must be self-motivated, with high desire to provide the best care available to animals. Applicants must also be observant and able to keep detailed records. The ability to work in a team environment or independently is important. A degree in Zoology, Biology or related field is preferred, but experience with exotic animal husbandry may be considered.

  • Work at an Accredited Animal Sanctuary – Responsible for the daily care of tigers, lions, cougars, black bears, grizzly bear, Russian brown bear, leopards, African servals, bobcats, rhesus macaque, and a coatimundi. Duties include animal husbandry, enrichment, record keeping of animal behavior, educational public tours, and customer service.
  • Prepare and Present Information to the Public – Responsible for greeting customers and giving guided tours throughout the facility. Educate the public about each resident species and the direction of the facility’s future.
  • Prepare and Maintain Animal Housing – Responsible for maintaining animal and customer safety through daily exhibit checks. This includes routine landscaping, clearing habitats of underbrush, and providing animal enrichment.
  • Prepare Diets and Monitor Feeding – Maintain food quality and hygiene standards of produce and meat. Prepare food with consideration to specific dietary needs and monitor every animal’s intake. Feed all animals and observe quantities of waste for future diet recommendations. Record weight loss or gain for each animal.
  • Monitor and Maintain Animal Health – Maintain daily records of animal defecation and any loss of appetite to identify any abnormal behavior and signs of illness. Administer daily medications. Prepare and maintain quarantine areas for recent rescues.
  • Restrain and Assist in Moving Animals – Assist in relocating cats to more appropriate enclosures. Follow all safety procedures in loading, unloading, and during transport of animals.
  • Identify Behavioral Needs and Improve Husbandry – Identify behavioral needs and provide approved enrichment for the animals which includes but may not be limited to, environmental and scent enrichment.
  • Maintain Exhibits and Assist Design – Help design and construct ½ – 1-acre enclosures. Maintain exhibits daily and detect and control pests.

Requirements

  • At least a Bachelors Degree in an animal related field (Zoology, Biology, Animal Psychology, Veterinary Sciences, and other animal-related areas)
  • 2 Professional References
  • The ability to lift 50lbs
  • The ability to live on-site for 6 months
  • Standing for extended periods of time

COVID19:

Masks are not currently required. This is subject to change since big cats can get COVID, and our job is to keep our animal residents, keepers, and visitors safe. Applicants will be updated accordingly to all necessary precautions for the internship program.

Compensation

  • $100 food stipend weekly
  • On-site housing (Utilities, Internet, Washer & Dryer, A/C & Heat, and TV provided)

Due Dates

  • Spring Internships 6-months
    • Deadline for application: November 1st
    • Position Dates: February 1st – August 27th
  • Fall Internship 6-months
    • Deadline for application: April 1st
    • Position Dates: August 15th – February 12th

Number of Spots Available – 16

To Apply: Email Resume, Cover Letter, and 2 Professional Letters of Recommendation to Animal Curator Emily McCormack at Emily@tcwr.org

Education Internship

Job Description

The Education Intern will research, develop, and present educational programming to the public and school/special groups following the National Association for Interpretation guidelines. Applicants must be self-motivated, with high desire to spread awareness about all the species that call the refuge home and help educate the public on the negative impacts of the exotic pet trade. The ability to work in a team environment or independently is important. A degree in Education, Zoology, Biology, Conservation, or related field is preferred.

  • Public Education – Responsible for presenting programs each day to the general public and special group tours along with giving guided tours.
  • Special Programming – The education department at the refuge is in charge of organizing programs for special animal holidays such as World Wildlife Day, Animal Rights Day, Tiger Day, etc. The intern will assist in planning and presenting programs on these special days.
  • Research – Responsible for researching and developing programming according to National Association for Interpretation guidelines (Education Coordinator will cover the guidelines during training).
  • School Groups – Responsible for assisting with organizing/presenting school groups both at the refuge and offsite locations, including setup and tear down of promotional banner/tables
  • Advancing Education – Multiple opportunities for the intern to further their education during their 6-month stay.
  • Educational Writing -Responsible for writing education articles for the website, blog posts, and newsletter.
  • Wayside exhibits – The intern will assist in research and planning for wayside exhibits for the refuge
  • Summer Day Camps -Responsible for assisting with summer day camps including the planning and presenting of programs and activities
  • Special Events – Responsible for assisting with special events wherever help is needed

Requirements

  • At least a Bachelor’s degree in education or an animal related field.
  • The ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • The ability to lift 25 lbs
  • The ability to live on-site for 6 months.
  • The ability to speak before crowds.
  • Knowledge on Adobe Suite products.

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COVID19:

To keep our animal residents, keepers, and visitors safe, masks are currently required at all times while on property. Applicants will be updated accordingly to all necessary precautions for the internship program.

Compensation

  • $100 food stipend weekly
  • On-site housing (Utilities, Internet, Washer & Dryer, A/C & Heat, and TV provided)

Due Dates

    • Spring Internships 6-months
      • Deadline for application: November 1st
      • Position Dates: February 1st – August 27th
    • Fall Internship 6-months
      • Deadline for application: April 1st
      • Position Dates: August 15th – February 12th

Number Of Spots Available – 0

To Apply: Email Resume, Cover Letter, and 2 Professional Letters of Recommendation

***Not Currently Taking Applications

interns at work

TCWR Alumni Program

Please join us today, and together we can put an end to the Exotic Pet Trade and ensure that these survivors live out the rest of their lives in the care and safety of a GFAS accredited sanctuary like Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Sign up for your annual intern alumni membership now!

Intern Alumni Membership Cost – $65* per year.

Included in your membership:

  • Free entry for Alumni for a year
  • 2 Free guest passes
  • TCWR Alumni Logo Sticker
  • 10% gift shop discount
  • 1 Free Gift that changes each year (2021 – Tshirt) – Gifts are only ordered 2x a year to maximize your donation. Orders go out Feb 28 and August 31 each year. To get your gift quickly please sign up before those dates, if you wait until after that date your gift won’t arrive until the next order date!