Stacey LuhringSr. Education Specialist

Volunteer and Guest ServicesPoint Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Internships – What are they?

Academic

Career Change Externship

?

PDZA Internships = Academic

Provide college students or recent

college graduates practical experience in

a zoological environment

PDZA Internship Program History

Prior to 2004 Each departments own program2004 Volunteer section recruit and process

applications

2006 Started database - Volgistics for management

2009 Academic section oversight of entire program

2010 18 individuals, 6 departments

Overview of Management Zoological

AquariumRocky Shores/Tundra (marine mammals) Veterinary Student PreceptorshipVeterinary TechnicianWild Wonder Theater Animal Handling Budgie Buddies Exhibit

Education Interpretive ServicesSummer Camp ProgramsAcademic & Community Programs

Gift Shop/ Business ServicesIT

Parameters (PDZA)3 to 4 months long; 32-40 hour workweek or

400 hrs.

Flexible schedule with ability to work

weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

All positions are unpaid.

No housing

$

Application Requirements Enrolled in a college or recently graduated One year of course work in a major field of

study Be capable of the physical abilities required

to work with animals (i.e. lift 50 pounds, etc.)

Application Cover letter (including your career goals) Resume Application questions. Letters of recommendation

Internship ProcessRecruitment

Selection

Paperwork

Internship

Evaluation

Annual Reporting

RecruitmentWebsite – Description and Applications

(Academic)

Posting Opportunities (Academic & Depts.)UniversitiesProfessional Organization (AZA, AAZK, IMATA,

etc.)Professional Schools (Moorpark, Veterinarian

Schools)

Word of Mouth

Internship ProcessRecruitment

Selection

Paperwork

Internship

Evaluation

Annual Reporting

SelectionTracking Form Created

(Academic)

Applications sent to departments for review (Individual departments)

Interview and select applicants (Individual Departments)

Internship ProcessRecruitment

Selection

Paperwork

Internship

Evaluation

Annual Reporting

PaperworkBackground CheckDisclosure StatementSexual HarassmentDrug & Alcohol

Agreement• Intern Contact• Intern Liability Release• Intern Swim Form• TB• Department specific

Institution Forms

Department Forms

• Departments Send to Applicants

• Academic collects paperwork

• Volunteer input into Volgistics

Internship ProcessRecruitment

Selection

Paperwork

Internship

Evaluation

Annual Reporting

Internship

Departments manage the

internship

Schedule, projects, tests,

check offs

Interns track hours on

Volgistics

Internship ProcessRecruitment

Selection

Paperwork

Internship

Evaluation

Annual Reporting

Completion & EvaluationReview of projects (Department)

Exit interview (Department)

Notification of end date

(Department to Volunteers)

Internship ProcessRecruitment

Selection

Paperwork

Internship

Evaluation

Annual Reporting

Annual Reporting

•Hours - Volgistics

•# of interns - Volgistics

• Included in Academic annual report

StrengthsCooperation between departments

Strong CommunicationNo applicant is lostTracking formVolgistics

Ease the workload on departments

Better placement of interns (good fit)

Each department strong program based on staff strengths

Areas for ImprovementCommon curriculum template/ format

Enrichment Program Some departments already do but not allCross department field trips or shadows

Common evaluation - track goals & outcomes

Improve annual reporting Copy of evaluations in their fileWrite up of final projects

Thank you!