Stacey Luhring Sr. Education Specialist Volunteer and Guest Services Point 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 2004Each departments own program 2004 Volunteer section recruit and process applications 2006Started database - Volgistics for management 2009Academic section oversight of entire program individuals, 6 departments

Overview of Management Zoological  Aquarium  Rocky Shores/Tundra (marine mammals)  Veterinary Student Preceptorship  Veterinary Technician  Wild Wonder Theater Animal Handling  Budgie Buddies Exhibit Education  Interpretive Services  Summer Camp Programs  Academic & Community Programs Gift Shop/ Business Services IT

Parameters (PDZA) 3 to 4 months long; 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 Process Recruitment SelectionPaperworkInternshipEvaluation Annual Reporting

Recruitment Website – Description and Applications (Academic) Posting Opportunities (Academic & Depts.) Universities Professional Organization (AZA, AAZK, IMATA, etc.) Professional Schools (Moorpark, Veterinarian Schools) Word of Mouth

Internship Process Recruitment SelectionPaperworkInternshipEvaluation Annual Reporting

Selection Tracking Form Created (Academic) Applications sent to departments for review (Individual departments) Interview and select applicants (Individual Departments)

Internship Process Recruitment SelectionPaperworkInternshipEvaluation Annual Reporting

Paperwork Background Check Disclosure Statement Sexual Harassment Drug & 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 Process Recruitment SelectionPaperworkInternshipEvaluation Annual Reporting

Internship Departments manage the internship Schedule, projects, tests, check offs Interns track hours on Volgistics

Internship Process Recruitment SelectionPaperworkInternshipEvaluation Annual Reporting

Completion & Evaluation Review of projects (Department) Exit interview (Department) Notification of end date (Department to Volunteers)

Internship Process Recruitment SelectionPaperworkInternshipEvaluation Annual Reporting

Hours - Volgistics # of interns - Volgistics Included in Academic annual report

Strengths Cooperation between departments Strong Communication No applicant is lost Tracking form Volgistics Ease the workload on departments Better placement of interns (good fit) Each department strong program based on staff strengths

Areas for Improvement Common curriculum template/ format Enrichment Program Some departments already do but not all Cross department field trips or shadows Common evaluation - track goals & outcomes Improve annual reporting Copy of evaluations in their file Write up of final projects

Thank you!