TRR Animal Husbandry & Zookeeping

Save to Favorites

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP
About 4 months. See the specific dates on our website.

LOCATION OF INTERNSHIP
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) Headquarters, San Isidro of Heredia, Costa Rica.

THE TOUCAN RESCUE RANCH
Toucan Rescue Ranch is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Costa Rica's wildlife. Specializing in toucans, sloths, and other native species, the organization is committed to the conservation of biodiversity and the education of the public about the importance of protecting and preserving natural habitats

The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licensed Costa Rica wildlife rescue facility, Costa Rica foundation.
(300667701803) and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 80-0516453).

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INTERN DESCRIPTION
The Animal Husbandry & Zookeeping Intern is responsible to complete the daily feeding and care of Toucan Rescue Ranch. This intern has primary responsibility for ensuring animals are fed and enclosures are clean. You will work closely with the Kitchen & Animal Care Employee, who is responsible for food preparation. This intern participates in feeding, cleaning, and provides direction to short-term volunteers helping with these activities.
This Intern will help oversee general maintenance and repairs of the property. Will work with TRR’s biologist on enrichment activities. As well as train Toucan Team Volunteers and manage the enclosure cleaning schedule.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
You will be working alongside volunteers and TRR’s small staff. You will be asked to do various
activities and have several responsibilities.

Activities include:
● Provide fresh water daily.
● Prepare and provide the complete nutritional diet to the permanent residents at the sanctuary.
● Prepare carnivore diets. This will include handling dead prey and butchering meat.
● Clean enclosures to a high standard.
● Daily observations of the animals, carrying out health checks. Communicating with the Husbandry coordinator and /or Vets if concerns are raised.
● Complete daily rounds at the beginning and end of each shift and ensure there are no safety hazards in the enclosures.
● Monitor individuals that are being evaluated for release.
● Collect wild diet for release candidates.
● Participate in general maintenance and construction of enclosures.
● Create enrichment for the sanctuary animals.
● Dispose of organic waste and maintain compost area to a cleanly standard.
● Clean, feed, and take care of the Bioterium animals

Administrative Work
● Welcome Interns and Volunteers into the communal house.
● Train new volunteer to a professional quality, so they can independently complete the tasks required
of them.
● Lead the team throughout the day and ensure all husbandry tasks are carried out.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
All applicants require an animal-related discipline or have some experience working with
animals. Experience traveling to a tropical country, living in remote conditions are preferred.

General Requirements:
● Must be 18 years of age or older
● Provide proof of emergency health insurance while in Costa Rica
● Provide proof of current tetanus vaccination
● The ability to follow directions with attention to detail
● A positive "can-do" attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment
Specific Requirements:
● Must be fluent in either English or Spanish
● Studying an animal related discipline or have some experience working with animals.
● Provide proof of current rabies vaccination
● Basic Spanish proficiency
● Moderate degree of fitness
● Willingness to get dirty and sweaty on the job
Other Valuable Skills:
● Experience traveling to a tropical country, living in remote conditions are preferred.
● First Aid course is highly recommended
● Must be 18 years of age or older
● Provide proof of emergency health insurance while in Costa Rica
● Provide proof of current tetanus vaccination
● The ability to follow directions with attention to detail
● A positive "can-do" attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment
Specific Requirements:
● Must be fluent in either English or Spanish
● Studying an animal related discipline or have some experience working with animals.
● Provide proof of current rabies vaccination
● Basic Spanish proficiency
● Moderate degree of fitness
● Willingness to get dirty and sweaty on the job
Other Valuable Skills:
● Experience traveling to a tropical country, living in remote conditions are preferred.
● First Aid course is highly recommended
● Experience working with wildlife is a plus
Ensuring Best Practice Implementation:
● Fostering practices that support and improve the Ranch’s philosophy and goals
● Maintaining quality by establishing and enforcing organization s
WORK SCHEDULE
The Intern works 5 days a week with two days off a week. Days off are not necessarily on the weekend. You will learn about your schedule and days off during your orientation at the Toucan Rescue Ranch.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM BENEFITS AND COSTS
We have tried to keep our internships free to make them available to the widest range of people. But as costs keep increasing and income from tourism varies, we must implement fees in order to maintain our operations.
The fee is about $30 a day and covers room and board costs as well as the education you will receive. We continue to improve and expand our facilities and staff providing you with an excellent learning environment.
Your fee contributes to the medical care, food, and general husbandry of the animals in our care.
Cost $3600, about $30 per day
Housing Provided by TRR. Includes utilities and Wifi.
Meals Meals are provided 7-days a week. We will show you the local stores where you can buy additional food to supplement your meals. Please let us know if you are vegetarian, vegan, or have special dietary requirements.
Other All other costs are to be paid for by the intern. This includes travel and immigration expenses, medical insurance, and entertainment expenses

I’D LIKE TO APPLY
If you would like to be a part of the TRR team, please send the following documents to
applications@toucanrescueranch.org
● One-page cover letter of interest - specify which internship you are interested and the start date
● CV or resume
● Contact information for three professional references
We will promptly contact you to schedule an interview after reviewing your application. If you have any questions we are always available via email to answer any questions

CONTACT
Toucan Rescue Ranch
www.toucanrescueranch.org
applications@toucanrescueranch.org