TRR Animal Husbandry Internship

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DURATION OF INTERNSHIP
6-months

LOCATION OF INTERNSHIP
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) San Josecito, San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica.
TRR has multiple locations. This is your primary location. However, depending on evaluation
and team availability you may be asked to transfer sites.

THE TOUCAN RESCUE RANCH
The Toucan Rescue Ranch’s (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica
wildlife. TRR works with a model that focuses on conservation, education, and research to
ensure a brighter tomorrow for Costa Rica wildlife.

TRR’s emphasis is on the care, rehabilitation, and release of national wildlife. We receive and
care for confiscated, sick, and injured animals from government agencies. The Toucan Rescue
Ranch works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE) who
brings injured and displaced wildlife to the center. TRR provides sanctuary while giving
treatment and rehabilitation. Whenever possible the animal is released to their natural
environment.

The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licenses 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 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 the feeding and cleaning, and
provides direction to 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:
● Feed long-term resident animals including raptors
● Clean enclosures
● Identify and communicate enclosure repairs needed including replacing perches
● Train new volunteers
● Help with food preparation
● Help with general maintenance
● Help with enrichment for the animals
● Help with monitoring animals being evaluated for release
● Work with carnivorous animals and their dietary requirements such as dead/alive prey
We are always open to suggestions. Let us know if you have a special skill you think will be
useful.

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.

Basic Requirements:
● Must be 18 years of age or older
● Provide proof of emergency health insurance while in Costa Rica
● Provide proof of current tetanus and rabies vaccinations
● Basic Spanish proficiency
● A moderate degree of fitness
● First Aid course is highly recommended
● Willingness to get dirty and sweaty on the job
● The ability to follow directions with attention to detail
● A positive "can-do" attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment
● Experience working with wildlife or animals is a plus
Ensuring Best Practice Implementation:
● Fostering practices that support and improve the Toucan Rescue Ranch’s philosophy,
goals, and standards of care.
● Maintaining quality care by establishing and enforcing organization standards.

WORK SCHEDULE
The Animal Husbandry Intern works on the Toucan Team for 5 days a week with
two days off. Days off are not necessarily on the weekend. Workdays begin with animal feeding
at 7:00 am and end at 3:00 pm. A daily schedule needs to be flexible depending on the day’s
workload.
You will learn about your schedule and days off during your orientation at the Ranch.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM BENEFITS AND COSTS
Internships are voluntary self-funded positions. You will be responsible for all travel
expenses/flights and immigration expenses.
Housing: Provided by TRR. Includes utilities and Wifi. Sloth Interns will stay at either the Sloth
House at TRR Headquarters at the Intern House (6-minute walk).

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 expenses, medical
insurance, entertainment expenses, and a 5-day trip out of the country every three
months to renew your visa. Common household items.

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(s) you are interested in and
when you are available to start
● CV or resume
● Contact information for three professional references

We will promptly contact you to schedule a Skype 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

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