New Britain Youth Museums / Hungerford Nature Center

Title: Animal Care Intern
Location: Berlin (Kensington)
Dates: 5/19-8/22 with flexibility
Hours: Flexible hours Mon-Sun, between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30 pm. May include some evening hours

Job Description: 

Hungerford Nature Center is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Animal Care Intern to assist with the daily care and maintenance of our diverse animal residents. This internship offers hands-on experience working with a variety of wildlife species and contributes to the overall mission of engaging out community by sparking curiosity, nurtring understanding, and encouraging stewardship of our natural world. Interns will gain practical skills in animal care, enrichment, and educational outreach in a nature center setting.

Internship Objectives:

• Animal Care and Maintenance: Assist with feeding, cleaning, and maintaining animal enclosures, including reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians.
• Health and Well-being Monitoring: Observe and report on the health of animals, helping with minor medical treatments or enrichment activities, and communicating with senior staff about animal well-being.
• Animal Enrichment Activities: Create and implement enrichment activities to enhance the animals’ well-being and stimulate natural behaviors.
• Educational Outreach: Support educational programming, including assisting with school tours, public programs, and special events related to the animals in the center.
• Habitat Maintenance: Ensure that animal habitats are clean, safe, and accurately reflect their natural environments.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of animal care routines, health observations, and enrichment activities.​​​​​​

Career Experience:

Animal Care: safe & ethical practices for handling and interacting.

Education: interacting with guests about animals.

Veterinary: assist in animal cleaning, feeding and care.

Teamwork: with experienced professionals managing the daily operations.

Suggested College Majors:

Career Majors: Animal Science, Zoology, Biology, Envir. Science, Wildlife Conservation, Veterinary, Ecology, Education

Career Goals: Animal Care & Rehab, Environmental Education and Outreach, Veterinary, Nonprofit Animal Organizations, Conservation

Applicant Requirements:

• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, & follow protocols with attention to detail.
• Communication and work with the public.
• Ability to work outside in various weather, lift up to 30 lbs, twist, turn, & walk on uneven ground.
• Reliable.

How to apply: 

All ASF Scholars will recieve an email with the access code and instructions on how to apply through the scholarship portal. If you have any questions about your eligiblity or the application you can contact Heather Hokunson at hhokunson@asfdn.org, 860-612-4291 or by text.