Golden Lion Tamarin

Employment

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a non-profit organization with a mission of conservation, recreation and education. A competitive salary and benefits package, plus a work environment second to none, awaits the candidates who join the team at one of the best small to mid-sized zoos in the country.

Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is an equal opportunity employer.

Gift Shop Staff

The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is seeking friendly, dependable team players part-time for our unique gift shop.

Must be flexible and available to work weekends and holidays.  A background check is required for all chosen candidates.  Working papers will also be required if under 18.

If this sounds like something that may be of interest to you come in and ask for a Friends job application at the ticket booth at the entrance of the zoo.  You may also inquire if the manager is available for an interview at that time.

No Phone Calls Please!

Internship Program

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Friends of the Zoo offer animal-related internships, as well as internships in our marketing, public relations, event planning and education departments.

Animal-related internship inquiries should be directed to Curator of Animals, Tom LaBarge, at thomaslabarge@ongov.net.  We are currently accepting applications for fall 2010. We are no longer accepting applications for summer 2010.

Public Relations internship inquiries should be directed to Director of Public Relations, Lorrell Walter, at lwalter@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.  Applicants for a PR internship should submit a cover letter and resume, three writing samples and two letters of reference.  We are no longer accepting applications for summer 2010.

Education Department internship inquiries should be directed to Director of Education, Nathan Keefe, at nkeefe@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.  We are no longer accepting applications for summer 2010.

The purposes of Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s intern program are:

(1) to provide practical, on-the-job experience;

(2) to provide exposure to zoo operations and zoo careers; and

(3) to demonstrate the unique advantages of zoos as a supplement to more conventional learning programs.

Interns are supervised and instructed by full-time Zoo employees. A member of the department to which the intern has been assigned will serve as the intern’s mentor.

Interns are required to keep a journal and do a management project during their term. They will complete such readings and written assignments as may be required by the department to which they have been assigned. Schedule will be agreed upon in advance.

The internship term is 12 weeks with a minimum of 12 hours per week or 4 weeks with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Interns will work on a rotating schedule, which may include some weekends and holidays. The internship term is flexible depending on the student's needs. 

Interns may arrange for course credit with their school advisor. Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Intern mentor will certify successful completion of internships and will issue a grade transcript to all interns completing the term.

Interns will receive no monetary compensation during their internship.

Interns can be dismissed for unacceptable performance of duties/responsibilities and/or for non-compliance with Rosamond Gifford Zoo regulations and procedures.

Requirements for Application

1. All applicants must be minimum of 18 years of age.

2. All applicants must have an overall “C” grade point average.

3. All applicants if accepted must submit written results of a negative intradermal tuberculosis test within the last year.

4. It is recommended that all applicants have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.

Only completed application packets will be considered. A complete packet includes the following:

1. A standard application form (attached).

2. A letter from the applicant detailing what he/she hopes to gain from the program, and how the internship relates to past experience, future plans, career goals.

3. A resume including work and/or military experience.

4. Two letters of recommendation from professionals evaluating the applicant’s aptitude, preparation, and suitability to the program.

These requirements are to be collected by the applicant and sent as a complete packet to the appropriate person listed above at the following address:

Rosamond Gifford Zoo 1 Conservation Pl. Syracuse, NY 13204

Complete application packets for internships must be received one month prior to the student's desired start date. Any applications received after the deadline date will not be considered. Incomplete application packets or missing any of the items noted 1 through 4 above will not be considered.

For further information, please contact us at (315) 435-8511 x100 and ask for the appropriate person

Click here to download an Internship Application

Requires Acrobat Reader™.

Job Shadowing

All inquiries regarding the Job Shadow program should be directed to

Curator of Animals, Tom LaBarge at thomaslabarge@ongov.net

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Job Shadow program offers a unique opportunity for high school students (10th, 11th and 12th grades) to experience the day in the life of a Zoo employee. The shadow will spend up to one full day (8 hours) following an employee through their normal workday, helping perform their daily duties or observing when an activity requires. There may be some hands-on work with animals, under very close supervision of the keeper. Students will not be left alone with any animal at any time. If the shadow has a special interest in a particular animal or aspect of zookeeping (e.g. training, diets, etc) an effort will be made to accommodate the shadow.  Job shadow candidates are accepted January-June and September-December.

Please review the following protocols established for the job shadow.

1. Applications for job shadows with Parental/Guardian Permission Slip should be submitted to the Zoo 4 weeks prior to the desired shadowing date.

2. If a shadowing arrangement is possible applicants will be contacted to schedule the job shadow. The work time will be scheduled by your mentor assuming approval of the shadow.

3. The shadow should have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination and must have a copy of written results of a negative intradermal tuberculosis (TB) test from within the last year, prior to the job shadow experience.

4. Minimum age: sophomore in high school. The shadow must be fairly responsible, and exhibit good judgment and common sense.  College students interested in a zoo career should apply for an internship.

5. The shadow must be able to take and obey directions.

6. Experience with animals (including dogs and cats) is recommended, but not necessary. However, students with a strong fear of animals should work in a non-animal department.

7. Students should reconsider their work site if they are allergic to hay, dust, or animals.

8. Appropriate clothing must be worn. Dress for outdoor weather and getting dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are necessary.

 

Click here to download a Job Shadowing application.

Requires Acrobat Reader™

Click here to download a Parent/Guardian Permission Form.

 

 

Please mail application to:

Tom LaBarge
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
1 Conservation Pl.
Syracuse, NY 13204