Internship Opportunities

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TEC) is a private nonprofit organization whose main mission is the conservation of the endemic neo-tropical fauna and ecosystems of Belize. Both the TEC and The Belize Zoo function as one unit promoting active stewardship of the local and international community through various ongoing activities such as: environmental education and awareness programs in local communities and schools, captive breeding and reintroduction programs of endangered species, and in local involvement as a strong voice of opposition to crimes against the environment in Belize and the region.

As a growing organization we welcome the help and knowledge of interns who are willing to whole heartedly devote their time and knowledge towards safeguarding, promoting and enforcing our main mission. The Animal Management and Education departments of the Belize Zoo extend a call to interested persons to volunteer as interns to The Belize Zoo and TEC through The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center Internship Program.

Main Goal Of The Internship Program:

To offer interns first hand experience working with ongoing programs within The Belize Zoo and TEC in the Animal Management Department and the Education Department.

Specific Objectives:

Animal Managements Department

Interns will be expected to:

• Assist in the care and maintenance of rare and endangered neo-tropical fauna found in the zoo that is, they will be responsible for understanding the specific needs of all enclosed animals within their captive environment,
• Assist in wildlife interpretative tasks for zoo visitors and tour groups e.g. handling and exhibiting a Boa Constrictor to visitor while relating its life history, present conservation status and answering questions about the specimen,
• Be involved in current wildlife conservation efforts ongoing at the Belize Zoo such as, Jabiru monitoring, problem Jaguar rehabilitation and Harpy Eagle reintroduction program,
• Contribute to exhibit enrichment; this includes the betterment of animal enclosures, enhancement of viewer experiences to visitor, enhancement of activities and positive enrichment for the enclosed fauna, improvement of the captive environment for the animals and landscaping of trails, paths and signs within the zoo,
• Assist the Zoo vet with surgical procedures or animal inspections.

Department of Education

• Be actively involved in introducing visiting school groups to the Belize Zoo i.e. the Zoo’s mission and objectives as well as, its importance and specific function towards the conservation of ecosystems, and to help in the development of posters, signs and slogans promoting the conservation and protection of endangered fauna,
• Help in delivering and developing environmental education and awareness lessons to visiting school groups to the Zoo, and to participate in the brainstorming of ideas to better educate the local and international community about the importance of the Zoo’s for the conservation and development of stewardship in the local and international community.
• Participate in community outreach programs currently being held by the Zoo and TEC.

How To Apply:

Interested person should:

Submit a letter of inquiry to The Belize Zoo and TEC stating:

1. Reason for applying to the internship program
2. Specific area of interest
3. Brief summary of educational background, any previous volunteer work and what he/she expects to gain through the internship.
4. Submit Resume, C.V. along with any other merits of qualification or experience and two references.
5. Submit a medical certificate signed by a practicing physician stating health status including any allergies, or medication requirements, and prove of standard vaccines against tropical pathogens if needed.

1. The application package should be sent at least 8 weeks before expected time of internship.
2. Applications will take two weeks to process after which the Belize Zoo and TEC will inform the applicant whether his/her application has been successful via email.
3. All applications will be considered on individual basis.
4. There are no limiting dates for applications.
5. If his/her application is considered he/she will be expected to provide his/her traveling information and expected date of arrival.

Responsibilities:

• All travel arrangement to and from the country of origin including visas and other travel documents and transportation cost from their point of entry to the TEC.
• A fee of $300.00 per week towards the Belize Zoo internship program.
• Respecting the rules and regulation for Zoo staff, proper work ethics and proper dress codes for the task assigned e.g. interns working with animal management are encourage to wear long trousers, shirts with long sleeves and properly covered foot wear.
• Signing a disclaimer that relieves the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center of any responsibilities to interns traveling on their own or interns who decide to part take in activities outside of those specified by their Zoo/TEC supervisor.
• Keeping a journal of their Belize Zoo internship experience and presenting an electronic copy to their corresponding department prior to departure.

• Provide meals and accommodations for the length of the internship, and a bicycle means of transport to the assigned work area.
• Provide trained personnel to work and guide the intern during their stay,
• Offer a secure working environment to the interns,
• Answer any queries or concerns about their assigned task or responsibilities with The Belize Zoo and TEC,
• Provide intern with certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the program.

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center internship program is designed for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks.; however, the time can be extended based on the interests and needs of the intern.

The Application package should be mail to:

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