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Externship Opportunities

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a private, non-profit organization whose main mission is the conservation of the native fauna and ecosystems of Belize. Both the TEC and The Belize Zoo function as one unit promoting active stewardship of natural resources through environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation.

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. TBZTEC extends a call to interested persons to volunteer as interns through The Belize Zoo Internship Program.

Externship Activities

Externs will be expected to:

  • Be in good physical condition and able to effectively carry out physically involved tasks in a hot, humid, tropical environment
  • Assist in the care and well-being of wildlife housed at The Belize Zoo.
  • Contribute to habitat enrichment. This includes the improvement of habitat infrastructure, enhancement of viewing experience for visitors, and positive stimulation for the wildlife
  • Be involved in landscaping, and pathway and signage maintenance within the Zoo.
  • Assist with daily food preparation and feeding schedules. This will include:
    1. Chopping up fruits, vegetables, and raw meat
    2. Loading of feeding trays and buckets into wheelbarrows/trolleys to be transported to habitats
    3. Collecting plants and leaf litter for delivery into habitats
    4. Washing and scrubbing concrete ponds, feeding bowls, management pens
  • Observing medical and surgical procedures, or animal check-ups performed by Animal Care & Management staff and veterinary colleagues as opportunities arise
  • Participate in facilitating special zoo events, such as animal birthday parties
  • Accompany the Education Department on outreach education programs such as school visits, fairs, etc
  • Conduct observational studies of animal behaviour on-site at the Zoo as needed.

How To Apply:

Interested person should submit a letter of inquiry stating:

  1. Reason for applying to the externship program.
  2. Brief summary of educational and professional background, any previous volunteer work and what you expect to gain through the externship.
  3. Submit Resume, along with any other merits of qualification or experience. Including references is encouraged.
  4. 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.
  5. The Application package should be e-mailed to: education@belizezoo.org

Selection Process:

  1. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
  2. The application package should be sent at least 8 weeks before expected time of externship.
  3. Applications will take up to two weeks to process after which TBZTEC will inform the applicant whether their application has been successful via email.
  4. All applications will be considered on individual basis. TBZTEC can accommodate a maximum of 2 externs at any given time.
  5. Duration of placements are a minimum of two (2) weeks and a maximum of four (4) weeks.
  6. There are no limiting dates for applications.
  7. If your application is considered you will be asked to provide your travel information and expected date of arrival and departure.

Requirements:

Externs will be responsible for:

  • All travel arrangements to and from Belize including visas and other travel documents and transportation cost from their point of entry to our facilities.
  • A fee of US$375 per week, which includes all meals and lodging at the TEC. A pair or couple may apply simultaneously if there is availability and will pay a fee of US$350 each per week.
  • Receiving vaccination for Tetanus, and a Tuberculosis skin test, and providing confirmation to TBZTEC of acquisition of these.
  • Adhering to all TBZTEC rules and regulations, including good work ethic and code of conduct, and proper dress codes.
  • Signing a disclaimer that relieves TBZTEC of any responsibilities to interns travelling on their own, or interns who decide to part take in activities outside of those specified by their supervisor.

TBZTEC will be responsible to:

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

*The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center welcomes all efforts in assisting and contributing to the conservation work put forth by the organization, however, reserves the right to end an externship based on extern performance and professionalism. Such a decision would be made by the TBZTEC management team, upon advisory by the immediate supervisor.

 

*Externship reservations cancelled less than 30 days prior to the starting date will incur a 50% charge. In the event of a cancellation during fulfilment of the externship due to emergencies, refunds will be addressed on a case by case basis.