Job Description
INTERNSHIP TERM: 02/24/25 - 05/16/25
POSITION SUMMARY:
Twelve-week Internship Program focused on providing experiential learning opportunities to individuals seeking to understand, develop and establish careers in the fields of elephant care and conservation. Interns work closely with Caregivers as well as Education, Development, and Communications staff for a multi-departmental learning experience. This internship provides an individual with the opportunity to gain work experience at an elephant sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The Elephant Sanctuary practices protected contact/positive reinforcement management of the elephants. Interns will not have free contact interaction with elephants.
Acceptance into internship program does NOT guarantee future employment at The Sanctuary.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:
- Work closely day-to-day under guidance of assigned mentors
- Assist elephant care staff in day-to-day activities
- Record keeping and welfare assessment skills
- Public presentation opportunities
- Assist with enrichment, literature research, and/or other specific projects
- Assist with animal training projects
- Follow all safety instructions and procedures
- Gain valuable skills working in a dynamic team environment
- Any other duties and/or assignments as needed
*Please note this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The requirements of the internship are subject to change as deemed necessary by The Sanctuary.
SUCCESS FACTORS AND EXPECTATIONS:
- Team Oriented – Develop strong working relationships with other Sanctuary employees. Keep intern mentor and supervisor informed of issues, concerns and problems and if possible, be prepared with recommendations to resolve issues as they aris
- Good Communicator – Communicate thoughtfully and effectively with others in a timely fashion via in-person conversation, text, phone, and email.
- Self-Motivated – Strong work ethic and professional demeanor.
- Dependable and Reliable – Come to work at agreed upon time ready to exert oneself physically and mentally. Follow procedures and maintain accurate records related to all aspects of elephant care and all areas of responsibili
- Training – Work with intern mentor and supervisor to address training needs and develop training plans to ensure ongoing professional development.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES:
- At least 18 years of age
- GPA of 2.20 or higher
- Completed at least two years of secondary education; this program is designed for students and recent graduates pursuing a career in large exotic mammal husbandry and/or wildlife conservation
- Willing to commit to a 12-week term (5 days/week, 40 hours/week)
- On-site housing provided. Must be willing to live in co-ed housing with one or more other intern(s).
- Proof of current tetanus vaccination, TB test, and signed physician form to approve mask-fit testing is required. All tests/vaccinations are at the applicant’s expense.
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination series
- Must have own means of transportation
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must be able to stand/work outdoors for eight hours at a time in ALL weather conditions
- Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly
- Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks (cutting produce, pressure washing, raking etc.)
- Must be comfortable being exposed (with personal protective equipment in place) to a variety of auditory (some loud, sudden) and olfactory stimuli over the course of regular work duties
The Sanctuary is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.
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Our Mission
The Elephant Sanctuary exists to...
- provide captive elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being
- educate the public of the complex needs of elephants in captivity and the crisis facing elephants in the wild
Our Work
Since 1995, The Sanctuary has provided refuge for 29 elephants who are retired from zoos and circuses. There are currently nine elephant residents with room for more. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee began on 110 acres and has grown to three separate and protected, natural habitats, spanning over more than 3,060 acres.
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee provides elephants retired from entertainment and exhibition with herd, home, and individualized veterinary and husbandry care for life. Elephants that have lived their lives in captivity have an opportunity at The Sanctuary to live in an expansive habitat that allows for a range of natural behaviors.
Many of the elephants suffer long-term health and complex behavioral issues common to elephants that have spent their lives in captivity, such as tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, obesity, arthritis, and aggression. Because elephants have complex physical and social needs, successful outcomes are measured not only by the elephant’s physical health, but also their social, behavioral and psychological well-being.
As a true sanctuary, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is closed to the public. The best way to see the elephants is by live-streaming EleCams, which can be viewed on this site.
Education is a very important part of The Sanctuary’s mission. Through Distance Learning, The Sanctuary teaches hundreds of school and community groups around the world a respect for wildlife while learning about the crisis facing Asian and African elephants in captivity and in the wild.
In the wild, elephants are migratory, walking miles each day. They form intricate family structures and grieve for their dead in a more-than-instinctive way. They show humor and express compassion. The Elephant Sanctuary’s mission is to give elephants the freedom they deserve.
The Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is accredited by The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Our Values
- 1Elephants are intelligent creatures with complex physical and social needs.
- 2Elephants in Sanctuary deserve nothing less than individualized, whole-elephant care for life.
- 3“Sanctuary” means providing a safe haven and natural habitat, dedicated solely to elephant wellbeing.
- 4Protected contact and positive reinforcement are cornerstones for working humanely, effectively, and safely with captive elephants.
- 5Animal welfare standards include nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state.
- 6People can and must make a difference in protecting wild elephants so that the species can survive for generations to come.
- 7Collaboration and sharing of best practices leads to better management, treatment and care for elephants everywhere.
- 8Staff thrive on teamwork, continuous learning, and shared commitment to the wellbeing of the elephants entrusted to The Sanctuary’s care.
- 9Honesty, integrity, and open communication with partners and key stakeholders are foundational to The Sanctuary’s relationship and business practices.
- 10A healthy ecosystem is a diverse one. Likewise, a healthy workplace thrives on diversity, inclusivity, and equality.
- 11Sustainable decisions, processes, and purchasing demonstrate advocacy for the planet we share with the elephants entrusted to our care.
- 12Continuous learning about the biology and behavior of elephants supports our best practices.