Intern Supply List
Required Supplies for Internships
Fall/Winter/Spring:
– Clothes – layers
– Warm jacket, hat, gloves
– Khaki, green or brown work pants. (Canvas would be better than cotton for warmth, also dries faster if wet…)
– CMZ issued Intern shirt
– Proper Boots
– Hiking or snow boots with good traction/insulation
– Muck Boots – or water proof taller boots
Summer:
– Clothes
– Layers are always good!
– Khaki, green, brown work pants or shorts. (Canvas is ideal over cotton)
– CMZ issued Intern shirt
– Sweatshirt or rain jacket
– Shoes – closed toe
– Muck Boots – or water proof taller boots
Optional:
– Ice cleats (winter)
– Multi-tool
– Neoprene gloves
– Ear plugs (optional)
Name Tags:
– CMZ will provide one name tag to you.
– Make sure your name tag is visible when you are on Zoo grounds.
– It is part of your uniform!
**All clothes and shoes need to be “dirt/neat” resistant, or old (but neat) so you will not be concerned about getting dirty.**
General Uniform Policy for Interns
The intention of this policy is to reinforce our commitment to quality and professionalism. At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, personal appearance, hygiene, and attire are very important. A professional image must be maintained to instill confidence in the minds of our visitors, vendors and associates. This helps ensure the Zoo’s success. Your appearance should be consistent with good hygiene, safety and what the Zoo considers appropriate attire. Employees throughout the Zoo are expected to adhere to the following standards as written. Dress should remain “Zoo Crisp” at all times.
A “Zoo Crisp” look, at any level, is defined as: clean, good quality garments, pressed or wrinkle-free; shirts tucked in; well-maintained footwear, clean hair and nails; and piercings as defined below. Accordingly, among some of the clothing not allowed for work are, but not limited to: torn or soiled clothing; sweat pants, jogging pants, pants worn below the waist; midriff-revealing clothing; cut-off-shorts or biking shorts; short shorts; dresses and skirts shorter than 2 inches above the knee; halter tops, tube tops, non-business type tank tops or camisoles; tight fitting, low- cut, see-through or revealing clothing. No clothing should contain any lewd, suggestive language or pictures or any political slogan. If your manager feels your attire is out of place, you may be asked to leave the workplace until you are properly attired. Non-exempt/hourly employees will not be paid for the time you are off the job for this purpose. Violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
The following requirements in dress and appearance adhere to the Crisp Zoo Casual philosophy. These recommendations are the minimum standards which may only be enhanced by individual department heads.
Hair
- Clean and well groomed;
- Hairstyles must be in good taste and well maintained with no extremes in color or style;
- Beards/Mustaches
- Neatly groomed facial hair
Jewelry
- Ear piercings are allowed to the extent that they are not disruptive, gaudy and do not pose as a safety issue;
- Other visible piercings are allowed only to the extent that they comply with the Zoo Crisp standard as interpreted by the department head or the CEO. No facial rings, oral piercings, hoops or metal studs are permissible; very small studs can be approved through department heads and the CEO if in compliance with the Zoo Crisp standard and in good taste.
Tattoos
- The Zoo Crisp standard will drive all decisions concerning tattoos.
- Department heads and the CEO will have the final decision on what defines Zoo Crisp standard in this regard;
- Large or excessive tattoos should be covered;
- No visible facial or neck tattoos;
- Other tattoos which might be considered offensive, profane, or otherwise disturbing must be covered while on duty.
Name Tag
- Name tags are required to be worn at all times, if you lose your nametag, it will be $6 to replace it.
Hats
- Summer hats should have the Zoo logo. The only warm-weather hats permissible without the Zoo logo are sun or straw-type hats.
- Winter, or cold-weather hats are not required to have the Zoo logo, but should be neutral colors that fall under the Zoo Crisp standard and appear professional in style.
Personal Hygiene
- Pay special attention to your daily hygiene; brush your teeth, use deodorant, keep your hair and clothing clean and bathe;
- Appropriate undergarments must be worn and not visible.
Purchase a New Uniform Shirt – $10
Work Areas Available to Interns
Learn about a wide variety of different taxa, focused mostly on Ambassador Animals. Almost all the animals in this area travel with our education programs so it is a great opportunity to get up close and hands on with the widest variety of any collection at our zoo ( we have over 100 animals between the two areas and everything from invertebrates and fish to mammals and birds). We are also the area that gives the most opportunities for our teen program and docents to share the mission, so the people skills learned in our space are beyond compare!
Primary Conservation Track: – we are all about spreading awareness! People need to learn to care about animals at a young age to grow into conservation minded adults, so we do everything we can to get kids (and adults) involved in all aspects of our animal care. This is also the only area of the zoo that guests can see retired individuals from our two breeding programs here at CMZ. We have both a black footed ferret and wyoming toads on display in the Loft.
Animals include: invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and even some koi fish. If it’s small enough to travel in the ZOOMobile, we often have it.
Things to note (Loft): Mainly indoors, although be prepared with layers for outdoor activities. Very guest interaction heavy area. Shifts are from 8am-5pm. Always bring a water bottle. Interns will have an opportunity to work in both Loft and BBY during their internship.
Things to note (BBY): Mainly outdoors, be prepared for weather. Very guest interaction heavy area. Shifts are from 8am-5pm. Always bring a water bottle and sunscreen. Interns will have an opportunity to work in both Loft and BBY during their internship.
Learn about a wide variety of different taxa, focused mostly on African species. With this amount of variety there will be ample opportunity to gain knowledge about the many species and many aspects of being an animal keeper. In addition to the eclectic African species we have Rocky Mountain goats and mountain tapir in this area.
Primary Conservation Track: – CMZ supports Vulpro, an African Vulture conservation organization; learn about this impactful conservation organization in South Africa and what you can do to help vultures!
Animals include: okapi, meerkats, Colobus monkeys, rock hyrax, Red River hogs, African Cape porcupine, Griffon vultures, ground hornbills, African spurred tortoises, Rocky Mountain goats and mountain tapir.
Things to note: Muck boots are recommended, most of your responsibilities will take place indoors, but be prepared with layers of clothing. Shifts are from 8am-5pm. Always bring a water bottle.
Learn all about the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe. Through this internship there is an opportunity to see how the giraffe are trained on a daily basis and how that training is beneficial to their daily husbandry and care. You’ll work with one of the largest towers of giraffe outside of the continent of Africa! CMZ is known for its world class care of these incredible animals.
Primary Conservation Track: – CMZ works in Uganda and Kenya with Giraffe Conservation Foundation and through our Quarters for Conservation program has funded many conservation efforts for the giraffe. Learn more about how you can help save this iconic African species!
Animals include: giraffe.
Things to note: Very physically demanding, interns in this area must be able to lift 50lbs regularly, and the area requires muck boots. This area can be dusty from sand and works with alfalfa, hay, and fresh cut tree branches – sometimes a mask and sleeves are helpful. Mornings will be primarily cleaning and afternoons will be project based. Shifts are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Always bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
Learn more about the world’s largest land mammal as well as the critically endangered black rhino. This internship has a strong emphasis on the extensive care that the animals receive on a daily basis. Working with these animals is physically demanding and also very rewarding! Being highly intelligent animals, it is important that we keep our elephants busy and their minds engaged; this internship offers a chance to see how our keepers achieve this goal through diet prep, training, and enrichment.
Primary Conservation Track: – Tsavo Trust is a conservation organization in Kenya that CMZ is supporting through our elephant & rhino feeding experience as well as through our Quarters for Conservation program. Learn more about the work they do during your internship.
Animals include: African elephant and black rhino.
Things to note: Very physically demanding and fast paced area, requires muck boots. This area is primarily hands off on the animals in the elephant barn but you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about training and enrichment. Shifts are from 8am-5pm. Always bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
Learn how to care for marsupials, birds, and reptiles in this area. The reptile building is designed with the goal of helping people overcome fears of reptiles, and through its unique design and the layout of the area, interaction with the public is key to this internship.
Primary Conservation Track: – Help guests of the Zoo understand why reptiles are important and what we can do to protect them in the wild. This area has many opportunities for guest interaction and developing skills that will help engage the public, an essential skill set for every aspiring animal care professional.
Animals include:
Australia – Matschie’s tree kangaroo, red-necked wallaby, emu, budgerigar, cockatiels, princess parrot, geckos and White’s tree frog.
Scutes Family Gallery – Variety of non-venomous snakes and lizards, including but not limited to, Burmese pythons, variety of king snakes & rat snakes, red tegu, American alligator, as well as a variety of turtle & tortoise species.
Things to Note: Most of your time will be spent indoors in a building with higher than normal humidity and heat. You will also need to be comfortable touching insects such as crickets and roaches, and there is a good amount of time spent hosing animal areas. Additionally, while we are not a large area, we spend most of the day on our feet, going up and down stairs, crouching, and bending. Shifts are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Always bring a water bottle.
Learn about primates, from the tiny golden-lion tamarins to the large great apes! Being highly intelligent animals, it is important that we keep our primates busy and their minds engaged; this internship offers a chance to see how our keepers achieve this goal through diet prep, training, and enrichment.
Primary Conservation Track: – Palm oil plantations affect many species in Asia. CMZ is a member of The Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO); learn about how you can support sustainable palm oil production.
Animals include: Western lowland gorilla, Bornean orangutan, Sumatran orangutan, white-cheeked gibbon, golden lion tamarin, naked mole rats.
Things to note: Working with great apes and primates, our interns are hands off with these animals and mostly engage in preparing enclosures, diets, enrichment, etc. Interns are able to build relationships and get to know the primates through other interactions. Shifts are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Always bring a water bottle.
Learn about animals that currently, or historically, live in the Rocky Mountains. This unique opportunity will enable you to learn more about the species that live right in your backyard. Since many of these species are native you will find yourself working in all different weather conditions.
Primary Conservation Track: – CMZ supports the North American species and the threats that they face, as well as what we can do to help these species in our own backyards.
Animals include: mountain lions, Canada lynx, moose, Mexican wolves, Asiatic black bear, African lion, grizzly bears, North American river otters, bald eagles, North American porcupines, red-tailed hawk, Swainson’s hawk, Amur tigers and Amur leopards.
Things to Note: Interns will have limited contact with dangerous animals, but will be able to participate in diet and enrichment preparation, maintaining enclosures, and observing animal training sessions with many of the animals (Mexican wolves are managed in a hands-off capacity and do not participate in training). Most work takes place outside no matter what the weather is like, be prepared for weather daily. Shifts are from 8am-5pm. Always bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
This area of the Zoo gives a great opportunity to learn about some of our more “aquatic” residents. Both our hippos and penguins live in large pools and this presents unique cleaning and management challenges. This area provides you with a wide diversity of animal taxa to work with in a small collection of animals.
Primary Conservation Track: – Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). A seabird rescue center located in South Africa.
Animals include: Nile hippos, ring-tailed lemurs, African penguins, pink-backed pelicans, warthog, East African crowned cranes, Von der Decken’s hornbill and guinea pigs.
Things to Note: Muck boots are recommended. Shifts are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Always bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
Learn about a wide variety of different taxa, focused mostly on Ambassador Animals. Almost all the animals in this area travel with our education programs so it is a great opportunity to get up close and hands on with the widest variety of any collection at our zoo ( we have over 100 animals that have the potential to go on programs throughout and outside the zoo).
Primary Conservation Track: – we are all about spreading awareness! People need to learn to care about animals at a young age to grow into conservation minded adults. So we focus on engaging kids (and adults) based on their own interests in order to keep interactions fun and informative.
Animals include: A wide variety including; invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals.
Things to Note: Mainly indoors, although be prepared with layers for outdoor activities. Very guest interaction heavy area. Shifts are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. on W & F, and then 9:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. on TH. Always bring a water bottle. Interns will have an opportunity to work in both Loft and BBY during their internship.
Commissary:
Have you ever wondered about what goes into ensuring that the animals at the Zoo have everything they need to be happy, healthy, stimulated and enriched? The specific needs of each animal and area are as unique as the needs of the keepers who care for them. Cleaning supplies, animal food, and enrichment are just a few things to keep track of here. The Commissary team is a key position at every Zoo and is a great way to learn about a variety of species needs.
In the commissary role, you will gain knowledge of the dietary needs of our animal collection, why it matters, and how we resource safe and sustainable food. You will also have a good understanding of budgeting, health codes, nutrition science and the requirements Zoos must follow to be compliant with USDA and AZA standards.
Things to Note: This shift is from 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. This area handles food and nutrition for all animals in our collection. This includes handling and preparing a variety of meats for our carnivores. Time will be spent preparing and then delivering food from a Zoo vehicle as well as assisting in hay deliveries. Always bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
Attendance Policy
Required Hours:
– Each internship consists of 240 hours for each semester.
– Interns must work a minimum of 24 hours per week.
– Incompletion of hours will reflect final grade. Multiple absences can affect your grade or result in termination of internship.
Absences:
– Notification of absenteeism or tardiness is mandatory.
– Absences may be made up with approval from CMZ.
– Interns should let keepers know of any prior planned absences and make arrangements to make up these days within one week of the days missed.
Calling in Sick:
Interns must call the Zoo at 8 a.m. the day of, and speak with the Receptionist at BASE. The phone number to the Zoo is 719-633-9925. If a Supervisor is not available to speak with, they should leave their name, area they are supposed to be working, and reason they are calling in with the Receptionist. BASE will notify the appropriate area.
Pre-Requisites
– Background check
Responsibilites, Supervision & Required Skills
Major Responsibilities:
– Each internship consists of 240 hours for each semester. These hours MUST be completed within the season for which the student is registered for that specific internship. Incomplete hours will reflect in final grade.
– Each intern works a minimum of 3 days per week.
– Punctuality- Must be on time to assigned shift and location.
– Intern will be in uniform and wear a nametag while on Zoo grounds. Appropriate footwear is required. Appropriate outerwear is required for all the weather conditions: rain, snow, wind, hail, etc.
– Must be able to lift and carry 50-70 lbs. with reasonable assistance.
– Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
– Must be able to move quickly to avoid obstacles, climb fences and hills.
– Provide a safe environment for the animals, themselves, keepers and guests by identifying, fixing or reporting potential safety hazards.
– Interact professionally and positively with guests and share CMZ messages.
– Interns must follow and abide by all rules enforced through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Intern Handbook.
Supervision:
Reports to Animal Keepers in the Area interns are assigned. Animal Keepers report to Animal Supervisor.
Other Required Skills:
– Communication skills for effective working relationships with all Zoo staff and Zoo guests
– Writing skills to effectively communicate through dailies and other pertinent paperwork.
– Ability to work as an effective team member.
– Ability to work alone with minimal supervision.
– Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
– Ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure.
– Ability to increase speed of work pace throughout duration of internship.
– Ability to pay great attention to detail.
– Ability to be flexible when changes occur.
