WANTED: Experienced animal handler/educator who is looking for an opportunity to work with a wide variety of animals and use their knowledge to promote wildlife conservation through educational programs. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, The Creature Conservancy is an active and vibrant non-profit with the goal of “Conservation Through Education.” If you hold a similar belief, answer these questions: Do you enjoy working with exotic animals? Are you an engaging public speaker? Do you like interacting with people of all ages? Do you like to get your hands dirty? Are you someone who jumps into work and gets the job done? Do you want a job that has meaning and purpose?

If you answered “yes” to those questions, consider applying to be a Wildlife Educator at The Creature Conservancy. Your main duties and responsibilities would be:

• Providing daily care for our animals, including (but not limited to) feeding and enrichment

• Conducting informative and engaging presentations to the public to increase awareness and understanding of animals and the importance of conservation

• Interacting with the public during our Open Hours and leading private tours

• Participating in programming, such as summer camps, field trips, virtual and onsite education programs, as well as offsite programs

• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations

• Maintaining records, inventories, providing other reports, as needed

• Cleaning animal enclosures and other exhibit areas

• Inspecting facilities to ensure the safety and security of the animals’ well-being

• Assisting with the training of new staff

• Other duties, as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, or a closely related field; plus 2-years’ experience in the care of animals in a professional setting;

• OR, Associate’s degree in a related field, plus 4-years’ experience in the care of animals in a professional setting

• Experience handling exotic animals

• Experience in public speaking

• Experience working with children and young adults

• Must be 21 years of age

• Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays

• Able to lift 50-pounds without difficulty

• Must be vaccinated against COVID-19

Compensation & Benefits:

Full-time; $16-18 per hour (based on experience); paid time off; medical/dental benefits available after 60-days of full-time employment

How to Apply:

Submit a resume, a cover letter detailing your related experience and interest in the position, and three professional references to both Jorja Feldman & Steve Marsh at:

jfeldman@copperleafcrossing.com

corvid1964@gmail.com

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Husbandry interns are hosted seasonally, with slots available in three yearly sessions. This unpaid position is arranged to meet college/university course required hours including animal care for our collection of over 80 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Interns have the opportunity to learn and participate in all aspects of animal care, including diet preparation and delivery, enrichment, health monitoring, behavioral training, and enclosure cleaning and maintenance. Opportunities to shadow tours, educational and special events, and other presentations are also included. Daily care and hands-on animal handling is limited.

The internship schedules are flexible and are based on college/university courses and The Creature Conservancy’s needs. In general, the hours are from 9am-1pm or 5-7pm. 

Priority is given to applicants with no planned absences (holidays included) and those who are pursuing degrees in an animal related field and are receiving college credit for their participation.

Deadlines
*Review of applications for Summer (May-August) begins February 10.
*Review of applications for Fall (September-December) begins June 1.
*Review of applications for Winter (January-April) begins October 1.

To Apply
Complete our application form, which will include a link to upload your resume and cover letter.

Questions
If you have any questions about the internship or the status of your application, email staffing@thecreatureconservancy.com.

Education interns are hosted seasonally, with slots available for spring and summer camp sessions. As a member of the education team, interns will work with children grades 1st-12th delivering programs promoting The Creature Conservancy’s mission of “Conservation through Education”. This is a stipend based position which will to meet college/university course required hours for an education or science related degree. Interns have the opportunity to learn and participate in all the educational aspects of an animal care facility, including educational lessons, activities, games, classroom management, crafts, tours and more. Interns are expected to help camp staff bring a fun and enthusiastic experience to our educational programs and camps. 

Priority is given to applicants with no planned absences (holidays included) and those who are pursuing degrees in an animal or educational related field and are receiving college credit for their participation.

The internship schedules will coincide with our spring and summer camp dates. In general, the hours are from 8:30am - 4:15 pm.

Summer Camps: June 16th - August 22nd

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled

To Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to education@thecreatureconservancy.org

Questions

If you have any questions about the internship or the status of your application, email education@thecreatureconservancy.org

General Description

As a member of The Creature Conservancy educational team, the seasonal full-time Camp Instructor will work to lead groups of campers in various activities, hikes, crafts, and educational lessons.

Day camps run between June 16th to August 22nd, Monday through Friday most weeks.

Camp staff are expected to be available for at least eight out of ten weeks of camp plus training dates.

All candidates are required to attend paid training dates: June 9th-13th (if scheduling conflicts arise, reasonable accommodation for day or time changes may be granted).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead groups of up to 30 youth in grades 1-12 for weeklong day camps on hikes, hands-on activities, art projects, games, and educational lessons.

• Camp Instructors are joined with at least two additional support staff at all times, and will be responsible for coordinating duties among support staff. 

• Enhance each child’s experience, greeting caregivers and program participants with enthusiasm to provide a positive and memorable camp program.

• Engage with campers as a group and individually to create a welcoming and inclusive community amongst the group.

• Be familiar with all facets of The Creature Conservancy in order to answer questions properly.

• Contribute to a positive, energetic, and safe experience for campers and colleagues.

• Must be available for a weekday work schedule, usually 8:15 a.m.- 4:15 p.m.

• Assist with program setup and breakdown.

• All other responsibilities and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Must be 21 years or older.

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, General Science, Zoology, Biology, or other related field OR completion of an Associate's degree with 2 years of experience in a zoological institution or a youth organization preferred.

• Experience working with youth in formal or informal learning environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiar with concepts of biology, environmental science, or animal welfare and a willingness to learn more.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Must be reasonable, diplomatic, and use common sense to make sound decisions.

• Must have the ability to think quickly and identify solutions to participant or caregiver issues before they escalate and report issues and challenges to the camp director.

• Must be professional and have a positive, friendly, social disposition.

• Must clear a background check before hiring.

Working Conditions

• Camp is held mainly outdoors in a variety of weather conditions throughout the summer.

  
  

Physical Requirements

• This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods. 

• This position can expect employees to walk up to three miles a day. 

• The noise level in the work environment is moderate. 

• The employee must be able to lift and move 25-40 pounds. 

The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Pay Rate: $17/Hr

To apply: send your resume and cover letter to education@thecreatureconservancy.org

The Creature Conservancy celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

General Description

As a member of The Creature Conservancy educational team, the seasonal full-time Camp Assistant will work with a Camp Instructor to lead groups of campers at The Creature Conservancy.

Day camps run between June 16th and August 22nd, Monday through Friday most weeks.

Camp staff are expected to be available for at least eight out of ten weeks of camp plus training dates.

All candidates are required to attend paid training dates: June 9th-13th

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Support Camp Instructor with groups of up to 30 youth in grades 1-12 for weeklong camps on hikes, in hands-on activities, art, and games.

• Camp assistants will be grouped with at least 2 other camp staff members per camp at all times.

• Enhance each child’s experience, greeting caregivers and program participants with enthusiasm to provide a positive and memorable camp program.

• Engage with campers as a group and individually to create a welcoming and inclusive community amongst the group.

• Be familiar with all facets of The Creature Conservancy in order to answer questions properly.

• Contribute to a positive, high-energy, entertaining experience and atmosphere.

• Must be available for a weekday work schedule, usually 8:15 a.m.- 4:15 p.m.

• Assist with program setup and breakdown.

• All other responsibilities and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Must be 18 years or older.

• Completion of a High School Diploma or equivalent with two years of experience in a zoological institution or a youth organization OR enrollment in or completion of a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Education, General Science, Zoology, Biology, or other related fields.

• Experience working with youth in formal or informal learning environments is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with biology, environmental science, and animal welfare concepts and/or a willingness to learn more.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Must be reasonable, diplomatic, and use common sense to make sound decisions.

• Must have the ability to think quickly and identify solutions to address issues before they escalate and report issues and challenges to the camp director.

• Must be professional and have a positive, friendly, social disposition.

• Must clear a background check before hire.

Working Conditions

• Camp is held mainly outdoors in a variety of weather conditions through the summer.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods. 

• This position can expect employees to walk two to three miles a day. 

• The noise level in the work environment is moderate. 

• The employee must be able to lift and move 25-40 pounds. 

The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Pay Rate: $12-14/hr depending on experience.

To apply: send your resume and cover letter to education@thecreatureconservancy.org

The Creature Conservancy celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

Overview
The Creature Conservancy invites passionate, hands-on plant enthusiasts to apply for our Botany Internship. This unique role blends horticultural expertise with animal care, offering a dynamic learning environment where plants and creatures coexist. Ideal candidates will thrive in a setting that emphasizes Michigan native landscaping and interactive plant education.

The Summer 2025 internship will run from May 5th - August 31st, 2025. If you need to terminate your internship early, please contact Sarah Burchart as early as possible. The internship requires 20 hours per week, unpaid.

Key Responsibilities

• Plant Care & Identification: Maintain and nurture a diverse array of plant species, ensuring robust growth and health.

• Michigan Native Landscaping: Implement sustainable landscaping practices that highlight indigenous species and promote local ecology.

• Propagation & Seed Germination: Assist in propagating plants, with hands-on experience in growing from seeds and managing plant cycles.

• Horticulture in Animal Enclosures: Collaborate with animal care teams to integrate plants within animal habitats, enhancing the living environment for both flora and fauna.

• Plant Education: Develop and deliver educational content, engaging visitors and staff with insights into plant care and conservation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in caring for and identifying a wide variety of plants.

• Familiarity with Michigan native landscaping techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate plant knowledge through educational initiatives.

• A curious mindset eager to learn from unconventional sources, including exposure to exotic animal care.

Application Process
To join our vibrant team, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experiences and passion for botany and conservation to staffing@thecreatureconservancy.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The Creature Conservancy is committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainable environmental practices.