Description:
Community Outreach Intern - Best Friends Visitor Center
The mission of Best Friends Animal Society is to end the killing of animals in shelters across the country. Best Friends works to accomplish this mission through implementing no-kill initiatives and programs and partnering with other organizations across the nation. Best Friends Animal Society began with the animal sanctuary located in Kanab, Utah, which is now the largest no-kill animal sanctuary for companion animals in the nation, and it has expanded to include adoption centers and spay/neuter clinics in several large cities across the country.
Intern Position Description
The intern position will be located at the Best Friends Visitor Center in Kanab, UT.
Function:
● Community Outreach: The intern will research and develop opportunities for Best Friends to get involved with the local schools and create more learning opportunities for school age children.
Learning Goals/Objectives:
● Learn how to effectively engage with children of all ages and encourage them to be responsible pet owners, future leaders, and have respect and compassion towards animals.
Time Commitment and Location of Internship:
● Approximately 20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks.
● Location: Best Friends Visitor (235 South 100 East in Kanab, Utah).
● Please note: This is an unpaid internship.
Core Responsibilities:
● The first week will be spent participating in Sanctuary tours and volunteering in animal areas to become familiar with the experiences our Sanctuary offers.
● Research and develop lesson plans and youth activities to educate and engage with children of all ages.
● Manage kids’ activities at community events that have a Best Friends presence.
● Arrange a weekly activity for youth at the Visitor Center.
● Assist in any Visitor Center events and incorporate youth activities during events.
● Participate and/or lead monthly Best Friends’ talks at local Head Start.
● Determine supplies needed to create interactive educational youth activities.
● Work with Visitor Center manager to determine other opportunities to educate and engage with youth in the community.
● Complete other assignments provided by the Visitor Center Manager.
Qualifications:
Qualifications/Requirements:
● Must be 18 years old.
● Must have a valid driver’s license and personal transportation.
● Team player with good interpersonal skills (ability to communicate with various personalities).
● Demonstrate initiative and ability to solve problems independently.
● Written and verbal correspondence must be of a professional standard.
● Must be comfortable with public speaking.
● Must be able to intern outdoors in variable weather conditions and have the physical ability to perform strenuous manual labor.
● Must be able to intern according to a flexible schedule (i.e., weekends, evenings, early mornings).
● Must be able to intern around allergens like hay, dust, and animal fur.
● Must be able to effectively interact with and handle most animals.
● Experience interacting and engaging with children of all ages.
● Communicate effectively and amicably with all personnel and visitors at the Sanctuary.
● Be knowledgeable and informed regarding current trends in and materials about animal welfare.
Application Instructions:
Please visit the Best Friends Animal Society Internships webpage to download an application at http://bestfriends.org/sanctuary/volunteer/internships
or contact
Brittany Bingeman,
Intern Coordinator
internships@bestfriends.org or
435-644-2001 ext. 4861
with questions or for an application.