Students are welcome to work an internship at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Our program is on a voluntary basis. No pay is earned during the experience. We are unable to provide housing. Rentals are available in close proximity to the park. Transportation, room, and board are the responsibility of the intern.

We require a time commitment of 25 hours per week for at least 8 weeks. The schedule will vary depending on the assignment . Additional hours can be accommodated, up to a 40-hour work week. Your service at the park will include care of wildlife and presentation of educational programs. See the attached job description. Interns work with ALL of the park´s wildlife; there are no positions available to work exclusively with manatees.

You may pursue a specific research project along with the duties described above. Your proposal must be submitted in writing for approval by the Wildlife Care Supervisor. This proposal must include an introduction describing your goals and objectives, materials and methods, and an estimate of the amount of time required to complete the project.

We are a uniformed service. Volunteers wear a gray volunteer T-shirt provided by the park. When presenting educational programs, you are required to wear a plain white or grey shirt with collar and buttons down the front, which is not provided by the park. The park will issue patches and a nametag for the shirt. Black shorts or slacks are worn with the white shirt or the T-shirt. Black socks and black shoes (athletic shoes are acceptable) are worn with slacks, and white accessories are worn with the shorts.

Interns will be interviewed and placed by the Wildlife Care Supervisor, Art Yerian. Additional training will be provided on-the-job and through workshops. If you are interested in an internship with us, please contact Marla Chancey at (352) 628-5445 ext 103 or via e-mail at marla.chancey@dep.state.fl.us. Be prepared to submit a letter of interest, 3 letters of reference, a letter from your institution, and a proposal for any research.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park/4150 South Suncoast Boulevard Homosassa, Florida 34446

Division of Recreation and Parks
Wildlife Park Intern Job Requirements and Responsibilities
2000-2001

VISITOR SERVICE

Explains facilities and services provided for public use. Meets visitors, answers questions and provides information and directions. Provides informative and accurate information to the public.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Follows instructions and implements wildlife management plans. Intern will be expected to read and research existing park literature to fully understand the state's philosophy on ecosystem management.

MAINTENANCE

Intern may be asked to help maintain and repair buildings, fences, trails, service roads, boardwalks, docks and other facilities. You will be expected to maintain cleanliness of grounds and facilities.

ADMINISTRATION

Intern is expected to keep accurate records relating to wildlife care. Understanding state required forms on a wide range of subjects will be necessary.

PROTECTION

Intern must ensure park rules are followed for the enjoyment of the visitor.

This is a basic outline of the job responsibilities of a wildlife ranger at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Some requirements have been eliminated to be able to realistically accommodate the abilities of a temporary volunteer. However, the job description and responsibilities are extremely beneficial to learn a basic working knowledge of wildlife care and the expectations as related to a state park system. Your specific job description may be altered depending on the instructions of the wildlife care supervisor.