- (559) 338-3216
- info@cathaven.com
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Cat Haven 's "Cat Camp" is here!
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As a 501c3 non-profit organization, we offer no stipend to interns. The internship is free to you. If you are coming from another state or country, we have a limited number of on-site housing opportunities. The cost and description of the housing is below.
At the bottom of this page will be a link to the application form for you to fill out.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or concerns.
This internship is meant to be for people who are studying zoology, biology, ecology or other animal related fields. People who have prior zoo keeping experience or who are wanting to gain more experience are also welcomed to apply. A strong desire to work in an animal/conservation related field is also a plus.
This internship may be difficult in many ways. The workload is heavy, and your body will get tired. The days can be 12 hours long. Weather conditions may either be VERY hot or very cold, wet or even snowy.
You will be working in the food prep kitchen- this will include cutting up/skinning raw meats; gutting, skinning and chopping whole prey like rabbits/guinea pigs/quail etc. On butchering days, you may be asked to help bag large chunks of freshly butchered meat. It is not a job for squeamish people!
You will be raking, shoveling, picking up poop, painting, moving dirt, weed removal, washing dishes, mopping and more. You may be required to lift at least 50 pounds. You will be giving educational tours, dealing with school children, traveling to schools and other places. In our area, you will be working around bees, snakes (including Rattle Snakes), mice, lizards, toads, bugs, wild pigs, poison oak etc.
You will begin by giving tours and doing food prep. As soon as you can give a tour to a group without supervision, you will advance to keeper training.
Head and lead keepers will be your trainers. Dale will also train you for part of the time.
Your supervisors/keepers will determine how and when you will advance. This job requires concentration, attention to detail, safe work practices and more.
You will be observed carefully and evaluated. Not everyone will learn at the same pace. You will start training with the small calls. Some people advance to additional cats sooner than others- we do not play favorites but make decisions based on your skills. We do not want you to get hurt. Not everyone will advance to big cats. Not all people will end up being zookeepers. You will be treated as individuals according to how you learn and how you work. Please speak to your supervisors if you have questions.
If living onsite, your living quarters, shower area and personal hygiene must be clean and tidy. We do not allow over-night visitors. If your family or friends want to visit, please arrange this on your days off or at the end of your internship.
Must be 18+ years old to apply
Must provide and be enrolled in your own health insurance program
Must speak and write fluent English
Be capable of walking and standing for long periods of time
Able to comfortably lift 50 pounds
Able to work long hours and work in extreme weather conditions. (Heat and cold)
Complete disclosure of any prescription drug use and physical limitations
No drugs or alcohol allowed
Must complete an interview in person or via phone/Skype
As an intern you will receive first hand training and experience in maintaining wild felines in captivity including:
Cost of On-Site Housing
On-site housing is provided for up to 3 interns at a time.
For interns taking advantage of the on-site housing, a non-refundable deposit of $300 must be paid 2 months prior to your starting date to hold your place. The $300 deposit will not be returned to you if you: cancel your internship before it has started, do not show up on your scheduled start date, fail to successfully complete the internship, damage Project Survival property, leave the internship early, or are terminated from the internship due to breach of the Internship Contract. The remaining part of your housing fee must be paid on the day you begin your internship.
When you decide that you want to apply for an internship, our internship contract will be sent for you to read and sign.
**Does not include food.**
**No guests are permitted on the premises without approval of senior staff.**
**Personal pets are not allowed**
In addition to this application, we would also like you to send us a one-page cover letter, a resume, and 2 letters of recommendation or references. In your cover letter, you should explain why you want to join this program, as well as your career goals and how this program will assist you in achieving your goals. You can email this additional documentation to info@cathaven.com. Please include your name in the subject line of your email.
38257 E. Kings Canyon Rd.
Dunlap, CA 93621
(559) 338-3216
info@cathaven.com