Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern

Position Summary

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern assists wildlife rehabilitators in the rescue, care, treatment, and release of injured, orphaned, and displaced native wildlife. This internship provides hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation, animal husbandry, medical care, public education, and conservation while working in a fast-paced rehabilitation facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute species-specific diets according to established protocols.
• Clean and disinfect animal enclosures, food preparation areas, and medical equipment.
• Observe and document animal behavior, appetite, weight, and overall health.
• Assist with the intake and admission of injured or orphaned wildlife.
• Support medical treatments under the supervision of rehabilitators or veterinarians.
• Handle and restrain wildlife safely using approved techniques.
• Maintain accurate animal records and rehabilitation logs.
• Assist with animal transportation, rescues, and releases as needed.
• Participate in enrichment activities that promote natural behaviors.
• Educate visitors and the public about wildlife conservation and coexistence.
• Maintain inventory of food, medications, and rehabilitation supplies.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and animal welfare protocols.

Preferred

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Strong interest in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

• Previous experience handling animals in a veterinary clinic, wildlife center, zoo, or animal shelter.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of native wildlife species and natural history.

Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain experience in:

• Wildlife nutrition and husbandry
• Wildlife handling and restraint techniques
• Rehabilitation and release protocols
• Medical treatments and triage
• Record keeping and case management
• Conservation education and outreach
• Disease prevention and biosecurity
• Wildlife laws and ethical rehabilitation practices

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry animal carriers, feed bags, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working around blood, bodily fluids, parasites, and injured wildlife.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced wildlife rehabilitation facility.
• Exposure to wild animals, veterinary equipment, cleaning chemicals, and outdoor conditions.
• Requires strict adherence to safety and infection-control procedures.

Desired Skills

• Compassion for wildlife and commitment to animal welfare.
• Attention to detail.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Time management and multitasking.
• Professionalism and dependability.
• Ability to remain calm during emergency situations.
• Respect for confidentiality and ethical wildlife care.

Internship Details

• Duration: 25 weeks
• Schedule: 20–40 hours per week
• Compensation: $22.14/hour
• Reports To: Wildlife Rehabilitator or Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.