Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern
DCHS offers year-round wildlife internships for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Internships are suitable for candidates of all skill levels and can be tailored to be more advanced for those who have previous wildlife experience. Interns will be responsible for all aspects of daily wildlife center operations under the direction of wildlife staff. Compensation is provided in the form of a stipend.
Duties include:
- Diet preparation/animal feeding
- Raptor and wildlife handling
- Admission and reception tasks
- Physical exam assistance
- Medication prep/administration
- Performing veterinary diagnostics
- Online training course completions
- Maintaining supply inventory
- Facility cleaning/sanitation
- Volunteer training
- Research projects and readings
- Daily shift coordination
Qualifications:
- Strong interest in wildlife
- Ability to perform rigorous indoor and outdoor work in all types of weather
- Ability to remain calm while working under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work well with others and to act as a team leader
- Course work in biology, wildlife management, veterinary medicine, environmental science or related field preferred
Hours: Wildlife Rehabilitation Interns are required to work 2 days/week (spring or fall) or 3 to 4 days/week (summer) for 20-22 weeks. Days are approximately 10-hours long. The program operates from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week. Hands-on wildlife training, including associated pre-veterinary skills & topics, will be provided.
Dates: Summer internships are available from April – September. Fall and spring internships are available from July – December or January – June, respectively. Interns must complete 40 to 60 full-shifts of training (spring/fall vs. summer terms, respectively) in order to graduate. Start dates are determined after interviews are complete and are based on the number of applicants and their availability. Admissions are rolling.