WILDNorth - Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern

WILDNorth is seeking enthusiastic people who love wildlife, the outdoors, have a strong desire to learn and work well in a team environment. WILDNorth is a non-partisan, charitable organization that provides compassionate care for injured and orphaned wildlife and educates the public on the importance of wildlife in our community. We provide a high standard of care to a wide variety of native and migratory species. Approximately 80% of our patients are wild birds (waterfowl, birds of prey, songbirds) and 20% small mammals (squirrels, porcupines, fox). 

All positions are voluntary, NO salary is offered. Housing and transportation is not provided.

Benefits & skill development for the Intern

-Species identification and wildlife capture/handling experience

-Wildlife management and conflict resolution experience

-Further your career or educational goals

-Orientation and training provided

-Learning job skills and teamwork

-Mentorship and friendships with like-minded people

-Certificate of completion of internship provided

Applications accepted online at www.wildnorth.ca until March 31, 2021

Position:  Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern

Time Period: May – August (with the possibility for extension in April and/or September)

Hours: 20-40 hrs/week

Minimum commitment: 4 months preferred

Duties:

Working under the supervision of the Animal Care Manager or appropriately identified staff, interns will assist with the following:

♦ Monitoring progress of patients, recording weights and food intake, and maintaining proper environment

♦ Assisting with medical treatments, capture and restraint of patients

♦ Hand-feeding orphaned mammals and birds around the clock

♦ Preparing species’ diets, daily feeding, cleaning and enrichment of animal enclosures

♦ Specialized waterfowl care  

♦ General facility cleaning including sweeping/mopping floors, washing dishes, disinfecting counters/sinks

♦ Reporting maintenance and/or safety hazards to the rehabilitation staff and correcting hazards if possible

♦ Lifting and hauling items up to 40 lbs, including trash and recycling

♦ Assisting with organizational or construction projects, as needed

♦ Assisting staff with rescues, supply pick-up, patient transfers from our wildlife hospital

♦ Maintaining high energy levels throughout a long workday

♦ Additional duties as requested  

Interns are required to follow all policy, procedures and protocols at WILDNorth to ensure a high standard of animal care.  Interns will also interact with and work with other facility volunteers, summer students and casual relief staff.  

Qualifications:  

Minimum age of 18 years of age or older

Experience or coursework in: biological or environmental sciences, wildlife rehabilitation or management, veterinary medicine, animal welfare or husbandry

Current tetanus vaccination, good physical health, and stamina

Rabies vaccination an asset

Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and as a team member

Ability to be motivated, flexible and patient in a highly demanding work environment

Criminal record check

Must provide references