Category: Internship
Deadline: March 22, 2024
WILDNorth – Northern Alberta Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
Position: Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern @ Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Number of Positions Available: TBD
Time Period: May – August (Let us know if you have extended availability April – September)
Hours: 20 – 40 hrs/ week
Minimum commitment: 4 months
Location: Parkland County Rehabilitation Centre [Do you want to see where you would be interning? Click here to visit our virtual tour!]
WILDNorth operates out of two facilities. This internship will operate out of the Rehabilitation Centre. Our Rehabilitation Centre is in Parkland County (~5min North of Spruce Grove) and is not accessible by public transit. Our Wildlife Hospital is in Edmonton and is accessible by public transit. There will be the opportunity to cross-train between facilities through the summer.
WILDNorth is seeking enthusiastic people who love wildlife, the outdoors, have a strong desire to learn and can work well in a team environment, to assist us in maintaining the best care possible for our many patients.
About Us:
WILDNorth is a non-partisan, charitable organization that provides compassionate care for injured, orphaned, and contaminated 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, skunks, foxes).
Duties:
Working under the supervision of the Director of WILDCare, WILDCare Manager, and appropriately identified staff, interns will:
- Prepare species specific diets; set up and take down of captive care enclosures; administer some medical treatments; maintain daily records.
- Complete general facility cleaning including laundry, sweeping/mopping floors, washing dishes, disinfecting counters/sinks.
- Hand-feed orphaned infant mammals and birds (as frequently as every 15 minutes!)
- Complete and track daily feedings.
- Clean and enhance enrichment of animal enclosures.
- Report maintenance and safety hazards to the staff.
- Lift and carry items up to 40 lbs, including garbage and recycling.
- Assist with organizational or construction projects.
- Maintain a positive working relationship with coworkers, staff, and volunteers.
- Additional duties as requested.
Interns are required to follow all policies, procedures and protocols at WILDNorth to ensure a high standard of animal care. Interns will also interact and work with other facility volunteers, summer students and casual relief staff on a regular basis.
Conditions:
All positions are voluntary, no salary is offered. Housing and transportation is not provided.
Qualifications:
- Minimum age of 18
- Current tetanus vaccination, good physical health, and stamina
- 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
Assets:
- Experience or coursework in biological or environmental sciences, wildlife rehabilitation or management, veterinary medicine, animal welfare or husbandry
- Rabies vaccination is an asset (Not required!)
Benefits & Skill Development for the Intern:
This is an incredible opportunity to learn about natural history in a unique environment whether pursuing experience for a career, or for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and conservation.
- Species identification, habitat enrichment, release site research, and proper husbandry techniques
- Animal handling, tube feeding, dosage calculations, and administering medication
- 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
Application Process:
- Fill in an application form: Application Form Here
- Submit application
- Respond to the confirmation email with your resume and references.
WILDNorth’s staff thanks you for your interest in our volunteer internship program. All applicants will go through an application, screening, and interview process. Successful candidates will then attend an orientation and onsite training.
“My internship with WILDNorth gave me the opportunity to explore my passion in animal care and wellness.” – Kelsey, Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern, 2023
“Volunteering as a Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern at WILDNorth was an enlightening experience that allowed me to gain knowledge and skills in animal care. Over the summer, I witnessed the true resilience of wildlife and had the opportunity to play a role in the recovery of many different animals. Interning at WILDNorth with a dedicated and supportive team allowed me to discover a life-long passion for the care and rehabilitation of wildlife!” – Billie, Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern, 2023
