Opportunity: WILDCare Intern – Rehabilitation Centre

WILDNorth – Northern Alberta Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation 

Position: WILDCare Internship – Rehabilitation Center 

Time Period: May-August (Let us know if you have longer availability April – September; spots may be reserved for those who can continue through September) 

Hours: 20 – 40 hrs/ week; Both part-time and full-time positions available 

Minimum Commitment: 4 months  

Location: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Parkland County 

 

WILDNorth operates out of two facilities. This internship will operate out of the Parkland County Rehabilitation Centre. Our Rehabilitation Centre is ~5 minutes north of Spruce Grove and inaccessible by public transit. 

WILDNorth is seeking enthusiastic people who love wildlife and 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. 

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 offer a high standard of care to various native and migratory species. Approximately 80% of our patients are wild birds (waterfowl, birds of prey, songbirds), and 20% are small mammals (squirrels, porcupines, skunks, foxes).  

 

Duties: Working under the supervision of the Director of WILDCare, WILDCare Manager, and appropriately identified staff, interns will:  

• Assist medical team with many aspects of animal care including: prepare species-specific diets; set up and take down captive care enclosures; assist with some medical treatments; assist with daily records. 

• Complete and track daily feedings, including hand-feeding young patients (can be as frequent as every 15 minutes). 

• Complete general facility cleaning including patient enclosures, laundry, sweeping/mopping floors, washing dishes, and disinfecting counters/sinks.  

• Clean and enhance the enrichment of animal enclosures.    

• Assist staff in maintaining a safe and professional environment.  

• Report maintenance and/or safety hazards to the staff and correct hazards if possible. 

• Lift and carry items up to 40 lbs, including garbage and recycling (non-essential; please let us know if this will be an issue for you). 

• Assist with organizational or construction projects, as needed.   

• Maintain a positive working relationship with coworkers, staff, and volunteers.  

• Maintain high energy levels throughout a long workday. 

• 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 regularly interact and work with other facility volunteers, summer students, veterinarians and casual relief staff.  

 

Conditions:  

All positions are voluntary; no salary is offered. Housing and transportation are not provided.  

 

Qualifications and Requirements:    

• Must be 18 years of age or older. 

• Current tetanus vaccination, good physical health, and stamina. 

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.  

• Ability to work independently and as a team member. 

• Be motivated, flexible, and patient in a highly demanding work environment.  

• Must provide Police Information Check prior to start date. 

• Must provide references.  

Assets:  

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

• Rabies vaccination an asset (Not required!) 

Benefits & Skill Development: 

This internship 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/life history, habitat enrichment, and proper husbandry techniques.  

• Animal handling, tube feeding, dosage calculations, and administering medication under the supervision of Wildlife Rehabilitation Staff. 

• Further your career or educational goals.  

• Orientation and training are provided.  

• Learning job skills and teamwork.  

• Mentorship and friendships with like-minded people.  

• Certificate of completion of internship provided. 

Application Process:   

1. Fill in an application form: Application Form Here
2. Attach your resume to your application
3. Submit your application and resume

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. 

Note: Current or previous WILDNorth volunteers and interns are welcome to apply!

“My internship with WILDNorth gave me the opportunity to explore my passion in animal care and wellness.” – Kelsey, WILDCare Intern, 2023

“Volunteering as a WILDCare 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, WILDCare Intern, 2023