VOLUNTEER WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN         INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Each year the Center admits approximately 3,100 mammals, birds and reptiles that are sick, injured, or displaced and in need of medical care. The Volunteer Wildlife Technician Internship Program gives a hands-on experience in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.

Interns assist and support professional rehabilitators in the daily care of wildlife patients.

Interns gain valuable, practical experience in species identification and natural history, proper husbandry techniques, diet and nutrition, animal handling and feeding, record keeping, medication administration, zoonoses, team building, and many other skills. Internships are intense, physically demanding, and fast-paced.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be current college students, recent graduates or career changers, possess a strong interest in wildlife rehabilitation and be able to:

●Work independently and as part of a team

●Proof of Covid-19 vaccine and booster (if eligible)

●Pay attention to detail and take initiative

●Perform tedious tasks for long periods of time

●Do rigorous outdoor work in all types of weather

●Read, write and speak English fluently

●Work quickly and efficiently while precisely following instructions and protocols

●Perform physically demanding tasks and lift up to 40lbs 

●Have a current driver’s license and reliable transportation

Internship Terms & Job Duties

●Successful candidates must commit to a minimum of 12 weeks consecutive weeks

●Three days off are permitted with prior permission.  Missed days must be made up.

●Summer internship is from mid-May until mid-August

●Interns work 28 hours per week, including weekends and holidays (schedules will be discussed before the start of the internship)

●Interns are unpaid, but the experience is invaluable!

●Housing and transportation assistance are not provided

JOB DUTIES:

•Set up and clean animal enclosures

•Preparing daily diets

•Hand-feed infant mammals and birds

•Laundry, dishes, and general cleaning

•Other tasks as required

Contact

We are accepting applications now for the 2024 summer Volunteer Wildlife Technician Intern program! The program is approximately 28 hours per week, for 12 weeks, from mid-May through mid-August, and flexible with the school schedule.  You will be immersed in the day-to-day experience of working in a wildlife rehabilitation facility! College students and career changers, please apply - the minimum age is 18.  Please contact Jane Rakos-Yates at jrakosyates@mercercounty.org or 609-303-0552 ext. 103, for more information or an application.