Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern
About The Position
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern assists wildlife rehabilitators in the rescue, care, treatment, and release of injured, orphaned, and displaced native wildlife. This seasonal internship provides hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation, animal husbandry, medical care, public education, and conservation in a fast-paced rehabilitation facility. Interns gain experience in wildlife nutrition and husbandry; wildlife handling and restraint techniques; rehabilitation and release protocols; medical treatments and triage; record keeping and case management; conservation education and outreach; disease prevention and biosecurity; and wildlife laws and ethical rehabilitation practices. The internship lasts 25 weeks and is scheduled for 20–40 hours per week. Compensation is $22.14 per hour. The position is located at PAWS Wildlife Center in Snohomish, Washington, and reports to a Wildlife Rehabilitator or Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager.
Requirements
- Strong interest in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
- Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry animal carriers, feed bags, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Comfortable working around blood, bodily fluids, parasites, and injured wildlife.
- Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.
- Strict adherence to safety and infection-control procedures.
- Compassion for wildlife and commitment to animal welfare.
- Attention to detail.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Time management and multitasking.
- Professionalism and dependability.
- Ability to remain calm during emergency situations.
- Respect for confidentiality and ethical wildlife care.
Nice To Haves
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Previous experience handling animals in a veterinary clinic, wildlife center, zoo, or animal shelter.
- CPR/First Aid certification.
- Valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
- Knowledge of native wildlife species and natural history.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and distribute species-specific diets according to established protocols.
- Clean and disinfect animal enclosures, food preparation areas, and medical equipment.
- Observe and document animal behavior, appetite, weight, and overall health.
- Assist with intake and admission of injured or orphaned wildlife.
- Support medical treatments under the supervision of rehabilitators or veterinarians.
- Handle and restrain wildlife safely using approved techniques.
- Maintain accurate animal records and rehabilitation logs.
- Assist with animal transportation, rescues, and releases as needed.
- Participate in enrichment activities that promote natural behaviors.
- Educate visitors and the public about wildlife conservation and coexistence.
- Maintain inventory of food, medications, and rehabilitation supplies.
- Follow safety, sanitation, and animal welfare protocols.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
