Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship - Unpaid

Stark Parks • Massillon, OH

14h • Onsite

About The Position

Stark County Park District is seeking Wildlife Rehabilitation interns to further their education and experience at our Wildlife Conservation Center. This internship offers hands-on experience in animal care, focusing on Ohio's native wildlife, human/wildlife conflicts, non-lethal solutions, and relevant state and federal regulations. Interns will work closely with staff and volunteers, gain experience in public education, and learn species-specific diets, basic animal husbandry, caging criteria, handling techniques, animal enrichment, and release criteria. A key component of the internship is completing a 'Featured Case' project, documenting the life of a native wild animal from intake to release, which will be displayed on the center's website and/or Facebook. The internship also aims to develop customer service, communication, and listening skills. Interns should expect moderate to frequent exposure to insects, poisonous vegetation, zoonotic diseases, and moderate exposure to varying weather conditions throughout the year.

Requirements

• Must currently be actively working on a degree in biology, pre-vet, zoology, conservation, or equivalent field(s).
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work a pre-determined hours and days of the week and a varied schedule including weekends is required.
• Ability to work 16-24 hours a week.

Nice To Haves

• GPA of 3.00 or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Gain supervised knowledge of Ohio's native wildlife, human/wildlife conflicts, non-lethal solutions, and state and federal regulations governing wildlife rehabilitation.
• Work closely with staff and volunteers.
• Gain experience in educating the public on wildlife.
• Learn species-specific diets, basic animal husbandry, caging criteria, handling techniques, animal enrichment, and release criteria.
• Complete a 'Featured Case' project, documenting the life of a native wild animal from intake to release for public viewing on the website and/or Facebook.
• Gain valuable customer service, communication, and listening skills.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree