Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern

About Us

Wild and Free is a non-profit organization out of Garrison, Minnesota, committed to professionally rehabilitate wildlife, educate the community, and promote the conservation of the natural environment. We provide rescue, medicine, surgery and physical therapy leading to the release of wildlife into their natural habitat. We take in all kinds of animals, from Bald Eagles to White-tailed Fawns, and are one of the few rehabilitation centers in the state of Minnesota that is permitted to accept black bears. 

Summary

Interns report to the Wildlife Program Coordinator (WPC). The care of our animals is our priority, and interns are tasked with ensuring that feeding animals and cleaning of the facility are attended to, either by giving direction and guidance to volunteers, or by assuming the volunteer’s responsibilities if there are none present. Interns will be provided with the guidance needed to perform their duties by the WPC. This position is physical, fast paced and highly independent. Therefore, only candidates with sound judgment, independent critical thinking skills, and a strong work ethic should apply. An ideal candidate will want to gain experience in basic animal handling and husbandry, interacting with the public in a professional wildlife setting, and leadership skills. 

Intern Duties & Responsibilities

• Consistent Communication with WPC - Interns are expected to report relevant information to the WPC in a timely manner. 
• Food and supplement preparation - Interns will properly mix up formula, prepare supplements, and pull food from the freezers at appropriate times so that volunteers can get to work making meals and feeding animals as soon as they arrive. 
• Animal care charts - Feeding charts are critical. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure the feeding sheets for animals in their designated areas are completed properly by volunteers prior to them leaving for that shift, or that the intern themself fills it out if no volunteers are present. 
• Advising on Diet - Interns will check with volunteers that the proper amount of food is being fed out to individual animals. Additionally, they will ensure that the appropriate kind of food is being fed out based on species natural history. 
• Animal Handling - Certain tasks, such as cleaning, weighing, and feeding, may require moving or handling animals. Interns will ensure that they themselves and volunteers are using correct techniques, wearing appropriate PPE, and taking correct safety precautions. 
• Intake & Transport - Interns will meet the public at our animal intake facility to check animals in. This involves answering phone calls, providing information, and potentially transporting animals. Depending on destinations, this may entail utilizing a personal vehicle or our UTV. 
• Assuming Volunteer Responsibilities - If there are no volunteers available, interns will assume their jobs, including animal feeding and cleaning. If volunteers are present but are new, unsure, or there is a large workload, interns will assist and advise the volunteer as needed. 
• Board meeting, Fundraising, and Project - Interns are required to attend 1 board of directors meeting during their time with us (they occur monthly). The interns are tasked with decorating the float for our summer fundraiser. Finally, a project in association with one of the species that we worked with over the summer is due at the end of the term. Necessary information about these tasks will be provided by the program coordinator. 

Required Qualifications and Education

• At least 1 semester of college-level schooling in a wildlife, biology, zoology, or other related field
• Previous work or volunteer experience
• Able to lift 45lbs
• Capable and willing to work outside in all weather conditions
• Valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle
• Flexible work schedule including weekend availability

Preferred Qualifications

• Vaccinated for Rabies, or willing to undergo vaccination prior to starting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational and efficiency skills
• Consistent time management skills, able to maintain a schedule 
• Confidence working with others and handling a variety of personalities & ability levels

Compensation and Position Details

Start Date: No later than June 1st, earlier preferred

End Date: Flexible, to accommodate the start date of universities for fall semester. No later than August 31st

Compensation: $13/hour

Work hours: minimum 35 hours per week (5 days on, two days off, 7am-3pm or 12pm-8pm)

Please email resumes and 3 professional references, along with any questions to:

Katie Waugh, Wildlife Program Coordinator 

wildandfreewildlifeprogram@gmail.com