Position: Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern at WILDNorth
Number of Positions Available: To be determined
Time Period: May – August (Let us know if you have longer availability April – September)
Hours: 20 – 40 hrs/ week
Minimum commitment: 4 months
Location: Rehabilitation Centre and Wildlife Hospital
WILDNorth operates out of two facilities. Our Rehabilitation Centre is in Parkland County (North of Spruce Grove) and is not accessible by public transit. Our Wildlife Hospital is in Edmonton, and is accessible by public transit. You will need to specify which location you’d prefer to intern from in your application form. If you have no preference, please indicate that to us.
Deadline: April 1, 2022, applications will be processed on a rolling basis.
WILDNorth is seeking enthusiastic people who love wildlife, the outdoors, have a strong desire to learn and work well in a team environment, to assist us in maintaining the best care possible for our 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 provide a high standard of care to a wide variety of native and migratory species. Approximately 80% of our patients are wild birds (waterfowl, birds of prey, songbirds) and 20% small mammals (squirrels, porcupines, fox).
Duties:
Working under the supervision of the WILDCare Manager or appropriately identified staff, interns will:
Assist medical team with many aspects of animal care including: preparing species specific diets; set up and take down of captive care enclosures; assist with some medical treatments; assist with maintaining daily records
Hand-feed orphaned mammals and birds (can be as frequent as every 15 minutes)
Complete daily feedings
Clean and enhance enrichment of animal enclosures
Provide specialized waterfowl care
Complete general facility cleaning including laundry, sweeping/ mopping floors, washing dishes, disinfecting counters/ sinks
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
Assist with organizational or construction projects, as needed
Assist staff with rescues, supply pick-ups, patient transfers as needed
Maintain high energy levels throughout a long workday
Additional duties as requested
Interns are required to follow all policy, procedures and protocols at WILDNorth to ensure a high standard of animal care. Interns will also interact and work with other facility volunteers, summer students, and casual relief staff.
Conditions:
All positions are voluntary, NO salary is offered. Housing and transportation is not provided.
Qualifications:
Minimum age of 18
Experience or coursework in biological or environmental sciences, wildlife rehabilitation or management, veterinary medicine, animal welfare or husbandry
Current tetanus vaccination, good physical health, and stamina
Two (or more) Covid-19 vaccinations
Rabies vaccination an asset
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as a team member
Ability to be motivated, flexible, and patient in a highly demanding work environment
Criminal record check
Must provide references
Benefits & Skill Development for the Intern:
Species identification, habitat enrichment, release site research, and proper husbandry techniques
Animal handling, tube feeding, dosage calculations, administering medication, performing lab work
Further your career or educational goals
Orientation and training provided
Learning job skills and team work
Mentorship and friendships with like-minded people
Certificate of completion of internship provided
Application Process:
1. Fill in an application form at https://wildnorth.ca/who-we-are/current-opportunities/
2. Submit application
3. Respond to the confirmation email with your resume and references.
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, in class training, and onsite training.
Skills needed of a volunteer:
Minimum age of 18 Experience or coursework in biological or environmental sciences, wildlife rehabilitation or management, veterinary medicine, animal welfare or husbandry Current tetanus vaccination, good physical health, and stamina Two (or more) Covid-19 vaccinations Rabies vaccination an asset Effective communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and as a team member Ability to be motivated, flexible, and patient in a highly demanding work environment Criminal record check Must provide references
Please explain how a volunteer will develop their skills by accepting this volunteer opportunity:
Species identification, habitat enrichment, release site research, and proper husbandry techniques
Animal handling, tube feeding, dosage calculations, administering medication, performing lab work
Further your career or educational goals
Orientation and training provided
Learning job skills and team work
Mentorship and friendships with like-minded people
Certificate of completion of internship provided
