Avian Conservation Center – Avian Medical Clinic Internship

The Avian Medical Clinic accepts and treats over 900 patients annually from throughout South Carolina and Georgia. Species accepted at the Medical Clinic include raptors, seabirds, wading birds, and shorebirds. The Avian Conservation Center is also designated in the USCG Area Contingency Plan as the official repository for oiled birds in South Carolina and maintains situational readiness in this crucial role. Interns will be involved in all aspects of the medical and rehabilitation process from rescue, triage, daily treatments and husbandry, various diagnostic testing, and release.

Intern Responsibilities and Duties include, but are not limited to:
Assisting with administrative duties including maintaining physical records and RaptorMed database.
Answering and fielding phone calls on our injured bird line during scheduled shifts as well as being on call for after hours calls 1 night a week (5pm-9pm) once trained.
Daily husbandry and hygiene related cleaning including cleaning, vacuuming, mopping Medical Clinic spaces, kennel cleaning, and cleaning outside enclosures.
Safely restraining a wide variety of avian species for treatment procedures.
Assisting with intake examinations and triaging patients.
Analyzing fecal samples for parasites.
Performing a variety of avian specific medical techniques including gavage feeding, administering fluids, and administering medications.
Assisting in monitoring birds under anesthesia for minor procedures such as physical therapy or wound treatment.
Daily food preparation and daily medication preparation.
Assisting with the care of juvenile patients

Required Qualifications:
Must have a valid Driver’s license.
Must have a degree in or be working towards a degree in biology, veterinary technology, wildlife ecology, or related field.
Must be able to lift 50lbs and stand for long periods of time.
Able to work outside in all types of weather.
Have a strong work ethic and positive attitude, along with a willingness to learn.
Must be able to commit to 20-24 hours per week (part time internship) or 40 hours per week (full time internship) for a minimum of 3 months.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in this field is not required, but some animal related experience is helpful. We are willing to train qualified candidates.
Preference given to those seeking a career in wildlife medicine or rehabilitation.
A self-starter and be amenable to often long hours due to the nature of the work.
Flexible in working with a wide variety of volunteers and staff.
Full time interns will be scheduled for a 40-hour work week on a 4 day/ 10-hour schedule, while part time interns will be scheduled with some flexibility 2-3 days a week/ 8-10 hour schedule. Weekends and some holidays may be required. The current season being hired for is the Spring Season from February- April. The deadline to apply is December 15th
This internship offers a stipend to interns at the completion of their internship based on their performance, hours worked, etc. Housing is currently not offered through the Center.
To Apply:
Provide a cover letter, resume and three references with contact information to Katie Helland, our Avian Medical Clinic Manager, at katie.helland@avianconservationcenter.org.
Transcripts and additional information will be required if you wish to receive college credit for this internship.