Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship

Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship
Full or part-time, Unpaid

The Ojai Raptor Center is a state and federally permitted 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of birds of prey and other wildlife, as well as providing educational programs about wildlife and our shared environment.
Located in Southern California, the Ojai Raptor Center treats around 1,000 native wildlife patients annually, mostly birds of prey. While we specialize in treating raptors, we also receive and triage a variety of other native wildlife. Approximately 85-90% of our patients are avian species.
The Ojai Raptor Center team includes one full-time wildlife veterinarian, 2–4 animal care technicians specializing in wildlife rehabilitation, dedicated volunteers, and veterinary externs. Wildlife care interns will primarily work under the guidance of animal care technicians, with opportunities to collaborate with volunteers, veterinary externs, and wildlife veterinarians.

SUMMARY: This internship spans 10 weeks per session, with approximately six sessions offered between March and September 2025. Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, and schedules are open for discussion. Applicants with an interest in wildlife rehabilitation and the husbandry of birds of prey are encouraged to apply.
This is a full-time internship, approximately 40 hours per week, and will include weekends and potentially holidays. A part-time schedule may be negotiable; however, preference will be given to candidates able to commit to full-time hours.
Housing and transportation are not provided.

Application Deadline is March 1st, 2025

Wildlife Rehabilitation Interns will gain experience in the following areas:
Identifying common wildlife species of Southern California and gaining an understanding of their natural history
Learning about the treatment, rehabilitation, and conservation of wildlife
Providing husbandry for wildlife patients, including cleaning enclosures and preparing species-appropriate diets
Administering oral and injectable medications
Learning avian bandaging techniques and tail guard placement
Assisting with maintaining food and supply stock
Learning techniques for restraining wildlife, particularly birds of prey
Maintaining cleanliness and organization in main facilities, medical room, and hospital
Observing the humane euthanasia of non-releasable wildlife
Gaining knowledge of infectious diseases commonly seen in Southern California wildlife and understanding the associated medical and ethical considerations
Understanding release criteria for native wildlife undergoing rehabilitation
Assisting with the maintenance and cleaning of the rodent breeding room
Assisting with updating patient records
Interacting with the general public

Requirements:
Must be comfortable with the euthanasia of non-releasable wildlife to prevent unnecessary suffering
Must complete onsite training and follow directions to ensure safety when working with various wildlife species
Must demonstrate responsibility, professionalism, and the ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to work collaboratively within a positive team environment
Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Ability to multitask and perform effectively under fast-paced conditions
Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines as needed
Must provide own housing and transportation within reasonable proximity to Ojai, CA

Physical Requirements and Demands:
Frequent need to stand, stoop, twist, walk, and lift animal crates or other objects typically weighing 10–25 pounds; ability to exert up to 50 pounds occasionally
Ability to stand on a concrete floor for up to 8 hours per day
Handling and restraining sick, injured, and orphaned native wild animals, with potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, bites, scratches, and other injuries
Requires handling, use of vision and hearing, and clear communication
Occasional need for carrying, kneeling, use of foot controls, bending, and crouching
Rarely requires climbing
Proficiency in written and spoken English is required

EEO Policy Statement:
Ojai Raptor Center's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, or veteran status.

Application Process:
Please complete the online volunteer application on our website and make sure to specify that you are interested in the internship:
https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/volunteer

Submit the following via email with the Subject line “Internship” to natasha@ojairaptorcenter.org:
• Current resume and a cover letter
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccines