Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship
About Think Wild
Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission at Think Wild is to inspire the high desert community to protect and care for native wildlife through education, conservation, and rescue and rehabilitation.
The Position
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern will assist staff with the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. The intern is responsible for three 8-hour shifts per week (~24 hours/week) for the duration of summer, June 1st-Mid September. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation or the on-duty staff member. Please note, this is an unpaid position, but participants will receive a stipend of $1000 to help cover living expenses during their internship. Contacts for discounted or free housing are available upon request!
Position Availability
Five internship positions are being offered for summer 2025.
Dates of Internship: June 1st-Mid September, 2025
Schedules: TBD
Qualifications
Must work well with staff, volunteers, interns, the general public, and as a member of a team
Must be able to work a recurring schedule (same weekly shifts) with few absences for at least 9 weeks
Must be flexible and willing to adapt in a fast-paced work environment
Must possess current tetanus vaccination (within the last 10 years)
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required
Must present a signed Think Wild liability release waiver
Experience handling animals or working in a veterinary hospital is beneficial, but not required
The rabies prophylaxis series is highly recommended, and is required for working with rabies vector species such as foxes and raccoons. This vaccine may be covered by your personal health insurance.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Wildlife hospitals are often fast-paced, intense, and an emotional environment for staff, volunteers, and members of the public. The ideal candidate will be able to:
Stand on a solid hard-surface floor for ~8 hours/day
Stand, stoop, twist, walk, and lift large and potentially heavy kennels and other objects up to 25 pounds without support, and 50 pounds with support
Capture, handle, and restrain sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals with the understanding that exposure to zoonosis, bites, scratches, and other potential injury is possible
Prepare for exposure to allergens that are normally present in an environment containing animals and wildlife
Demonstrate understanding that Think Wild is a drug-free, smoke-free environment
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the duration of the internship, the student will:
Experience the fulfillment of directly impacting the lives of injured and orphaned wildlife
Learn the process of wildlife rehabilitation
Gain a unique experience working with wildlife and the people impacting their conservation
Work in an environment that encourages learning and skill development
Network and become familiar with the field of wildlife conservation
Completion of an internship project delegated to you by the director of rehabilitation
EEO Policy
It is the policy of Think Wild to afford equal volunteer opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.
Compensation
$1000 stipend to cover living expenses
Uniform (one set of scrubs, t-shirt, and hat)
Letter of Recommendation upon request
Apply & Contact
To apply for this internship, please send a cover letter stating your interest in the role and your resume to Pauline Hice (Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation) at Pauline@thinkwildco.org. Application deadline is March 1st, 2025.
For any questions, please contact Pauline at Pauline@thinkwildco.org. Please no calls.
