Fall Education Internship
POSITION OPENING: EDUCATION INTERN
PURPOSE: This fall internship will provide basic and advanced knowledge concerning animal husbandry, animal care, and choice-based training. Education about New Mexico native wildlife and conservation is the focus of the department, and learning about NMWC resident species is necessary to the position. Aiding trainers in encounters and programs is included. This position offers the opportunity to observe training sessions with the Ambassadors and develop choice-based training skills in supervised sessions with NMWC staff.
CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal Internship, Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Ambassador Animal Program Director, Education Coordinator/Trainer, and Ambassador Animal Specialists
WORK HOURS: Work hours are seasonally variable, typically 5 days/40 hours per week. Some nights, weekends, and holiday work hours are required. Some in-state travel required.
POSITION SUMMARY: Education Interns will assist with many aspects of animal husbandry and care. Interns will fulfill daily tasks and responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to: preparation of diets, enclosure cleaning, enrichment development, weight management, medication administration, record keeping, and following management orders.
During the internship, a project selected by the intern and Ambassador Animal Program Director will be completed.
Working conditions can be cold, hot, wet, and dry. Interns should be comfortable getting dirty as well as comfortable with meat preparation and fecal matter.
NMWC cares for multiple NM native raptor species, corvids, birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates (including insects and arachnids).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
In collaboration with NMWC staff, learn and implement animal husbandry and care:
Preparation of diets and enrichment
Proper cleaning of animal enclosures
Enrichment development and application
Enclosure maintenance
Record keeping
Preparation of medication
Develop choice-based training techniques:
Animal body language interpretation
Raptor equipment training
Shifting animals
Animal nutrition
Gain experience in public conservation education:
Aid trainers in programs and encounters
Speak with guests and answer questions regarding NM native species
Each intern will complete one individual project before the end of their internship.
Work closely with staff, volunteers, and other interns in a supportive manner. Treat all team members with respect.
SKILLS:
Basic knowledge of animal training. Experience working with ambassadors is a plus.
Interns will be very hands-on and should be confident in their ability to work in a variety of situations.
Demonstrated ability to take both written and verbal direction; follow detailed instructions and complete assigned tasks.
Proactive approach in resolving problems with a positive outlook and can-do attitude.
Ability to work and communicate well with others, even on long days and in challenging/fast paced situations.
Good judgment and confidence to work independently are important.
Self-motivated, able to work independently with limited supervision and as a member of a team.
Ability to multi-task and re-prioritize as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of New Mexican ecology
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong observational skills
Experience speaking publicly and to diverse audiences
Experience in animal care
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely.
Must be legally entitled to work in the USA and over 18 years old to apply.
POSITION DATES AND DETAILS:
Dates: Start and end dates are flexible. Please be specific about your availability in your application. Housing for education interns is available September through May.
Length: The internship will be a minimum of 12 weeks in length. Work hours are seasonally variable, typically 5 days/40 hours per week. Some nights, weekend, and holiday work hours required. Some in-state travel required.
Salary: $100/week stipend
Housing: Free, shared, all-gender housing is available on-site for a maximum of 4 interns.
To apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Anna Tobin at education@newmexicowildlifecenter.org. Enter “Education Internship Application” in the subject line. Applications close on August 15, 2025.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some duties are performed outdoors in various weather conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat. It is possible the employee will be exposed to dust and harsh chemicals that if not handled properly may present a health hazard. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Specific auditory acuity to identify animal noises indicating distress, aggression, pain and other conditions and behaviors; to hear warning signals from safety and security alarms and/or warning signals; to detect sounds associated with malfunctions in mechanical equipment and systems. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity, strength and ability to rotate wrists, elbows and shoulders to operate manual cranks, and pulleys and to use manual and power tools commonly used in routine maintenance. The incumbent must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The work environment may be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations. Must be able to safely handle live animals and tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes and other zoonotic contaminants. Must be able to work in close proximity to native wildlife species. Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.
Note: Employees in this classification may be required to be COVID vaccinated; maintain and/or receive proper rabies vaccinations; and may be required to maintain current CPR and First Aid certification
DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of an employee in this position.
EEO STATEMENT: NMWC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. New Mexico Wildlife Center is an at will employer and all NMWC employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.