Internships
Each year, Northwoods Wildlife Center hires 3 spring, 8 summer and 4 fall college student and recent graduate interns, interested in gaining more experience in the fields of wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, and non-profit management fields. Interns work with injured and orphaned wildlife and educate the public through guided Center tours, while supporting the daily operations of a non-profit organization.
Interns are involved in all phases of wildlife rehabilitation, including emergency care, daily feeding and cleaning, medical procedures, on-call services, rescues, transports, releases, enclosure and facility maintenance, and administrative support. This includes care of non-releasable ambassador animals kept at the Center for educational purposes. Interns work closely with Center visitors through daily guided tours and our wildlife assistance phone-line, and may assist in educational programs given at area schools, camps, and other community events. Interns may also help in the development of future educational opportunities for the public, assist with producing content for our social media and podcast, as well as aid Center staff on training of permanent animal ambassadors.
Housing is provided for Northwoods Wildlife Center interns – all interns will live on-site and share on-call duties for the duration of the internship. Interns share a living space, and so must be comfortable living in a co-ed, dorm style housing arrangement. Interns will have at least one roommate, and must be willing to share a room with another intern or interns who share the same gender identity. $100 weekly food stipend is also provided. Interns should have their own transportation, but a vehicle is provided for all Center business.
Qualifications:
- Strong interest in wildlife and the environment, and a desire to increase public awareness through education. Students in Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Pre-Vet, Environmental Education, and related fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants from other fields with a demonstrated interest in wildlife or environmental science will also be considered
- At least one year of college experience required
- Must be up to date on tetanus shot
- Rabies vaccinations, although preferable, are not required
- Must be able to work long days and in all weather and lift at least 50 lbs
- Willingness to dedicate entire season to internship. Specific time off is not guaranteed
- Must be able to reliably work long days (frequently between 10 and 12 hours with meal breaks) in all weather. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Internship duties include frequent and prolonged use of body mechanics such as bending, crouching, twisting, lifting, scooping, crawling, standing and walking.
Essential Skills
- Hardworking with positive outlook and a sense of humor
- Strong interpersonal skills, and able to work well independently and in a group
- Ability to follow directions, both written and verbal, confident asking for clarification when needed
- Can communicate calmly and clearly with others in all situations
- Flexible and able to adapt in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
- A desire to challenge yourself; take a solution-based approach to problems
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to quickly reprioritize as needed
- Self-motivated, with the ability to complete assigned tasks with little or no supervision
- Mature, calm, and resilient demeanor and able to stay composed in stressful situations
Internship Dates:
| Spring | Summer | Fall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Date | Flexible from April 9 to May 7 | May 22 or June 5 | August 15th or September 1st |
| Final Date | Minimum of four weeks from start date, with the opportunity to extend into the summer session | August 19 at the earliest, flexible after that. | November 5 |
Northwoods Wildlife Center provides the opportunity of internship extensions through the Fall session ending on November 5, 2023. A retention bonus of $500 will be awarded to interns who extend their internship through the Fall session. This extension is a fantastic opportunity that provides more insight and a more thorough view of the wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education fields! Please announce interest in extension at time of application.
To Apply:
E-mail or mail cover letter, resume, and both phone and email contact for three professional references to the email address below. In the subject line, indicate which session you are applying for.
Rafe School
Wildlife Rehabilitator & Intern Coordinator
Subject Line: Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Internship [SESSION INDICATION] 2023
intern.nwc8683@gmail.com
Application Deadlines:
Applications should be sent as soon as possible for consideration. We review on a rolling basis, so internship positions often fill up before the deadline.
- Spring: February 15th
- Summer: March 15th
- Fall: July 15th
