WILDCare Intern

Position: WILDCare Internship - Rehabilitation Center 
Time Period: May-August (Let us know if you have longer availability April – September; spots may be reserved for those who can continue through September) 
Hours: 20 – 40 hrs/ week; Both part-time and full-time positions available 
Minimum Commitment: 4 months  
Location: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Parkland County 

WILDNorth operates out of two facilities. This internship will operate out of the Parkland County Rehabilitation Centre. Our Rehabilitation Centre is ~5 minutes north of Spruce Grove and inaccessible by public transit. 

WILDNorth is seeking enthusiastic people who love wildlife and the outdoors, have a strong desire to learn and can work well in a team environment to assist us in maintaining the best care possible for our many patients. 

WILDNorth is a non-partisan, charitable organization that provides compassionate care for injured, orphaned, and contaminated wildlife and educates the public on the importance of wildlife in our community. We offer a high standard of care to various native and migratory species. Approximately 80% of our patients are wild birds (waterfowl, birds of prey, songbirds), and 20% are small mammals (squirrels, porcupines, skunks, foxes).  

 
Duties: Working under the supervision of the Director of WILDCare, WILDCare Manager, and appropriately identified staff, interns will:  
- Assist medical team with many aspects of animal care including: prepare species-specific diets; set up and take down captive care enclosures; assist with some medical treatments; assist with daily records. 
- Complete and track daily feedings, including hand-feeding young patients (can be as frequent as every 15 minutes). 
- Complete general facility cleaning including patient enclosures, laundry, sweeping/mopping floors, washing dishes, and disinfecting counters/sinks.  
- Clean and enhance the enrichment of animal enclosures.    
- Assist staff in maintaining a safe and professional environment.  
- Report maintenance and/or safety hazards to the staff and correct hazards if possible. 
- Lift and carry items up to 40 lbs, including garbage and recycling (non-essential; please let us know if this will be an issue for you). 
- Assist with organizational or construction projects, as needed.   
- Maintain a positive working relationship with coworkers, staff, and volunteers.  
- Maintain high energy levels throughout a long workday. 
- Additional duties as requested. 

Interns are required to follow all policies, procedures and protocols at WILDNorth to ensure a high standard of animal care. Interns will also regularly interact and work with other facility volunteers, summer students, veterinarians and casual relief staff.  


Conditions:  
All positions are voluntary; no salary is offered. Housing and transportation are not provided.  

 
Qualifications and Requirements:    
- Must be 18 years of age or older. 
- Current tetanus vaccination, good physical health, and stamina. 
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.  
- Ability to work independently and as a team member. 
- Be motivated, flexible, and patient in a highly demanding work environment.  
- Must provide Police Information Check prior to start date. 
- Must provide references.  

Assets:  
- Experience or coursework in biological or environmental sciences, wildlife rehabilitation or management, veterinary medicine, animal welfare or husbandry  
- Rabies vaccination an asset (Not required!) 

Benefits & Skill Development: 
This internship is an incredible opportunity to learn about natural history in a unique environment, whether pursuing experience for a career or for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and conservation. 

- Species identification/life history, habitat enrichment, and proper husbandry techniques.  
- Animal handling, tube feeding, dosage calculations, and administering medication under the supervision of Wildlife Rehabilitation Staff. 
- Further your career or educational goals.  
- Orientation and training are provided.  
- Learning job skills and teamwork.  
- Mentorship and friendships with like-minded people.  
- Certificate of completion of internship provided.