Raptor Hospital Interns assist staff in providing all basic husbandry and medical needs to wild patients admitted to the Raptor Hospital. Through hands-on learning and coaching, Raptor Hospital interns play a critical role in the successful rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, sick, and orphaned raptors.
Ideal For:
The Raptor Hospital Internship is ideal for those pursuing careers in wildlife rehabilitation or veterinary medicine.
Semesters Offered:
- Spring (January to May) - Applications due by October 31
- Summer (May to August) - Applications due by February 28
- Fall (August to December) - Applications due by June 30
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Assist rehabilitation staff with duties involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of raptors
- Administer medications, provide treatments, perform basic wound care and bandaging, and capture radiographs
- Conduct intake procedures for newly admitted patients including intake examinations
- Assist with flight evaluations and release preparations
- Complete bi-weekly check-ins with Intern Coordinator
- Cleaning indoor and outdoor enclosures
- Prepare carnivorous diets for patients
- Learn and observe bird behavior
- Use RaptorMed to document feeding and behavior
- General cleaning of the building, supplies, and equipment
- Opportunity to complete an intern project of your choosing by the end of term
- Answer the phone and assist in arranging transport
Commitment Required
- This is an unpaid position. Interns are required to work at least three days per week. You must complete one full shift (8 hours) per week, in addition to their other shifts. Opening shifts: 8-4, closing shifts: 10-6, though shorter shifts may be accommodated.
- Spring session: Interns are expected to be part-time (20-25 hours).
- Summer session: Interns are expected to work a minimum of 25 hours.
- Fall session: Interns are expected to be part-time (~15-20 hours per week).
Start and end dates are flexible. However, interns are expected to have a consistent schedule.
Qualifications:
This position best suits individuals with the following:
- Excited to work in a professional wildlife rehabilitation setting
- Can work self-guided and with others
- Ability to work with people from all backgrounds
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong stomach (for witnessing food prep and a variety of injuries)
- Observant
- Willing to speak up and ask questions
- Follow instructions, both written and verbal
- Can work outside in all weather conditions
- Learn CRC welfare standards, including euthanasia
- Basic computer skills
Training:
New interns will receive general volunteer onboarding training with our Volunteer Manager.
Over the course of your internship, you will receive hands-on training for more advanced medical skills, including, but not limited to:
- Analyzing fecal and blood samples
- Necropsy
- Performing wraps and bandage changes
- Practicing eye exams
- Assisting veterinarians with surgical procedures
Other Requirements:
Interns must pass a background check before starting, provided through Priority Background Information Solutions. A tetanus shot is highly recommended.
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