Since 1992, interns from all over the world have participated in Fellow Mortals’ internship program. Some have gone on to careers in wildlife rehabilitation, domestic animal care, veterinary medicine, zoo keeping, field biology, exotic animal care, environmental education and advocacy.
Description
The James Carson Internship is a minimum of three (3) months. A six-month internship is available.
Basic Qualifications
Recent college graduate with documented interest in wildlife conservation, and understanding of disease transfer and prevention. Interns must be mature and capable of living and working independently.
Accepted intern will have a compassionate, calm and friendly demeanor; receive and respond to direction and correction and follow instructions exactly as provided; exhibit enthusiasm and interest for learning about all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife care; be capable of standing or walking for long periods of time, occasional heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds), kneeling, bending, gripping and holding with both hands, and performing repetitive motions in connection with necessary duties; work as needed outdoors regardless of weather; complete assigned tasks in an efficient and thorough manner with minimal supervision; comprehend oral and written instruction and write legibly.
Description of Intern Duties:
Interns provide basic care for wildlife, including handling, moving, hand-feeding, dish-feeding, diet preparation and enrichment; changing bedding; scrubbing kennels and cages; keeping clinic clean and neat; washing dishes; sterilizing syringes; scrubbing pools and habitats; sweeping and mopping; doing laundry; transporting animals for treatment or release; picking up food and supplies; assisting rehabilitators with new patient admissions and observing advanced wildlife rehabilitators assess and treat patients; and other tasks not enumerated here.
Start Date: August 15-September 15
End Date: December 15-January 15
Work Environment:
Fellow Mortals is a unique wildlife hospital located in rural southeast Wisconsin. Facilities include 10,000 square feet of clinic, hospital and critical care space, as well as unique indoor and outdoor habitats and flights for wild birds and non-predatory wild mammals. 2,000 patients are admitted annually.
Interns work 5 days per week, with 2 non-consecutive days off. Days will average 12 hours, with the longest work days in August and September. Interns have a scheduled break and can take other breaks as necessary. Cell phones are not allowed at the hospital.
Dress is scrub tops and full-length scrub pants or pants of sturdy material. A new pair of closed-toe shoes with backs, i.e. sneakers or boots, no sandals or crocs, will be required for work at the hospital. A locker is provided for street shoes and personal items for the work day.
Requirements:
Private health insurance, current tetanus vaccination, valid driver’s license and private transportation. Documented experience in a paid position (not necessarily animal related) with a written reference associated with that position. Non-familial positions are preferred. Minimum of two non-personal references. Prior documented animal care experience in a supervised setting (clinic, shelter) is a plus. All interns are required to be able to perform the duties of the internship.
Benefits and Training:
Interns work directly under the guidance of experienced wildlife rehabilitators and wildlife care staff at all times. During training and during the internship, interns will learn wildlife rehabilitation basics, including natural history, care protocols, handling and feeding techniques, recognition and alleviation of stressors to captive wildlife, prevention of zoonotic disease transfer; overview of conditions, injuries and diseases affecting wildlife coming into care; techniques and education to prevent unnecessary admit of young wildlife and how to prevent common injuries and conditions; as well as species-specific behavior, nutrition, and enrichment relating to the animals entrusted to their care. Interns will be taught to follow written protocols; learn to measure and administer formula and oral medications and read syringes; keep animal care and other records; make observations of individual patient progress and behavior; learn to identify common injuries and conditions and treatment and prognosis.
Stipends:
$300/month stipend, prorated for days worked in a month.
Excellence Bonus:
Exceptional interns have the opportunity to earn a bonus for each month of the internship. Any performance bonus earned during internship will be paid at completion of internship. Details provided after acceptance into the program.
All stipends are forfeit if intern quits the internship before the agreed-upon end date of the internship.
Housing:
Housing in purpose built intern quarters located offsite is available for qualified applicants coming from out of state. Applications provided by request.*
The Intern housing is located 15 minutes from the hospital on private property. Housing is dorm-style and includes provided twin bed, storage drawers, kitchen and dining area and shower. A coin laundry is available on-site.
Interns who are apply for the housing benefit share responsibility for doing animal laundry on their days off using a commercial washer and dryer located at the housing location.
How to Apply:
Email the following to Yvonne Wallace Blane, Director of Rehabilitation
Cover Letter addressing your interest in the position;
Resumé (work, education & volunteer experience);
Two (2) Professional (not family or personal) references
