Overview

Audubon’s Wings program invites students and recent graduates to help shape a healthy environment and vibrant future for birds – and all of us who share the planet with them.

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is located in Maitland, Florida. We are an office of the National Audubon Society dedicated to promoting a stewardship ethic towards Florida’s birds of prey and their habitats through medical rehabilitation, interactive education and practical research. Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is offering an internship opportunity designed to provide an indivdual, who has a demonstrated interest in wildlife rehabilitation and clinical care, the ability to learn the operations of the Raptor Trauma Clinic and rehabilitation programs.  In addition, this individual will learn the aspects of animal husbandry as it relates to raptors in a captive setting. We will be offering the internship for college credit.

National Audubon Society is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color and women.

Essential Functions

The internship will afford the intern the opportunity to interact with and learn from experts in the field including the Raptor Veterinary Technician, the Raptor Clinic Technician, the Rehabilitation Supervisor and Audubon’s consulting Veterinarians.  The internship will include opportunities to attend and observe surgical procedures (when feasible), diagnostic testing, x-rays and bird evaluations.

During the course of the internship the intern will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn clinical operations and procedures including taxonomy, anatomy, feather structure, imping (feather repair), tail sheathing (protection), necropsy, pesticide poisoning, calculating medications and fluid therapy as it relates to raptors.
  • Learn the process and protocols of daily examinations, treatments and administering medications to sick and injured raptors; all in coordination with Audubon consulting veterinarians and clinic staff.
  • Gain experience from professionals in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.

The intern will be supervised at all times by the Raptor Veterinary Technician and the Raptor Clinic Technician at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. The internship is being offered for 3 full days a week for four months totaling 370+ hours. This internship is offered for academic credit only. Our Fall 2020 internship is expected to begin on September 1, 2020. No housing is provided.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Background in animal science, biology or pre-veterinary is preferred.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • A team player.
  • Prior experience with handling wildlife and/or in animal medicine is highly desired.
  • Commitment to Audubon’s mission and programs.
  • Respect for wildlife, conservation and Florida’s environment.