Overview

CLASSIFICATION: Full time, seasonal, unpaid internship.

REPORTS TO: Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager

WORK HOURS: Five days per week; 8:30am until 5:00pm; some nights, weekends and holiday work hours required; some in state travel may be required.

BENEFITS: On-site housing provided.

POSITION SUMMARY

The New Mexico Wildlife Center offers pre-professional career experience through its Wildlife Hospital internship opportunities.  The program introduces interns to wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife medicine, and wildlife husbandry. Internships are typically 8-12 weeks in duration. Longer internship experiences are possible. Start and end dates for internships are flexible.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Working closely with and under the supervision of the staff Wildlife Rehabilitators, interns will:

  • Learn wildlife care techniques:
    • Preparation of diets and feeding animals.
    • Safe capture, restraint, and handling of wildlife.
    • Cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures.
    • Enclosure design and set up.
    • Maintain wildlife hospital in a clean and organized manner.
  • Gain experience in wildlife rehabilitation:
    • Triage skills: physical assessment and stabilization of incoming patients.
    • Feeding and care of injured wildlife.
    • Administration of medications and fluids; wound care; read radiographs; necropsies. o Shadowing of our veterinarian when available.
    • Maintain accurate treatment plans and records; pre-release assessments.
    • Learn about habitat assessments for release and participate in releases as available.
    • Practice using PPO and safety techniques, identifying what techniques are needed in  different situations.
  • Each intern will complete one individual project in addition to general projects.
  • Work closely with volunteers, other interns, and staff in a supportive manner. Treat all team  members with respect.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Interns will be very hands-on and should be confident in their ability to work in a variety of  situations.
  • A sincere interest in wildlife rehabilitation with some experience working with wild or domestic  animals in a supervised animal care setting (zoo, rehabilitation, veterinary, biological research,  etc.) is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to take both written and verbal direction; follow detailed instructions and  complete tasks.
  • Ability to work and communicate with others; maintaining a positive and professional attitude during stressful or physically demanding situations.
  • Good judgement and confidence to work independently are important.
  • Must be able to personally and professionally handle the emotional aspects of euthanasia  occurring on a regular basis.
  • Current students and individuals who have graduated within the past year are given preference.
  •  Must be over 18 years to apply.

REQUIREMENTS

The following is required of each intern during their internship:

  • Attend intern classes and daily/weekly hospital team meetings.
  • Attend one-on-one meetings as scheduled.
  • Completion of a skills list and individual project before leaving.
  • Submission of an exit evaluation before leaving.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A large percentage of duties are performed outdoors in various weather conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat.  It is possible the employee will be exposed to dust and harsh chemicals that if not handled properly may present a health hazard.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and to talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for extended periods of time (repetitive motion).  Sitting for long periods of time.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Specific auditory acuity to identify animal noises indicating distress, aggression, pain and other conditions and behaviors; to hear warning signals from safety and security alarms and/or warning signals; to detect sounds associated with malfunctions in mechanical equipment and systems. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity, strength and ability to rotate wrists, elbows and shoulders to operate manual cranks, and pulleys and to use manual and power tools commonly used in routine maintenance. The incumbent must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

The work environment may be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations. Must be able to safely handle live animals and tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes and other zoonotic contaminants. Must be able to work in close proximity to native wildlife species. Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.

  • Note: Employees in this classification may be required to have COVID vaccination; tetanus vaccination; maintain and/or receive proper rabies vaccination; and additionally may be required to maintain current CPR and First Aid certification

Deadline to apply: Position will be open until filled.

TO APPLY: Send letter of interest, current resume, and three professional references to Hilary DeVries at hospital@newmexicowildlifecenter.org. Enter “Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship Application” in the subject line. Position is open until filled.

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this role.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of an employee in this position.

EEO STATEMENT:  NMWC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. New Mexico Wildlife Center is an at will employer and all NMWC employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.