Application Deadline:

  Currently, all positions have been filled. Thank you to everyone who applied.

  Watch for our 2009 Internship posting some time in December!

  WILDLIFE REHABILITATION ASSISTANT - INTERNSHIP

Under the supervision of AIWC Animal Care Staff, the summer intern will assist staff and volunteers in the daily management of a large, well-established wildlife centre. The internship will provide on-the-job training in the daily essentials of operating a busy wildlife hospital and basic wildlife rehabilitation skills. Interns gain valuable hands-on experience working with a variety of native species and learn handling and restraint, dietary needs, food preparation, species specific animal husbandry, infant care and feeding techniques. Interns must possess or demonstrate an ability to develop logistical and supervisory skills. Interns are provided with a unique, friendly learning environment and opportunities to assist staff with lab work, examination and treatment procedures. During the course of their internship, interns are expected to complete a research project to be determined in conjunction with staff on some aspect of wildlife care, rehabilitation or the management of a wildlife centre. The research project will be submitted to AIWC upon completion of the internship, and feedback provided by AIWC staff.

Responsibilities of the summer intern will include:

•Hospital hygiene

•Feeding and daily care of wildlife

•Answering calls from the public and directing transport of animals to the centre

•Supervising volunteers, prioritizing and delegating tasks

Qualifications:

•Minimum high school diploma or equivalent

•A valid drivers license and reliable vehicle (required)

•An independent learner able to quickly adapt to new and fast paced situations

•A motivated self-starter who is mature, responsible and reliable

•A hard worker that is not afraid of long hours

•Ability to work well under pressure and think on your feet

•Good communication skills and telephone etiquette

•A strong team player (interns will work extensively with centre volunteers)

•Physically fit - work is physically demanding and may involve heavy lifting of supplies or animals

•Basic knowledge of Alberta wildlife species an asset

•Demonstrated interest or education in wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, biology, ecology or zoology

Number of Positions Available: TBA

Duration: 8-16 week internships are available between May 1 and September 15th, with a preference for 16 weeks, however the selected applicants will be those deemed most qualified and will be awarded an internship of their desired length. Start and finish dates are flexible.

Hours of work: Approximately 40 hours per week, must be available some days, evenings and weekends.

Remuneration: This is an unpaid volunteer position providing practical work experience and training in wildlife rehabilitation. A fuel and food allowance of $100/week is provided.

Note: AIWC is not able to provide on-site housing or transportation to the wildlife centre. Acquiring suitable housing and transportation is the sole responsibility of the intern. AIWC is located in a quiet rural setting approximately 20 minutes north of the Calgary city limits and is not accessible by public transportation.

Application Requirements: Serious applicants only. Applications must include a CV or resume, 2 references with telephone or e-mail contact information and a written statement of interest (maximum 500 words), outlining your reasons for applying, what you hope to achieve from the internship and any relevant skills you possess. Please include the range of weeks for which you are available and preferred duration and start date.