Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Internship Program

Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Internship Program

Description
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for wildlife rehabilitation centres, including Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre (SPWC). During these months, we often receive approximately 1,000 wild mammals and birds. The primary role of a wildlife centre intern is to help care for these animals, many of whom are orphans. The internship is intense, physically demanding, fast-paced and repetitive, giving interns the opportunity to learn about all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation.

Interns gain valuable practical experience, while helping SPWC's wildlife patients and working with professional staff and volunteers. Some of the skills learned include; individual species identification and natural history, proper husbandry and enrichment techniques, animal handling, tube feeding of mammals and birds, medication administration, and various other procedures. Our internships are intended to provide on-the-job training in basic rehab skills, not to teach advanced veterinary theory or techniques

We hope a working internship will help participants to examine wildlife career opportunities. In return, we expect to work with enthusiastic, mature, hard working people who will become an integral part of the working staff at SPWC during their internship. Interns may come from biology, wildlife management, veterinary medicine, veterinary technician or environmental education fields, but we will consider interns from any background. We believe that a strong interest in wildlife, enthusiasm and willingness to learn are more important than academic qualifications. We are offering a stipend of $100.00/week for the successful applicant.

We are located on a hobby farm in a rural area, with no public transportation. However there are plenty of provincial parks and beautiful areas to explore all around us. Kingston and Belleville are within a half hour to 45 minute drive. Napanee has several restaurants a small movie theatre and a limited shopping experience.

If you want to learn more about SPWC and the animals we care for, check out
our website www.sandypineswildlife.org

Job Duties
* Cleaning tasks: cage cleaning, laundry, washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, grounds-keeping.
* Answering phones and admitting new animals.
*Setting up and maintaining animal enclosures by referring to the natural history of the individual species.
* Preparing food (includes preparing dead prey for carnivores and raptors).
* Animal care: handling and restraint, hand feeding and tube feeding of birds and mammals, and assisting with the releases of rehabilitated wildlife.
* Medical care: administering daily medications, and assisting staff with animal intake and physical examinations.
* Observing surgical procedures and anesthesia

Abilities and Experience Required
* Ability to speak read and write the English language fluently.
* Ability to work independently and as a team member.
* Ability to perform tedious tasks for long periods of time.
* Ability to do rigorous outdoor work in all types of weather.
* Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as cleaning, lifting (up to 40 pounds), climbing stairs, etc.
* Ability to work quickly and efficiently while precisely following directions and procedures.
* Ability to get along with others in a group-housing situation.

Other Requirements
* Rabies and Tetanus vaccine, proof will be required upon acceptance to the program.
* Must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

Accommodations
Shared bedrooms (2 interns per room), in a house on-site. Cooking and bathroom facilities are shared with the Centre's director. You are responsible for your own food and beverages.

Length of Internship
Three months, five days per week. On your days on you will be responsible for all patients who require overnight feeding and late night admissions, which are often unavoidable.

Dates Available
* April 1st-July 4th
* May 5th-July 26th
* June 2nd- August 30th
* July 1st- September 27th
Application Deadline for 2008 Rotations
Send application, references, and resume by March 21st, 2008

SPWC Internship Application

1. Name:
2. Address:
3. City:
4. Province/State:
5. Postal Code:
6. Home Phone:
7. Email Address:
8. Best method and time to reach you:
9. Do you have a valid drivers license?
10. What is your level of education?
11. Do you have any previous wildlife rehabilitation, and or
veterinary related experience?
12. List the skills you would bring that would be an asset to
SPWC during your internship (you may want to use a separate page):
13. From the available dates given what rotation would you
prefer for your internship?
14. Would you be willing to pay for and receive rabies vaccine?
15. Would you be willing to obtain a tetanus vaccine?
Include 2 reference letters (make sure contact information is provided for both): 1 personal and one school/work related. A copy of your current resume should also be included.

If you have any further questions, please contact SPWC's Director Sue Meech at 1-513-354-0264, suemeech@ihorizons.net .