Pasadena Humane Wildlife Rehabilitation Program

The Wildlife Intern (WI) receives theoretical instruction and hands-on learning as outlined in the Wildlife Intern Handbook. Interns will be given written, problem-based assignments to broaden their knowledge base and practice critical thinking. The WI will assist in caregiving for the wildlife living under the auspices of Pasadena Humane. The WI will work with veterinarians, health technicians, and rehabilitators, to ensure that each animal is healthy and ready upon live release.

Wildlife Interns will assist in operating the wildlife helpline and triaging animals, diverting or admitting them as appropriate.

Healthcare and Husbandry

• Partner with health technicians under veterinary direction to treat illness
• Partner with health technicians under veterinary direction to rehabilitate wildlife
• Partner with health technicians under veterinary direction to manage infectious diseases
• Partner with health technicians to provide appropriate diets and husbandry to wildlife

Live Release

• Work to maximize live release rates
• Work to maintain appropriate capacity for rehabilitation
• Work to minimize the length of stay
• Contribute to the accurate and timely entry of any data needed to support live release efforts

Welfare and Advocacy

• Share expertise in wildlife and/or shelter medicine for the benefit of animals and guardians in the community
• Effectively and appropriately disseminate accurate information about wildlife to the public via the wildlife helpline
• Understand and exemplify the philosophies of Pasadena Humane

Teamwork

• Work effectively with a team of colleagues of diverse professional, cultural and community backgrounds
• Practice customer service that promotes hospitality, empathy, and tangible solutions
• Practice and encourage direct constructive communication
• Practice and encourage conflict resolution
• Ensure a positive, educational approach to customer service with a goal of educating the public and keeping animals in homes as appropriate. Promote positive relations with other volunteers and staff while promoting Pasadena Humane’s programs, policies, and philosophies.
• Ensure a safe working environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Enrolled in or applying to a college program in a related field, recent graduates will also be considered
• Must have respect for wildlife and courtesy toward the general public

Other Requirements

• Must interact positively with supervisor, management, staff, volunteers, and the public to promote and maintain a positive and professional environment
• Must come to work regularly and on time, follow directions, take criticism, treat coworkers, supervisory staff, members, and guests with respect and courtesy, and refrain from abusive, insubordinate, and/or violent behavior
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Able to acquire knowledge and learn new skills; committed to lifelong learning
• Strong sense of professional judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Able to make decisions and explain the rationale behind actions taken
• Able to work in a changing environment and see value in experimentation

Preferred Skills and Experience

• In progress or completed CWR, RVT, LVT, VTS, DVM, and/or Certified CA Naturalist
• Experience or coursework in veterinary medicine, animal science, natural science, public health
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to nursing
• Proficiency in calculations that involve arithmetic, algebra, and percentages
• Computer literacy and ability to learn new software quickly
• Knowledge of basic animal behavior, specifically wildlife and/or exotics

• Fast-paced environment. Wildlife Interns will be exposed to numerous animals (live and deceased), including those with uncertain dispositions. They are required to act in a safe and responsible manner.
• Wildlife Interns may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, zoonotic diseases, and outdoor weather conditions.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the volunteer to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the volunteer is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop kneel, crouch, crawl, talk or hear and smell. The volunteer must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.