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Pasadena Humane Wildlife Rehabilitation Program


Spring and Summer Positions Now Open!

Interns will learn a variety of aspects of wildlife rehabilitation including: 

  • Medical triage of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife
  • Basic husbandry
  • Pharmacology
  • Gavage feeding
  • Networking and Collaboration
  • Natural history of local urban wildlife

This is a stipended position, ideal for current students or recent grads.


Wildlife Intern Job Description

REPORTS TO: Director of Wildlife Education and Services

    • Summary/Objective

      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.

    • Work Schedule
      • This position requires a commitment minimum of 200 hours over 10 weeks. This will be broken into shifts as agreed upon with the Director of Wildlife Education and Services. These hours can apply toward the 400 "required experience" hours needed to apply for a CDFW wildlife rehabilitation permit.
      • A specific start date will be negotiated based on the needs of the department and the availability of candidates. The first session will be in the Spring (March-May) and the second in the Summer (June-August).
      • WI must come to work regularly and on time; must be able to work according to the needs of the department schedule which may include mornings, evenings, and weekends.
    • Job Duties & Responsibilities

      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 & Experience

      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

      This is an entry-level internship, and all necessary skills will be taught. However, it is preferred that the applicant have some relevant experience such as the following:
      • 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
    • Working Conditions
      • 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.

Interested applicants should send a copy of their resume and brief cover letter to the Director of Wildlife Education and Services, Lauren Hamlett. Please indicate what session (Spring or Summer) you are applying for and what your weekly schedule availability is.

Lauren Hamlett  |  lhamlett@pasadenahumane.org