Internship Program

"I wanted to thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity I had to intern at Greenwood.

My love for animals has increased so much through this experience, and my decision to go back to school so I can work in the animal health field was confirmed, because of my time here. I love the Center so much and everyone who works here! I’m excited to keep being involved!

Sincerely,
Krissy Bland, Fall '09"

An internship at Greenwood provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with many different wildlife species. Interns will learn skills such as handling techniques, cleaning and sterilization procedures, habitat enrichment, diets, food preparation, and feeding methods, and will assist experienced rehab staff with treatment procedures.

Our internships are intended to provide experience and on-the-job training in basic rehab skills, not to teach veterinary medicine.

Expectations

As an intern at Greenwood, you will be expected to work hard and get your hands dirty! There is a lot to learn from our wild patients through daily feeding and cleaning activities, but we need people who are really willing to take the initiative, learn, and get messy in the process.

There is no 'cuddle time' with these animals. Our primary objective is to return them to their natural, wild habitat once they are rehabilitated. We are an animal hospital first and foremost—and our patients and facilities must be treated as such.

We hope a working internship will help interns 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 Greenwood during their internship.

All internships are unpaid, and interns must be at least 18 years old. If you are interning for school credit or have a specific school project that needs to be completed during your time with us, let us know. We will likely be able to accommodate it.

"I'd like to thank you again for bringing me in to Greenwood. I can't explain to you enough how much I have learned and what an amazing experience working with the staff, volunteers, and animals has been. Not many people can say they were given this kind of opportunity, and I am so greatful to be part of the center if even for a brief two months...it became home to me.

-Robin Abrams, Summer '10"

Recommended Qualifications

Previous experience in animal care—whether with wildlife or domesticated animals—is preferred. Degrees (or degrees in progress) in the natural sciences, wildlife management, veterinary medicine, veterinary technician, or environmental education are preferred, but we will consider interns from any background.

We believe that a strong interest in wildlife, passion, a strong work ethic, and willingness to learn are more important than academic qualifications.

Session Dates

All session dates are flexible to accommodate our interns. As long as the internship covers a two month time period, the intern may choose what months work best for their schedule. Below are the desired sessions Greenwood typically fills.

Spring Session: April - May
Summer Session 1: June - July
Summer Session 2: Aug - Sept
Fall Session: Oct - Nov

We are now accepting applications for 2013.

Weekly Time Commitment

20-40 hours per week, 5-10 hour shifts
Ability to work weekend shifts required

Greenwood understands that college internships for course credit may not require as many as 20 hours per week, and we are willing to accommodate our interns in this situation.

Housing and Transportation

There is currently no on-site housing at Greenwood. If you are coming from a distance, you will be responsible for finding your own housing. However, we will certainly be available to make recommendations on affordable housing in the area.

You will also be responsible for arranging your own transporation to and from the center.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and application via email (preferred) to our Volunteer Services Manager at volunteers@greenwoodwildlife.org. The application is available in both Word and PDF formats:

 Internship Application (Word)

 Internship Application (PDF)

If you do not have email access, you may also fax your application to (303) 823-5051, or mail it to:

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
P.O. Box 18987
Boulder, CO 80308