INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

About the program

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

Recommended prior experience

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 sessions 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 needs to fill.

Spring Session: March to May: All positions have been filled.

Summer Session 1: May to July: Accepting applications for 2008.

Summer Session 2: June to August: Accepting applications for 2008.

Fall Session: September to October/November/December: Accepting applications for 2008.

Weekly time requirements

20-40 hours per week

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.

5-10 hour shifts

Transportation

Your own transportation to and from the Center must be provided.

Housing

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.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and internship application. They can be emailed to the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@greenwoodwildlife.org (preferred), faxed to 303-823-5051, or mailed to:

*Note: It may take up to three weeks for any mailed applications to arrive at Greenwood so please only send applications in the mail if you are unable to email them.*

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Attn: Volunteer Coordinator

P.O.  Box 18987

Boulder, CO   80308

***Due to insurance reasons you must be 18 or older to apply.***