Intern With Us

Gain first-hand experience in wildlife rehabilitation to prepare for a future in a related field.

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue would like to invite high school and college students interested in the zoology, wildlife biology, pre-vet, and public relations/marketing fields to apply for our internship opportunities!

This is a hands-on working internship that provides interns the ability to observe and work with a variety of different wildlife, domestic and exotic animal species; however, the primary focus is songbirds, and wild and domestic fowl. Interns work with a staff veterinarian, licensed staff, and seasoned volunteers as they gain on-the-job training in basic rehabilitation skills, such as handling techniques, cleaning and sterilization procedures, habitat enrichment, diets/food preparation, and feeding methods.

Training will be provided on administering medication, calculating medication dosages, administration of fluids, giving injections, bandaging techniques, etc. Our interns assist our rehabilitation staff with treatment procedures, such as health checks, medicating, and triaging. Interns are also expected to assist with day-to-day sanctuary animal feeding and watering, as well as housekeeping like laundry, dishes, mopping floors, etc.

Annual student internships run in two sessions: the Spring / Summer and the Fall / Winter.

Applications open in January for Spring / Summer and in July for Fall / Winter and are accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled.

Program Details

Interns split their time between our two programs: Wildlife Rehabilitation and Songbird Stewardship. While medical exams and processes are the focus of wildlife rehabilitation sessions, songbird feeding in our songbird nursery is the primary task at hand during songbird stewardship.

    • This internship will require a minimum of 12 hours per week with flexible scheduling and does not provide housing or transportation. Interns are expected to complete a 90-day internship. 

    • Must have initiative, good skills, be a team player, and be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment. 

    • Must be adept at handling fluctuating priorities. 

    • Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. 

    • Must be able to work in various weather conditions including the heat and humidity of summer, rain etc. 

    • Must be up to date on Tetanus shot. 

    • Set up and maintain animal enclosures.

    • Clean cages, dishes, floors, laundry, etc.

    • Diet preparation.

    • Baby Care: songbirds, waterfowl (geese and ducks), fowl (pigeons, doves, chickens), small mammals for stabilization until transferred to a partner rehab center (much more limited in the fall than spring/summer).

    • Hand-feed young patients.

    • Assist with intake, physical exams, fecal parasite testing, and medication administration.

    • Data entry and maintenance of patient management database. 

    • Assist with volunteer shifts.

    • Answer hotline calls. 

The most important qualification is to have a strong interest in animal care, as all training will be provided.

How To Apply

Preference will be given to those currently in college for a related field or those who have completed a bachelor’s degree. We will also consider mature high school students 16 years of age and older with a strong interest in animal care. College credits may be considered with approval prior to hiring. 

Step 1:

Email a current resume and 2-3 paragraph personal essay stating why you are a good fit for this internship to hiring@cwrescue.org.

1-2 strong references should be available upon request.

Step 2:

You will hear back from us within two weeks to schedule an interview with you, either in person or virtual.

Step 3:

If you receive an official offer from us and accept, get ready to explore new interests, develop new skills, and support local wildlife! A minimum commitment of 90 days is required.

We do not offer relocation or transportation assistance at this time.

This is an incredibly fast paced and busy rescue where good organizational skills and attention to detail are a must. We are open 365 days per year; this includes nights, weekends, and holidays. There are various shifts between 8 AM to 9 PM. Start and end dates can vary based upon school schedule and individual availability.

Testimonials

“Wow, I can't believe my internship is coming to an end. What an unforgettable summer experience. I was so happy to be chosen as one of the interns this summer and every day I was reminded of how much I love animals and how much I want to help them all. Looking back at my first weeks of the internship to now I have realized also how much I have grown as a person and how much I have been inspired by these people. It was truly an unforgettable experience that I will never forget and one that will help me with my professional career. If you can donate to them please do so, it makes a big difference! I'll always have Carolina Waterfowl Rescue in my heart!”

-Jose Meza, Summer 2022 Intern

“The interns this year have been stellar. I know they will be missed when they leave. I've enjoyed volunteering with all of them, good luck on journeys ahead and I know bright futures are awaiting them!”

-Rachael Eerenberg, Summer 2022 Baby Songbird Mentor

Please visit our pages on volunteering or careers for more information on these opportunities.