This opportunity is curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement.
Host Organization
Type of Position
- $250 bi-weekly stipend and shared intern housing located on-site at our Sanctuary.
- 6-month commitment through Spring and Summer.
- Interns can expect to work hands-on alongside our Certified Wildlife Rehabilitators at Mission Wild Bird and independently at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary.
Description
Interns are invaluable to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. We are happy to provide 6-month, paid internships to individuals who are interested and passionate about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. The unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys creates a great opportunity for interns to gain knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of avian species from seabirds and shorebirds to raptors and songbirds.
Hospital Duties include:
- Daily cleaning and feeding of Hospital patients
- Maintaining hospital cleanliness (i.e. sweeping, mopping, laundry, etc.)
- Keeping detailed and updated records on rehab patients
- Administering medication and fluid therapy
- Helping rehabilitators with medical procedures including wound care, fecal floats, and X-Rays
- Performing bird rescues, intakes, and releases
- Being on-call for bird emergency calls at least two nights per week
- Performing after-hours bird intakes
Sanctuary Duties include:
- Daily husbandry of permanent sanctuary residents (i.e. feeding, cleaning, checking enclosures, cleaning perches)
- Picking up donated fish from local marine centers and sorting fish for quality
- Feeding and cleaning of rehabilitation patients in medical and flight cages
- Occasional weighing of patients, assessing condition, and noting diet changes
- Researching, organizing, and providing enrichment for residents
- Interacting with visitors
Eligibility
- At least 21 years old
- Willing to work 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays with occasional evenings
- 6 month commitment
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in hot, humid, and rainy weather conditions
- Capable of multitasking and handling physically and mentally stressful tasks
- Ability to interact with the public in a professional manner
- Have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and ability to work well with others
- Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record
Location
Interns can expect to work hands-on alongside our Certified Wildlife Rehabilitators at Mission Wild Bird and independently at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary.
To Apply
Complete the internship application
Send your completed application form, resume, and cover letter to careers@keepthemflying.org
Deadline to Apply
Applications are due by Tuesday, October 15th.
Interns selected on a rolling basis.
Contact
Greg Russ, careers@keepthemflying.org