Wildlife Intern - FALL (10 weeks, AUG-NOV)

About the role

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.

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
• Promote positive relations with other volunteers and staff while promoting Pasadena Humane’s programs, policies, and philosophies
• Ensure a safe working environment
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements and qualifications

• High school diploma (or GED/proficiency certificate)
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have respect for wildlife and courtesy toward the general public
• 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

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 & 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 session will be in the Fall (August - October). 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.

Working conditions

• Fast-paced environment
• Exposure to numerous animals (living and deceased), including those with uncertain dispositions
• Required to act in a safe and responsible manner
• Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, talking or hearing and/or smelling
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Visual abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Equal opportunity employer

It is our policy not to engage in discrimination against any individual, or harassment of any person seeking employment with our organization on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic information or status as a covered veteran including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, merit increase, salary, training and development, demotion, and separation. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Federal law requires proof of citizenship or "alien right-to-work" status. Pasadena Humane maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing.