Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern

Dear Students,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m excited to share a unique opportunity with you to gain hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation through internship positions with Dr. Dolittle’s House Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. We believe these opportunities will be valuable for students interested in environmental science, biology, veterinary medicine, wildlife care and conservation, business management, advertising and marketing, and carpentry/ construction/welding and animal training.

About Us: 

Dr. Dolittle’s House Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, or displaced native wildlife. Our mission is to protect rescue and rehabilitate wildlife while educating the public about conservation and humane coexistence.

Position Overview: 

Volunteers and interns play a crucial role in the daily operations of Dr. Dolittle’s House. This hands-on role offers a unique opportunity to work with local wildlife, our education ambassadors, and learn about wildlife rehabilitation as well as the importance of diverse ecosystems.

 Through these positions, volunteers and interns can expect to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, such as:

- Wildlife Handling and Care: Students will learn about safe handling practices, species-specific care techniques, and the basics of animal rehabilitation to support injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife. Students will also receive Training in habitat maintenance, facility maintenance and ethical rehabilitation practices

- Environmental Education: Our team is committed to teaching volunteers and interns about the importance of local ecosystems and biodiversity, helping them to understand the role each species plays and why conservation is essential.

- Habitat Restoration and Release Procedures: Students will gain insight into the critical steps involved in preparing animals for a successful return to their natural habitats, from assessing their health, to meeting the environmental requirements of various species.

- Collaboration and Teamwork Skills: Volunteers will have the opportunity to work closely with a team of dedicated professionals and other volunteers, building interpersonal and collaborative skills valuable in any field.

- Communication and Public Outreach: Dr. Dolittle’s House is passionate about community engagement. Students will have the chance to learn effective ways to communicate conservation efforts and educate the public on wildlife issues.

- Ethics and Best Practices in Wildlife Rehabilitation: Our staff will mentor volunteers and interns on the ethical considerations and regulations involved in wildlife care, instilling best practices that prioritize animal welfare.

-Business Management / advertising and marketing: Students will have a chance to see the inner workings of a non-profit organization and how it operates and gain opportunities for growth and skill development in business nonprofit work. They will also play a role in advertising, marketing and fundraising for the organization.

-Carpentry and Construction: volunteers will learn how to build and maintain animal enclosures as well as how to maintain the grounds of the facility, providing repairs and additions as needed.

-Animal Training: students will work training ambassador animals in preparation for public program demonstrations.

This hands-on experience in a professional wildlife rehabilitation setting will provide students with practical skills, deepen their knowledge of wildlife biology, and offer insight into possible career paths in conservation, veterinary medicine, and environmental science.

Position Description

Job Title: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center intern / volunteer

Location: Dr. Dolittle’s House Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

   6480 Hammond Corners Road

Pierpont, Ohio 44082

Compensation: Unpaid, but open to promotion upon demonstration of reliable quality work

Responsibilities: 

- Assist in daily care and feeding of animals

- Support the rehabilitation team in raising, handling and preparing animals for release

- Transport animals as needed

- Clean and maintain animal enclosures and habitats to ensure a safe, hygienic environment

- Assist in preparing specialized diets and enrichment activities for different species

- Record animal observations, behaviors, and health updates to aid in monitoring animal progress

- Engage with the public

- Participate in projects such as habitat restoration, facility improvements, or event support

- Follow all safety protocols and ethical guidelines to ensure animal and human welfare

Qualifications: 

- Passion for wildlife conservation and animal care

- Willingness to work in all weather conditions and handle physical tasks, including lifting up to 50lbs

- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to follow instructions and protocols

- Good interpersonal skills; ability to work well with staff, other volunteers, and the public in a professional manner

- Must be at least 18 years of age

- Reliable

- Previous experience in animal care or veterinary settings is a plus, but not required

Time Commitment: 

- Must be able to commit to at least 8hrs a week, with flexible shifts based on your availability

- Morning, afternoon, evening, night and weekend shifts are available

How to Apply: 

If you’re passionate about making a difference for wildlife and want to join our team, please send an application letter, including your name, age, the school you attend, what field you're interested in pursuing, your availability, your contact information and any relevant experience, to dr.dolittleshouse@yahoo.com

Visit Our Website: https://www.drdolittleshousewildliferehabcenter.org/ 

Dr. Dolittle’s House is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage all individuals who share our passion for wildlife to apply. 

Join us in helping native wildlife thrive, nurturing nature one life at a time!