Animal Care Intern

Description: An Internship at WRR is a great starting point for individuals with an educational background or currently enrolled at a university but lack substantial experience working with wildlife. Interns will grow in their knowledge of native and non-native Texas wildlife, including natural history, behavior, and environmental enrichment, and they will gain valuable experience in facility cleanliness and operation standards. If you want to pursue a career in animal care or nature rehabilitation, this is a great opportunity.

All Internships with WRR are unpaid, and limited housing is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This internship involves working with a variety of native Texas wildlife. The species worked with are dependent on the time of year. Intern duties include feeding and monitoring the animals being held in the intake center as well as inputting paperwork and cleaning. Other duties may include performing animal rescues and releases and assisting with a variety of projects at the facility.

After completing three months and a performance evaluation, Interns will receive training in the Above the Gate Sanctuary from Sanctuary staff and the Intern supervisor. The Above Sanctuary is home to many species of farmed and non-native animals. Interns will work closely with donkeys, cows, pigs, goats, and sheep. Other species may include non-native birds, reptiles, and domestic cats. Interns trained and approved to work in the Above Sanctuary will increase their assigned duties, including preparing diets for the Sanctuary residents, constructing and distributing enrichment to Sanctuary residents, and cleaning and general animal care duties. Interns will also participate in project and shadow shifts.

Requirements:

This internship involves considerable physical labor; applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds and work in a variety of conditions with variable hours. Desired candidates are mature, reliable, and responsible individuals who can work both independently and as part of a group. They also have the ability to handle physically and emotionally stressful situations and a demanding workload, and commit to the full term of the internship. Applicants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Interns will be subject to a background check. Interns must be willing and able to commit to at least 30 hours per week during the internship with a consistent weekly schedule. The Internship lengths and dates are listed below.

3 Month Internship

March 15th – June 10th

June 15th – September 10th

September 15th – December 10th

9 Month Internship

March 15th – December 10th