Avian Care Internship

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, 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.

Our Avian Care internship consists of 5-day, 40-hour (sometimes more) work weeks. The schedule is split up so that individuals will be working 2-3 days a week at our Wild Bird Hospital and 2-3 days a week at our Sanctuary. We provide a $200 bi-weekly stipend and shared intern housing located on-site at our Sanctuary. 

We are currently looking to fill 2 positions for our Avian care Internship. 

Opening 1: Available late July - mid August

Opening 2: Available late July - mid August

Hospital Duties include:

- Daily cleaning and feeding of Hospital patients

- Maintaining hospital cleanliness i.e. sweeping, mopping, laundry

- Administering medication and fluids therapy

- Helping staff with wound care, blood work, fecals, xrays etc

- Participating in bird rescues, intakes and releases

- Answering bird emergency calls at least two nights a week

- Keeping detailed and updated reports on sick and injured patients

- Partaking in after-hour bird emergencies

Sanctuary Duties include:

- Daily husbandry of permanent sanctuary residents i.e. feeding, cleaning, checking enclosures, replacing/cleaning perches

- Picking up donated fish from local marine centers and sifting fish for quality

- Helping with regular clean up of facility such as pressure-washing the boardwalk, replacing mulch, and trimming branches

- Feeding and cleaning of rehabilitation patients in medical cages and flight cages; including occasional weighing of patients, assessing condition, and noting diet changes

- Researching, organizing, and providing enrichment for residents

- Helping with any educational events such as occasional sanctuary tours and regular interactions with visitors

Qualifications:

- At least 21 years old

- 6 month commitment

- Willing to work 40 hours a week, weekends and holidays with occasional evenings

- Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work in hot humid and rainy weather conditions

- Able to multitask and handle physical and mentally stressful tasks

- Ability to interact with the public proficiently

- Have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and ability to handle multiple personalities.

- Valid U.S. Driver's License and clean driving record

*Start dates are flexible* 

How to Apply

To apply, send your completed internship application, resume, and cover letter to Deja Canter at careers@keepthemflying.org. 

To access the application and find more information, please visit our website.