Dual Avian Care Internship

A unique six-month, paid, hands-on DUAL internship for individuals interested in learning and working with seabirds, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors in two separate, yet intertwined, on-site environments. This internship is unique in that you will be providing immediate and long-term REHABILITATION to wild birds and you will become the CARETAKER of 50 non-releasable EDUCATIONAL birds, from pelicans to raptors, during your stay.

About the MWBC – Established in 1995. Located within a 64-acre parcel in the middle of the Florida Keys. Admits an average of 800 sick, injured and orphaned wild birds each year and maintains a collection of 50 non-releasable educational ambassador birds. Local veterinarians donate their time to help in our on-site hospital that is equipped with a small lab, surgical unit and digital x-rays.

The Dual Avian Care Internship consists of 5-day, 40+/- hours per work week. Expect longer work hours during our sub-tropical winter/spring season (Jan-Jun) and less during the summer/fall (Jul-Dec). Our facility is nestled within a 64-acre hardwood hammock that includes a natural history museum, 1.5 miles of natural trails and a coral rock coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. A $100/weekly stipend and shared intern on-site housing is included.

Rehabilitation duties include – Admitting and examining new patients. Daily cleaning and feeding of hospital patients. Maintaining hospital cleanliness by restocking supplies, sweeping, and performing small tasks and projects. Administering of fluid therapies and medications. Basic wound care, bloodwork, fecal exams and digital x-rays. Participate in rescues, releases, visits with our veterinarians, and interaction with the public.

Educational display habitat duties include – daily cleaning and feeding of educational display enclosures and ambassadors birds. Interaction with patrons to the property.

Qualifications – working towards or having completed a Bachelor’s Degree in animal related field. Six month commitment. Willing to work 40+/- hours each week in the hot, humid sub-tropical island environment. Must have a valid driver’s license, pass a background check, be able to lift 50 lbs, be able to multitask, have a strong work ethic, work with volunteers (new and seasoned), and be able to maintain a positive attitude.

How to apply – Send a cover letter to Kelly Grinter at wildbirdmarathon@gmail.com. Put DUAL AVIAN CARE INTERNSHIP in the subject line and include a resume at this time. You will be required to provide 3 references, of paid or unpaid experience, related to your work with wildlife.