Second Chance Wildlife Center, a beloved and respected 501(c)3 wildlife rehabilitation facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland, has an immediate opening for up to four paid internships for qualified candidates. Selected individuals must be willing to commit to a minimum term of five (5) months and at least 20 hours per week of service-learning at our facility.
Second Chance Wildlife Center is open seven days a week, including holidays, and we will work with you to determine a schedule that meet your needs and ours. Selected interns in this program are eligible to receive a stipend of $400-$450 per month for 40 hours of service, and $200-$250 per month for 20 hours. Additionally, these interns will receive extensive hands-on training in all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, a letter of recommendation from our Clinic Director (if performance merits one), a certificate of completion for our internship program, and the rewards of learning from skilled experts while providing a critically important service to native wildlife, migratory birds, and to compassionate “rescuers" across Maryland and beyond.
The duties of these specific interns include:
• Assisting in initial intake and exams of patients. • Preparing and administering food and some medications;
• Maintaining prescribed diets for patients;
• Providing daily care and observation of patients in indoor and outdoor enclosures;
• Updating patient health databases;
• Cleaning and upkeep of enclosures and our facility; • Potentially providing basic first aid, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care to animals;
• Potentially assisting our veterinarian and Clinic Director with medical procedures;
• Monitoring levels of supplies;
• Assisting in the release of healthy animals back to the wild;
• Performing other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements:
At least one (1) year of experience/education in animal care and the desire to explore a career in wildlife and/or animal care is preferred. Currently working in the animal care field or studying in a related field is a plus;
Willing and able to perform physically demanding tasks (lifting sacks of food, moving and cleaning enclosures, releasing animals back to the wild, etc.);
Attention to detail, and ability to follow our written protocols to the letter – including our strict health and safety policies including daily temperature checks, wearing of masks, frequent hand washing, social distancing (as possible), assisting in sanitizing tools, equipment, surfaces, etc.
This work requires someone who will work collaboratively and successfully with people in a wide array of personalities and roles (leadership, staff, volunteers and other interns, animal services officers, and members of the public) in a fast-paced and, sometimes, stressful environment. It also requires professionalism, empathy, attention to detail, and tremendous dedication in order to maintain our organization’s stellar reputation for quality animal care. We will provide valuable training as needed and, therefore, require a minimum commitment of 5 months and 20 hours per week.
To apply, email your cover letter, resume, and 3 references (all in one document) to Careers@scwc.org with PAID INTERNSHIP in the subject line. In order to keep our phones open for animal rescue emergencies, telephone inquiries about these internships will not be accepted.