Wildlife Programs Internship

As development encroaches on wildlife habitat, PAWS' nationally recognized wildlife rehabilitation center rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned animals and educates people about peaceful co-existence with wildlife. It is our goal to return wild animals back to the wild where they belong. We believe that wild animals are best served by being allowed to live undisturbed in their natural environment. No animals are permanently kept in captivity at PAWS.

Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for wildlife rehabilitation centers, including PAWS. During these months, we often receive 30 to 40 animals per day (between 2,500 - 3,000 wild animals each year). The primary role of a wildlife rehabilitation programs intern is to support the management of a busy wildlife rehabilitation center. Giving interns the opportunity to learn about the behind the scenes aspects of running a wildlife rehabilitation center. This internship will empower the intern to learn what it takes to manage and effectively run a large wildlife rehabilitation center.

Interns gain valuable practical experience, while helping PAWS' staff and highly trained volunteers. Some of the skills learned include aspects of volunteer management, volunteer training, rehabilitation management, and wildlife rehabilitation research and program development. Interns will receive one-on-one training. Interns may have the opportunity to work on an individual project.

Job duties

• Volunteer management: training, scheduling, interviewing, record keeping all the parts of running a successful 350 + volunteer program.
• Education: participate and conduct adult education programs.
• Research: reading, compiling, sorting, etc.
• Clerical work: laminating, making copies, filing, and more.
• Other tasks as required.

Abilities and experience required

• Ability to speak read and write the English language fluently.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to perform tedious tasks for long periods of time.
• Ability to complete a detailed projects with little supervision.
• Ability to perform independent tasks successfully.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently while precisely following directions and procedures.
• Computer literate.
• At least be 18 years of age.

Terms of internship

• A three to four-month commitment is preferred, other times will be considered. A 15-40 hour work week is expected. The exact schedule will be determined between the volunteer manager and intern.
• Interns must provide their own transportation to Lynnwood where PAWS is located.
• Interns must arrange for their own housing.
• Intern positions are unpaid.

Dates available

All year round. E-mail for availability. Full time (40 hour) applicants will receive first consideration during the summer months.

Note: Internships are of variable length. PAWS' wildlife volunteer program manager will work with successful applicants to schedule exact dates for the internship.

Application instructions

If you are interested in applying for a PAWS Wildlife Programs Internship please complete the online application and mail the following to the address below:

• Your resume.
• An essay describing your career goals and how an internship at PAWS will help you achieve your goals. The essay must be one typed page in length.
• One letter of recommendation.

Mail or email to:
fboyens@paws.org
or
PAWS 
Attn: Frances Boyens
Wildlife Volunteer Program Manager 
P.O. Box 1037
Lynnwood, WA 98046

For questions about the internship or the application process, please contact Frances Boyens at fboyens@paws.org or at 425.787.2500 x818.