Wildlife Intern

JOIN US & MAKE A DIFFERENCE

THE MISSION

To lead the way toward a compassionate and caring community for all animals.

OUR VALUES

LEARNING: We commit to best practice and professional development through continuous education.

INTEGRITY: We value honest and transparent communication and decision making using evidence based practices.

COLLABORATION: We value teamwork in our organization and partnerships with our community to deliver exceptional service.

KINDNESS: We show compassion, care, respect and empathy to all animals and humans without prejudice or discrimination.

Position TITLE: Wildlife Intern

Term: Seasonal (Late Summer)

SUMMARY

The Wildlife Intern (WI) receives theoretical instruction and hands-on learning as outlined in the Wildlife Intern Handbook. Interns will be given written, problem-based assignments to broaden their knowledge base and practice critical thinking. The WI will assist in caregiving for the wildlife living under the auspices of Pasadena Humane. The WI will work with veterinarians, health technicians, and rehabilitators, to ensure that each animal is healthy and ready upon live release.

Wildlife Interns will assist in operating the wildlife helpline and triaging animals, diverting or admitting them as appropriate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

Healthcare and Husbandry

• Partner with health technicians under veterinary direction to treat illness
• Partner with health technicians under veterinary direction to rehabilitate wildlife
• Partner with health technicians under veterinary direction to manage infectious diseases
• Partner with health technicians to provide appropriate diets and husbandry to wildlife

Live Release

• Work to maximize live release rates
• Work to maintain appropriate capacity for rehabilitation
• Work to minimize the length of stay
• Contribute to the accurate and timely entry of any data needed to support live release efforts

Welfare and Advocacy

• Share expertise in wildlife and/or shelter medicine for the benefit of animals and guardians in the community
• Effectively and appropriately disseminate accurate information about wildlife to the public via the wildlife helpline
• Understand and exemplify the philosophies of Pasadena Humane

Teamwork

• Work effectively with a team of colleagues of diverse professional, cultural and community backgrounds
• Practice customer service that promotes hospitality, empathy, and tangible solutions
• Practice and encourage direct constructive communication
• Practice and encourage conflict resolution
• Ensure a positive, educational approach to customer service with a goal of educating the public and keeping animals in homes as appropriate. Promote positive relations with other volunteers and staff while promoting Pasadena Humane’s programs, policies, and philosophies.
• Ensure a safe working environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma (or GED/proficiency certificate).
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have respect for wildlife and courtesy toward the general public
• Must interact positively with supervisor, management, coworkers, volunteers, and the public to promote and maintain a positive and professional environment
• Must come to work regularly and on time, follow directions, take criticism, treat coworkers, supervisory staff, members, and guests with respect and courtesy, and refrain from abusive, insubordinate, and/or violent behavior
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Able to acquire knowledge and learn new skills; committed to lifelong learning
• Strong sense of professional judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Able to make decisions and explain the rationale behind actions taken
• Able to work in a changing environment and see value in experimentation

This is an entry-level internship and all necessary skills will be taught. However, it is preferred that the applicant have some relevant experience such as the following:

• In progress or completed CWR, RVT, LVT, VTS, DVM, and/or Certified CA Naturalist
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to nursing
• Proficiency in calculations that involve arithmetic, algebra, and percentages
• Computer literacy and ability to learn new software quickly
• Knowledge of basic animal behavior, specifically wildlife and/or exotics

WORK SCHEDULE

• This position requires a commitment minimum of 200 hours over 10 weeks. This will be broken into shifts as agreed upon with the Director of Wildlife Education and Services. These hours can apply toward the 400 "required experience" hours needed to apply for a CDFW wildlife rehabilitation permit.
• A specific start date will be negotiated based on the needs of the department and the availability of candidates. The session will be in the late Summer (August-October).
• WI must come to work regularly and on time; must be able to work according to the needs of the department schedule which may include mornings, evenings, and weekends.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast-paced environment. Interns are exposed to numerous animals (living and deceased), including those with uncertain dispositions. They are required to act in a safe and responsible manner.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this internship

While performing the duties of this internship, the intern is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and/or smell. The intern must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities required by this internship include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Pasadena Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy not to engage in discrimination against any individual, or harassment of any person seeking employment with our organization on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic information or status as a covered veteran including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, merit increase, salary, training and development, demotion, and separation. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Federal law requires proof of citizenship or "alien right-to-work" status. Pasadena Humane maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing.