Animal Care Internship (Full-time, Spring & Summer unpaid position)

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The Organization:

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, a world-class wildlife rehabilitation centre, located in Errington, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, cares for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife, and educates the public on wildlife and environmental issues.

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The Position:

The North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) Intern will enjoy a unique opportunity to be part of a team supporting the work of a world class wildlife rehabilitation and education facility.

The NIWRA intern will further their own growth by learning, sharing and applying new skills that enhance daily operations at the Centre.

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• Open to both international and local applicants

• Position requires an six-week minimum work period

• Accommodation is a large RV onsite with kitchen, shower and access to laundry

 

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Duties:

Volunteers and interns are the backbone of our organization. The position works under the direction and support of the Animal Care staff.  It includes enclosure cleaning, food preparation (raw meat is processed and fed so no weak stomachs allowed!), feeding, laundry, participating in maintenance projects and interacting and educating visitors.  There is no standard workday in wildlife rehabilitation, which creates a stimulating and interesting opportunity.

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• Provide excellent care to all non-releasable and rehabilitation animals

• Assist with evaluating patient progress and release eligibility

• Assist with restraint, exams and treatment of animals

• Admit patients and accurately complete associated paperwork

• Occasionally assist with euthanasia

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in hospital, kitchen and animal housing areas

 

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Requirements: 

This rewarding position requires a mature person that works well within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances.  It is physically demanding and requires attention to detail.

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• Must be able to communicate fluently in English

• Must be at least 19 years of age

• Must have medical insurance

• Must have a Tetanus vaccination

• Must be able to work in all weather conditions

• Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs (work is quite physical and moderately labour intensive)

• Must be able to work 5 days a week, days off may or may not be consecutive

• Must be willing to work flexible shifts depending on needs

• Must be reliable and dependable

• Previous wildlife rehabilitation or animal handling experience is an asset, but not strictly required

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INTERNSHIPS ARE STRICTLY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS.  YOU WILL NOT BE PAID ANY MONIES OR EXPENSES, BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE ACCOMMODATIONS IF YOU ARE FROM OUT-OF-TOWN. (You may have to share accommodations with another intern.)

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Extra days off: We are willing to be flexible to work with your schedule, however your commitment is to volunteer your time 5 days a week with 2 days off.  Requesting extra days off puts a strain on our schedule. Shifts are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

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You must supply your own food.

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If you are NOT a Canadian Citizen, you must have financial means/credit card/cash in case you need to go to a medical clinic. North Island Wildlife Recovery Association will not be responsible for medical expenses.

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Internships are a minimum eight weeks or more in length.

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