Looking for an internship that has a direct impact on Pennsylvania wildlife?

Our Wildlife Center offers Spring, Summer, and Fall internship programs!

Wildlife rehabilitation is a relatively new field of study. Rehabilitators constantly discover new treatments through trial and error, reading current literature, and by communicating with peers throughout the country.

As an intern you have a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what wildlife rehabilitation is all about. As a fully licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Center that treats over 4,200 patients annually, you receive many opportunities to learn skills including basic husbandry techniques, species identification, basic anatomy, proper handling techniques, administering medications, hand feeding and more.

We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year and scheduling is flexible (hours of operation depends on season). On average, we see over 150 different species every year. Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh accepts all native PA Species, with the exception of White-Tailed deer, bear, and venomous snakes. The program is unpaid and housing is NOT provided.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for interns who are willing to throughout their internship. We find the most successful interns are those who are willing to take the initiative and work hard.

• Candidates must be either currently enrolled in college or recent graduates (within 2 years), with a focus on biological or environmental science.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Desired candidates are mature, reliable and responsible individuals who can work both independently and in a team setting. Students should have the ability to handle both physical and emotionally stressful situations, a demanding workload with long hours and are able to commit to the full duration of this internship.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Prior wildlife rehabilitation exposure is a plus, but is not required, as this internship is a great entry level opportunity.
• Rabies vaccinations is a plus, but is not a requirement.

What to expect:

Our program is designed to educate students on wildlife rehabilitation basics, does not provide training in Veterinary Medicine. We have a well-rounded program where interns have the opportunity to observe and assist with examinations, treatments, medication distribution etc. It is heavily focused on animal husbandry, supportive care (such as gavage feeding) and general preparation for re-release.

You will be working with wild animals that are easily stressed by any contact with human beings, and which have powerful weapons (talons, beaks, and teeth) to defend themselves. These animals are strong, yet fragile in many ways, so proper training provided.

We offer a very hands-on experience and no two days are alike. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your time with us, a small curriculum is provided. Assignments are due every 2 weeks and cover numerous topics such as Zoonotic Diseases and Enrichment.

Finally, it is part of human nature to feel the need to help soothe an animal by touching and talking to them, but animals in rehabilitation are not pets and do not enjoy our touch or our voices. In the case of young animals, it may result in them becoming habituated or even imprinted on humans. Some contact with humans is necessary for proper/successful rehabilitation, but every effort is made to limit contact and decrease stress to the patients during daily activities. Interns are expected to follow these guidelines to ensure a successful release of the patients.

Interested? Apply today!

Humane Animal Rescue Wildlife Center

Attn: Annie Beliles

6000 Verona Road

Verona PA 15147

*Those who are accepted into the program must provide proof of an up-to-date tetanus vaccination.