VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Positions: Volunteer Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship (12 weeks)
Type: unpaid / volunteer
Organization: Toronto Wildlife Centre
Locations: Downsview Park and Rouge Park, Toronto/GTA

A wildlife rehabilitation internship can open many doors! Whether you are hoping to work in the field of conservation, biology, or in veterinary medicine, this internship will provide excellent hands-on experience. Working with wildlife is a great asset on any resume and is one of the most rewarding experiences.

During our 12 week internship, wildlife interns are immersed in their selected program to learn all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation in either Nursery Care, Avian Care or Wildlife Chef. This unique opportunity is incredibly rewarding but can be physically and emotionally demanding. Days are filled working on your feet, with lots of walking, bending and lifting, all while caring for injured and orphaned animals. The internship includes working on some evenings, weekends, and holidays so that we can provide the best care possible for our wild patients.

Nursery Care:

Play a vital role in raising our orphaned wildlife! As a Nursery Care Intern, you will help provide critical nutritional support, proper housing, and behavioural enrichment to prepare these young individuals for a life in the wild. Species you may work with include baby squirrels, chipmunks, opossums and Eastern cottontail rabbits. Interns who have been vaccinated against rabies will have the opportunity to work with baby raccoons and skunks as well!

• Location: Available at both Downsview Park and Rouge Park
• Internship sessions: Spring: March – May/June 2025 and Fall: August to October 2025

Avian Care:

Interested in hands-on experience with birds? Avian Care Interns work with the migratory songbirds that come into care during their journey to their breeding grounds. You will also get hands-on experience raising orphaned Mallards, Wood ducks, Canada geese and more as they grow up into healthy young birds. You will be working closely with our advanced care team members to provide these birds with the critical care they need while being treated for a variety of injuries.

• Location: Downsview Park 
• Internship sessions: Spring: April to June 2025 and Fall: August October/November 2025

Wildlife Chef:

With over 270 different species admitted to TWC, there is a wide variety of diets that need to be prepared each day. Proper nutrition is an important part of the recovery and well-being of our wild patients. As a Wildlife Chef Intern, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious meals and slurries based on the natural history of each species .

• Location: Downsview Park
• Internship sessions: Between March to October, start date can be flexible

Commitment:

Full-time is a minimum of 450 hours over 12 weeks (40 hours/week). Some part-time positions are available at a minimum of 220 hours over 12 weeks (20-30 hours/week). Preference will be given to those who can make a full-time commitment and will be offered additional learning opportunities. Hours can be flexible to accommodate school or work.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Current tetanus vaccine (within the last 10 years)
• Rabies immunization is an asset and required to work with rabies vector species
• For Internships at our Rouge Park location, you must be able to drive/be driven as this site is NOT transit accessible.

Please note that the internships are unpaid positions. TWC is committed to providing training and hands-on experience for all of our interns so that you will gain skills and knowledge during your internship.

Accountabilities:

• Ensure a positive, professional, and safe working environment at all times; with a focus on both human and animal safety
• Engaging in learning opportunities provided
• Update patient records (role dependent)
• Assist with training and providing some direction to new volunteers and interns

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Motivated self-starter, with ability to prioritize
• Flexible and adaptable to changing and dynamic work environment
• Must be comfortable working long hours with a demanding workload
• Strong work ethic and desire to learn
• Excellent communication skills; must be proficient in verbal and written English

To apply:

Please submit an online application HERE. You will need to submit a resume, cover letter, and references upon request.

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Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only those we wish to consider for an interview will be contacted.

DEADLINE: For the Spring/Summer Season: February 1st, 2025.

*Applications for all other internship terms (Summer/Fall, Fall/Winter) will be reviewed on a rolling basis