Wildlife Rehabilitation Apprenticeship

The International; Maine; On-site; USD 8,100 - 10,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite housing

Job summary

Center for Wildlife is currently accepting applications for our Wildlife Rehabilitation Apprenticeship. This 8‑month position runs February through October 2027, offering practical, experiential learning in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.

Apprentices will assist with hotline admissions, species identification, husbandry, basic medical exams, and triage while training to manage volunteers and interns. Onsite housing is available, with a $200 weekly stipend to support living expenses.

Qualifications

• Three months minimum experience in a wildlife rehabilitation facility.
• Associate’s Degree or certificate from a college or university in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation, veterinary technology or pre-veterinary medicine preferred.
• Desire to learn to be a patient and professional leader, teacher, and role model for volunteers and interns.
• Ability to empower volunteers and interns to learn and perform daily tasks, and assist staff in promoting a positive work culture.
• Ability to be proactive in identifying learning opportunities that enhance the apprenticeship.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality.
• Availability to work up to 50 hours per week in five shifts, including mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to multitask, organize, delegate, and manage others.

Responsibilities

• Assist with wildlife hotline and admissions.
• Species identification, husbandry and handling techniques.
• Support basic medical exams and triage.
• Monitor and evaluate patients during rehabilitation.
• Maintain nurseries and care for orphaned animals.
• Help supervise and train volunteers and interns.
• Progress towards running the clinic for a day.

Skills

Wildlife rehab experience

Excellent communication

Leadership and mentoring

Proactive learning

Lift 30 lbs

Reliability and punctuality

Shift work including weekends

Personal transportation

Education

Associate’s degree or certificate (wildlife related)

Job description

Center for Wildlife is currently accepting applications for our Wildlife Rehabilitation Apprenticeship
8-Month Position February through October 2027
Center for Wildlife’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Apprenticeship offers practical, experiential learning opportunities in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic for those who have previous experience working with wildlife. Some of the skills learned include providing wildlife hotline and admissions assistance, species identification, husbandry and handling techniques, basic medical exams and triage, feeding and fluid therapy techniques, outdoor cage and facilities maintenance, and monitoring and evaluating patients throughout the rehabilitation process. Apprentices will initially be focusing on orphaned animal care, managing mammal and bird nurseries, training volunteers and interns, and pre-release patients. As the apprenticeship progresses training of stabilization techniques, initial exams, and critical patient care will be provided with the goal of being able to run the clinic for a day.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Apprentices report directly to licensed medical clinic staff and work closely with the medical clinic team in a more experienced and supervisory role, assisting with managing the center’s clinic volunteers and seasonal Wildlife Care Interns. Training is provided as part of the apprenticeship program through workshops, hands-on experience, and supervisory responsibilities. Those that successfully complete the apprenticeship program will be in a position to pursue obtaining their own wildlife rehabilitation permit in the state of Maine.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Three months minimum experience in a wildlife rehabilitation facility required
• Associate’s Degree or certificate from a college or university in the fields of Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Veterinary Technology or Pre-Veterinary Medicine preferred
• Desire to learn to be a patient and professional leader, teacher, and role model for volunteers and interns
• Ability to empower volunteers and interns to learn and perform daily tasks, and assist staff in promoting a positive work culture
• Ability to be proactive in identifying and seeking out additional learning opportunities that will enhance the apprenticeship experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality
• Availability to work up to 50 hours per week in five shifts, including mornings, evenings and weekends. Apprentices living on site may be required to work split shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted
• Ability to multitask, organize, delegate, and manage othersAbility to maintain dignity and self-control in difficult situations
• Ability to work efficiently and thoroughly under stress
• Personal transportation is required, even if living onsite

Compensation: $200 stipend per week. Onsite housing is available.