Wildlife Rehab Internship or Volunteer Opportunities at Center for Wildlife

Each year at the Center for Wildlife we admit more and more animals, more than 1,600 last year. Yet with our limited budget we are still short-staffed, and rely heavily on our volunteers and interns. We couldn't manage the number of cases and diversity of species we treat without them!

Because of this fact, we take the roles of Animal Care Volunteers and Wildlife Care Intern very seriously and hope you will too. We need volunteers and interns that we can depend on, and who can take instruction easily. Our goal is to give each animal a clean, comfortable, stress-free environment, with as much intensive care from experienced staff as necessary. When a volunteer or intern calls out or doesn't show up, leaving coverage thin or non-existent, we are not able to do this as well as we should. Please be sure that you are ready to make this commitment before you apply!

We look forward to working with new volunteers and interns and feel that the Center can be a fun and fulfilling place when everyone does their part and the animals are well cared for.

Wildlife Rehab Volunteering at Center for Wildlife

Volunteers are an integral part of the Center for Wildlife. Each year, the Center treats over 1,600 birds, mammals and reptiles. The role of a Wildlife Care Assistant is to help create a healing environment to maximize the animals' release potential. Some of the volunteer opportunities are feeding nestling birds and young mammals, monitoring animals' conditions and preparing foods, cage cleaning and outdoor cage habitat maintenance, and assisting the public with questions concerning wildlife. General cleaning and some administrative tasks may also be included. As one volunteer has said, "The Center gives me a chance to do something positive, I am able to see the results of all our hard work. Releasing an animal back to the wild, giving it a second chance, is the greatest thrill I have ever experienced."

A real compassion for animals and a willingness to learn are the main requirements for volunteers. We do, however, require that you are at least sixteen years old. We provide detailed training for new volunteers.

Animal Care Volunteer Application Process

Because of the large number of animals and species that come through the our door and the varying species' needs, we have a structured application and training process that volunteers go through before they are put up on the schedule by themselves. Training involves many hours of Staff and Volunteer Trainers time. We realize this is an investment however, and we are happy to take the time to train serious volunteers. We are all working towards the common goal of providing the best care for our patients until release. If you feel you are ready to make the commitment of 4 hours per week for a minimum of three months, then please follow the instructions below. We look forward to welcoming you!

Step 1 - Download our Volunteer Information/Application (PDF) fill it out and mail it to us at:

Center for Wildlife
P.O. Box 620
Cape Neddick, ME 03902

Step 2 - Once we receive the application, we will review and get back to you with a couple of orientation date options. Orientation is a two hour introduction to the Center for Wildlife and our needs and expectations.

Step 3 - Once you have attended an orientation, you will need to sign up for a four-hour workshop. This is a hands-on introduction to animal care, cleaning, and food preparation, as well as an orientation to our 34 outdoor enclosures.

Step 4 - After the orientation and workshop have been completed, volunteers generally shadow with a seasoned volunteer for two shifts.

Step 5 - Dig in! After shadowing and the workshop volunteers are generally able to be on their own, helping to care for some of our up to 200 patients in residence during the busy season!

Please note: Our staff members wear many hats. Upon mailing in the application, please allow up to two weeks for a response. We appreciate the interest and your patience!  We also have a volunteer capacity and may not be accepting new volunteers. In this event we will hold on to the application until the next available opening.

If you would like to learn more about opportunities at The Center for Wildlife, please contact us.

Wildlife Rehab Internships at Center for Wildlife

Thank you for your applications. We have filled all positions for the summer season and are now recruiting for fall interns with 5 positions available. These positions are unpaid, however, we are able to provide limited housing. The application deadline is August 15. We are also looking for host families to provide local intern housing for the months of September and October. Please contact us if you are interested in helping out!

The Student Internship Program at the Center for Wildlife is a work/learning experience for students interested in the native (and some non-native) wildlife of our region.  The large number of animals and diversity of species admitted to CFW give our interns the unique opportunity to become familiar with many different species' diets, habitats, and conservation needs. Due to the hands-on and often veterinary nature of rehabilitation, interns will also have an opportunity to focus on physiological, behavioral and some pathological aspects of the animals admitted.

Each year the Center for Wildlife hosts over 15 interns from all over the country, usually majoring in one or more of the following areas of study: Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Psychobiology, Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Science, Animal Husbandry or Veterinary Science.  CFW’s Internship Program is now more comprehensive than ever, offering experience in wildlife medicine, conservation, and education.  Our program was recently spotlighted in the National Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Association Annual Symposium during their “Building Better Internships” seminar as an example of a professional approach to wildlife rehabilitation internships.  Our Internship Program offers a two-week orientation period with workshops in 5 specialized areas of care, intensive training, staff mentoring, and a unique hands on experience. 

Download our Intern Program Information/Application (PDF)

New Internship Opportunity for Summer 2010: CFW/ Mt. Agamenticus Conservation Joint Internship. See also Mount Agamenticus Conservation's website for information about their organization. THIS INTERNSHIP IS FILLED FOR 2010

*****