DUTIES:

• provide captive management & husbandry for over 60 raptors & other wildlife used for programs and in exhibits
• assist staff with medical care of rehabilitation birds
• clean & maintain all indoor & outdoor animal facilities and aviaries
• perform daily husbandry tasks for all permanent residents used in educational programs & exhibits
• provide emergency care, feed, carry out medical treatments, and monitor health status
• assist finders of injured & orphaned birds and arrange transportation & rescue
• admit injured and orphaned birds
• maintain live rodent food colony
• complete an approved internship project
• gain extensive hands-on training in raptor captive management, education bird handling and training and avian rehabilitation

LOCATION:

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee, Vermont includes the Nature Center, Raptor Exhibits and Avian Rehabilitation Department. This private, non-profit organization was founded in 1972 and provides environmental education, field research and avian rehabilitation. The institute is located in the scenic countryside of east central Vermont approxamately 2 1/2 hours from Boston and 1 1/2 hours from Burlington. Vermont is a great state for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation. To learn more about the VINS Raptor Exhibits and Department of Wildlife Services visit our web site at: http://www.vinsweb.org/raptor-center/index.html

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Enthusiastic
• ability to work both independently and in a team
• strong interest in birds and wildlife husbandry
• willingness to work long, hard, irregular hours in all weather conditions
• 18 years or older
• hold a valid driver's license
• physical capacity to catch and treat large birds, lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, climb stairs, walk preserve and carry equipment for routine maintenance
• ability to work quickly & efficiently while following directions & procedures
• have updated tetanus vaccination at time of beginning internship.
• available to work 40 hours per week
• have college degree, working towards a degree or have equivalent wildlife experience
• Must have own transportation

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP:

• 6 months, 40 hours per week
  
• Spring/Summer term (1-2 positions) starts March/April (deadline February 1)
• Fall/Winter term (1-2 positions) starts September/October (deadline August l)

AMENITIES:

Housing plus a stipend of $230 every 2-week pay period

TO APPLY:

• cover letter (must include dates of availability, career goals and interests relative to the internship)
• résumé
• list of 3 references
• one letter from a reference (can be mailed separatly)

SEND TO:

Allison Stark
VINS Wildlife Services
PO Box 1281
Quechee, VT 05059

or email: astark@vinsweb.org
or FAX: 802-280-2226