Summer Internship Program

Native Songbird Care & Conservation (NSCC) is a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation hospital and non-profit organization located in Sebastopol, California. We are dedicated to the conservation of native passerines through rehabilitation, release back to the wild, community engagement, and educational outreach. Each year our experienced staff and volunteers care for approximately 1,000 native passerines of more than 70 species. 

The internship program at NSCC provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in the care of injured, ill, and orphaned native passerines within the wildlife rehabilitation setting.  From a conservation perspective, this internship also provides an up-close look at the anthropogenic threats facing passerines in today’s world and what we can do to reduce the impact of those threats.

All species cared for at NSCC are state and federally protected. Interns will become familiar with the laws and ethics that govern and guide our work as rehabilitators. 

Responsibilities

Interns will learn and practice several aspects of patient care and hospital operations including, but not limited to:

• Animal husbandry including cleaning, feeding, and enrichment 
• Patient accession and record-keeping
• Assisting with medical exams and weekly health checks as needed
• Safe handling and restraint of passerines
• Dosing and administering medications
• Coordinating and implementing renesting, reuniting, and wild fostering plans of orphaned songbirds as needed
• Evaluating patients for release, coordinating, and safely conducting releases as needed
• Species identification and natural history of native passerines
• Assisting volunteers and staff with laundry, dishes, and other support tasks to ensure the hospital is maintained in a clean and orderly condition at all times. 
• Assisting members of the public seeking advice about or help with native passerines
• Transporting patients from municipal shelters, veterinary clinics and other wildlife centers to NSCC for rehabilitation 

Coursework

Interns will receive a manual covering organization policies, basic hospital procedures, and  reading material relevant to wildlife rehabilitation and passerine conservation.  Two classes will be taught during the term. Classes will cover areas of wildlife rehabilitation relevant to the intern’s work at NSCC. Pop quizzes based on reading material and classes will be given throughout the internship.  

Before completing their internship, each intern will prepare a brief article featuring a conservation topic related to songbirds, patient profile, species bio, or an experience at NSCC that will help them on their career path.  The article will be published in an issue of our monthly newsletter and on our social media channels.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks such as bending and stooping, able to lift up to 40lbs, perform tedious tasks for long periods of time on your feet, have good visual acuity and hand dexterity (baby songbird mouths are tiny!), and do rigorous outdoor work in all types of weather
• Must not have sensitivities to bird dander, mealworms, plant material, hand disinfectant, bleach or dish soap.
• Must have respect and compassion for wildlife; maturity and professionalism when working with the public, NSCC staff, and volunteers
• Must be able to work independently and as a team member
• Must be able to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced, high-stress environment while precisely following verbal and written instructions and protocol
• Ability to read, write and speak English fluently
• Comfortable with Microsoft Word and other basic computer skills
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Proof of current tetanus shot and current health insurance
• Proof of COVID vaccination and booster, a negative COVID test performed within 1 week of internship and willingness to follow NSCC's COVID-19 safety protocol through the duration of the internship
• Must have valid driver's license, current auto insurance and your own reliable transportation
• Currently enrolled in or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Science or related field strongly desired
• At least three months previous experience working with wild birds or volunteering at a wildlife facility strongly desired

Terms and Time Commitment

• The internship term is a consecutive 8-week period with start dates in May or by the first week of June.  Start dates may be flexible for the right candidate.
• Intern commits to 24-30 hours per week with strict adherence to the agreed upon work schedule for the duration of the 8-week term. Shifts are typically 6-8 hours and include evenings, weekdays, weekends and holidays.
• Interns are awarded a $1,200 stipend to help offset living expenses, disbursed in bi-weekly increments.
• Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. 
• All interns must read and sign required paperwork, including a Commitment Contract and COVID Waiver.