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 songbirds 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 songbirds of more than 70 species. 

We are offering an unpaid summer internship for high school seniors and college students aged 18 and older who are pursuing studies in biology, ecology, zoology, pre-veterinary medicine, or related fields.

The internship program at NSCC provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in the care of injured, ill, and orphaned native songbirds within the wildlife rehabilitation setting.  From a conservation perspective, this internship also provides an up-close look at the anthropogenic threats facing songbirds 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. 

Essential Duties and 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
• Safe handling and restraint of songbirds
• Coordinate and implement renesting, reuniting, and wild fostering orphaned songbirds as needed
• Assist in the evaluation of patients for release; coordinate and safely conduct releases as needed
• Species identification and natural history of native songbirds
• Fold laundry, wash dishes, and other support tasks to ensure the hospital is maintained in a clean and orderly condition at all times. 
• As needed, assist members of the public seeking advice about or help with native passerines
• Transport patients from municipal shelters, veterinary clinics and other wildlife centers to NSCC for rehabilitation 

Coursework

Interns will attend three seminars during their term.  Seminars will cover areas relevant to wildlife conservation and our work at NSCC.  

Qualifications

• At least three months previous experience working with wild birds or volunteering at a wildlife facility strongly desired
• Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks such as bending and stooping, able to lift up to 50lbs, 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
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with Microsoft Word and other basic computer skills
• High school senior or college student at least 18 years of age pursuing studies in biology, ecology, zoology, pre-veterinary medicine, or related field
• Must have current valid driver's license, excellent driving record, reliable vehicle and current vehicle insurance
• Current tetanus and covid vaccines required, and health insurance strongly recommended

Terms and Time Commitment

• The internship term is a consecutive 8-week period with start dates in May and no later than the first week of June.  
• Interns commit to one to three 8-hour shifts per week, with strict adherence to the agreed-upon schedule for the duration of the 8-week term. Schedules may include evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. 
• All interns must read and sign the required paperwork.
• Academic credit:  If our internship aligns with your school’s requirements for academic credit, we’re happy to help with any necessary paperwork. 
• Interns who successfully complete the program will receive a letter of recommendation to support their future academic or professional goals.

How to Apply

Using the form below, please submit a letter of intent, resume, 2-3 professional or academic references we may contact (1 professor, 1 employer recommended), and copy of transcript/coursework (optional).

The letter of intent must state when you are available to begin your internship and detail your interests, experience, and availability; demonstrate that you have secured housing and reliable transportation for the duration of the internship; and you are able to complete the internship in 8 consecutive weeks without interruption. Vacations should be scheduled before or after the 8-week term. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

If you qualify, a virtual interview will be scheduled.

The deadline to apply is March 25, 2026