​Internship: Avian Care and Rehabilitation

The Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia’s Avian Care and Rehabilitation Interns will gain valuable, unique experiences by providing daily care for injured and displaced wild birds of a variety of native, non-game species, including raptors, waterbirds, and songbirds. The intern will work collaboratively with other interns, staff, volunteers, and veterinarians. This summer internship is most appropriate for undergraduate students majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine or Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, although students from other majors are welcome to apply as well.

Duties:

• Monitor dietary consumption and feed birds as necessary (in the summer, this will include many nestling and fledgling birds)
• Assist with intakes, which includes generating paperwork for each bird, assisting with veterinary exams and treatments, and assisting with medical procedures when appropriate
• Assist with pre-release conditioning of birds, including physiotherapy and creance flying
• Research and construct or modify (if necessary) appropriate perches for birds in our care
• Monitor bird enclosures for cleanliness and safety; repair, clean, and disinfect as necessary
• Cooperate, collaborate, and communicate daily with other interns and ACCA volunteers and staff

Learning Outcomes:
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At the end of the internship, the intern should know:           

• Appropriate housing and dietary requirements of a variety of bird species
• Proper restraint of a variety of species of birds
• Basic procedures for admitting wild birds to veterinary care
• Proper use of a creance for conditioning
• Strategies for communicating effectively with colleagues and supervisors

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To Apply:
Fill out the form below, or send by email attachment a resume including a brief objective statement about what you hope to learn from this internship. Also, please include the dates that you would be able to start and finish the internship, and include approximately how many hours per week you plan to devote to the internship. (Most undergraduate summer interns work 10-20 hours per week from May until August.) Email application materials to Katie Fallon or complete the form below. Please note that our internships are unpaid at this time.