The Center for Wildlife’s Environmental Education Internship is an unpaid learning opportunity for those studying education, science communication, nature-based learning, public outreach, and the care of disabled wildlife living in sanctuary. This position is an exciting pathway to careers in Conservation Sciences such as outdoor leadership, animal care, conservation biology, outreach and education. ​

Interns learn by working alongside our Education & Outreach Team, which consists of 4 fabulous humans and over 2 dozen wild, non-releasable birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians! Environmental Education (EE) Interns have the opportunity to change the world each day by connecting community members of all ages with the natural world via our educational programs, connections with animal ambassadors, and learning on our 30-acre campus in the Agamenticus Conservation Region of Southern Maine. 

Core Components of CFW’s Environmental Education Internship:

Animal Care & Handling: EE Interns learn how to properly care for and handle many of our non-releasable animal ambassadors for programs and events. Interns are heavily involved in the daily care of our ambassador animals. They learn about behavior, nutrition, enclosure maintenance and design, and  enrichment.

Programming & Special Events: EE Interns are trained on how to lead education and outreach programs independently from planning to execution. EE interns will also use their creativity to help design and support special events on and offsite.

Cross-Internship Learning: To gain even more well-rounded skills, EE Interns join the Wildlife Care Interns in the clinical department for professional workshops and skills labs, and have full access to our library and campus.

All-Team Support: EE Interns are expected to work alongside our clinic staff, apprentices, and volunteers. Volunteers and interns work together to help support staff in animal care, educational programming and daily operations. Many of our volunteers have been with us for a long time and have a diverse background of experience and knowledge!

Eligibility:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• College degree or current college student in a related field is not required. We welcome non-traditional interns! Students may be eligible to receive college credit for internships
• Highly self-motivated people preferred
• Interested in environmental education, science communication, and/or wildlife care
• Attention to detail, punctuality, initiative and a strong desire to learn are required
• Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Tetanus vaccinations are required

​​Compensation, Required Hours & Training:

• Center for Wildlife Internships are unpaid
• Fall Internships can be Full-time or Part-Time (these interns are required to work a minimum of 24 hours per week).
  • Priority is given to full time applicants
• There is mandatory training the first week of each internship session and we ask that schedules remain open during this time. 
• Students: Check with your career center or internship advisor to see if internship grants are available!