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. 

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 passerines
• Administering medications and vitamin supplements
• 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
• Folding laundry, washing 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 

Seminars

Interns will attend two seminars during their term. Seminars will cover techniques to prepare hand-reared birds for release back to the wild, enrichment, and release criteria and considerations.  

Qualifications

• Ability 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
• No sensitivities to bird dander, mealworms, plant material, hand disinfectant, bleach or dish soap.
• Have respect and compassion for wildlife; and maturity and professionalism when working with the public, NSCC staff, and volunteers
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced, high-stress environment while precisely following verbal and written instructions and protocol
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with Microsoft Word and other basic computer skills
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Currently enrolled in or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Science or related field strongly desired
• Must have current valid driver's license, excellent driving record, reliable vehicle and current vehicle insurance
• Must have current tetanus, covid vaccines and health insurance
• 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 or 12 week period with start dates in May and no later than the first week of June.  
• Interns commit to a minimum of one 8-hour shift per week, with strict adherence to the agreed-upon schedule for the duration of the 8 week or 12 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.