The Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds and public education of wildlife issues. Each year, REGI admits around 800-1,000 patients and delivers hundreds of educational programs across the state to 10,000+ people.

Fellowship Overview

The REGI Post-Graduate Fellowship is designed for early-career pre-professionals seeking hands-on experience in avian medicine, wildlife care, conservation, and public education. Fellows work closely with experienced wildlife rehabilitators and educators in a fast-paced clinical and educational setting. This position is ideal for graduates pursuing careers in wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation biology, zoology, or environmental education.

Fellowship Dates: Ideally, Fellows will have a start date of August 24th, 2026 and an end date of May 18th, 2027. These start and end dates can be flexible.

Fellows will specialize in either wildlife education or rehabilitation but will have the opportunity to gain experience in both fields. This exposure ensures a well-rounded understanding of the interconnectedness of issues affecting wildlife and how we can better convey this information to the public.

Avian Rehabilitation Fellowship

Fellows in this track will gain advanced, practical experience in:

• Daily care and treatment of injured, sick, and orphaned wild birds
• Intake exams, record-keeping, and patient triage
• Administering medications and supportive care under supervision
• Assisting with diagnostic procedures
• Dietary planning and nutritional support
• Pre-release conditioning and flight-testing
• Facility cleanliness and biosecurity protocols

Fellows will work with a wide variety of species — from raptors and waterfowl to songbirds and corvids — and will develop skills essential for clinical wildlife care and rehabilitation.

Wildlife Education Fellowship

Fellows in this track will support REGI’s mission through public outreach and environmental learning, including:

• Assisting with the care and training of non-releasable educational ambassador birds
• Developing and presenting educational programs for schools, community groups, and the public
• Creating curriculum materials and interpretive content
• Supporting on-site tours and special events
• Engaging audiences of all ages in wildlife conservation messaging

This track is ideal for individuals passionate about science communication and inspiring others to care about wildlife.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology, animal science, environmental education, or a related field preferred
• Strong interest in wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, conservation, or education
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Commitment to humane, ethical animal care
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods

Benefits

Free, fully furnished, on-site housing with washer and dryer (items such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and laundry detergent are provided by REGI)

Food stipend of $100/week