About Think Wild

Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission at Think Wild is to inspire the high desert community to protect and care for native wildlife through education, conservation, and rescue and rehabilitation. 

The Position

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern will assist staff with the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. Interns are expected to work three 8-hour shifts per week, totaling approximately 24 hours each week. There are two session options available: the first runs from mid-April to mid-July, and the second runs from mid-June through the end of September.The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation or the on-duty staff member. Please note, this is an unpaid position,  but participants will receive a stipend of $1000 to help cover living expenses during their internship. Contacts for discounted or free housing are available upon request!

Position Availability

 6 internship positions are being offered for spring/summer 2026.

Dates of Internship: 

Session 1: Early/Mid April-Mid/End of July, 2026

• 3 Positions available

Session 2: Mid June-end of  September, 2026

• 3 Positions available

Schedules: TBD

Qualifications

• Must work well with staff, volunteers, interns, the general public, and as a member of a team
• Must be able to work a recurring schedule (same weekly shifts) with few absences for at least 9 weeks 
• Must be flexible and willing to adapt in a fast-paced work environment
• Must possess current tetanus vaccination (within the last 10 years)
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required
• Must present a signed Think Wild liability release waiver
• Experience handling animals or working in a veterinary hospital is beneficial, but not required
• The rabies prophylaxis series is highly recommended, and is required for working with rabies vector species such as foxes and raccoons. This vaccine may be covered by your personal health insurance.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Wildlife hospitals are often fast-paced, intense, and an emotional environment for staff, volunteers, and members of the public. The ideal candidate will be able to:

• Stand on a solid hard-surface floor for ~8 hours/day
• Stand, stoop, twist, walk, and lift large and potentially heavy kennels and other objects up to 25 pounds without support, and 50 pounds with support
• Capture, handle, and restrain sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals with the understanding that exposure to zoonosis, bites, scratches, and other potential injury is possible
• Prepare for exposure to allergens that are normally present in an environment containing animals and wildlife
• Demonstrate understanding that Think Wild is a drug-free, smoke-free environment

Learning Outcomes

Throughout the duration of the internship, the student will:

• Experience the fulfillment of directly impacting the lives of injured and orphaned wildlife
• Learn the process of wildlife rehabilitation
• Gain a unique experience working with wildlife and the people impacting their conservation
• Work in an environment that encourages learning and skill development
• Network and become familiar with the field of wildlife conservation 
• Completion of an internship project delegated to you by the director of rehabilitation

EEO Policy

It is the policy of Think Wild to afford equal volunteer opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.

Compensation

• $1000 stipend to cover living expenses
• Uniform (one set of scrubs, t-shirt, and hat)
• Letter of Recommendation upon request

Additional COVID-19 safety protocols & guidelines 

Face coverings: Masks, face shields and face coverings are currently optional for indoor and outdoor public spaces.

Physical distancing: Whenever possible, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and staff/interns/volunteers/the public. Cleaning protocols: Additional sanitation protocols are now in place. Staff will go over this on shift. 

COVID Vaccine: Required for all internship participants

If you are sick, stay home! Think Wild reserves the right to revise or cancel the internship program at any time in compliance with Oregon Health Authority guidelines.