Wildlife Shelter, Inc.

Interns are an integral part of the success WSI (Wildlife Shelter, Inc.) has achieved. We are the primary resource for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee area for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife. WSI is a nonprofit corporation and was established in 1988. Located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe in the community of Homewood, we are at an altitude of over 6,000 feet and surrounded by forest and alpine wilderness. We are licensed by California Department of Fish and Game, and supported by 11 local veterinarians. Our facilities consist of a library, clinic, small laboratory, caging, large outdoor aviary, and two large compounds. Onsite accommodations are available to interns at no charge. Overlapping rotation sets will offer students the opportunity to benefit from the overall experience of their predecessor. The educationally rewarding experience is a twelve-week program packed with either a two hundred fifty or five hundred-hour on-site routine for a well-organized self-starter who will learn species specific needs, patient treatments, diet and enclosure evaluations, and facility management and maintenance training.
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Only seven positions are available
over a twelve-month cycle.

• January through March – 1 student (200 hours/$3,000)
• April through June – 1 student (200 hours/$3,000)
• June through September - 2 students (400 hours/$6,000 each)
• August through October – 2 students (200 hours/$3,000 each)
• October through December – 1 student (200 hours/$3,000)

Three field trips are required for each position in addition to a ten-page college level report on individual WSI experiences and a three-page critique. The time required to complete the field trips and reports is not eligible for inclusion in the volunteer hours. Schedules are set as six on and one off. Hours of obligation are adjusted according to patient needs. Available credits to be earned vary from one to fifteen in accordance with University policy.

Scholarships are awarded to the student's University after successful program completion within 90 days.

Description of Duties

Every intern enjoys a hands-on approach while experiencing on-the-job training consisting of :

• Observation of DVM surgical procedures
• Participation in avian, mammal, and reptile care, including -
• Medical
• Triage
• Emergency first aid
• Microscopic examinations
• Treatment and injections
• Patient needs
• Behavior
• Diet
• Housing
• Cleaning and maintaining healthy habitats for our patients
• Fund raising, group presentations, and public service.
• College credit can normally be arranged through your school.

Challenges

A chance to learn and develop good work habits in an established facility handling many different varieties of wildlife from large to small.

Requirements

Application Paperwork

A. Letter of Intent

1. Start and Finish Dates (minimum 12 week stay is suggested between May and October for the greatest value in hands-on experience with clinic operations )
2. Minimum Hours Intended to Volunteer
3. Willingness to Do What Must Be Done
4. Agreement to Sign:
1. Hold Harmless Agreement
2. Acknowledgement of Volunteerism (all scholarship monies applied for will be forfieted if program not completed to the last day to the satisfaction of the Executive Director
5. Agreement to Comply:
• With Assigned Schedule
• Clinic & Property Restrictions
• Record Keeping
• Professional Appearance & Attitude
• With 3-5 Fieldtrip Requirements
6. Agreement to Submit:
1. Proof of Insurance
2. Proof of Innoculations
• Tetanus (Current)
• Pre-Rabies
3. 10 pg College Level Final Paper
4. 3 pg College Level Critique
5. All Field trip Reports

B. Transcripts For Last 2 Semesters

C. Letters of Recommendation

1. One From Science Professor
2. Two From Other Sources (ie: employee)

Expectations

• Maintain a Healthy LifeStyle
• Show Up Early
• Leave Late
• Maintain Legible, Accurate Records
• Professional Presence at All Times
• Keep All Scheduled Appointments
• Know What You Don't Know
• Protect and Maintain WSI Property
• Provide Your Level Best Service To
  All Patients, the Public, and Our Community

Information
For more information, please contact Director Constance Stevens through email, or by snail mail or phone.

Click here to fill out an application online.