Why Join Us?
At the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, every day is an opportunity to make a difference. Our team is united by a love for wildlife and a commitment to protecting the natural world we share. Whether caring for injured animals, engaging with the community, or inspiring the next generation, every role here directly impacts both wildlife and people. If you’re passionate, dedicated, and eager to learn, we’d love to have you on our team.
Animal Care Intern
Explore the wonders of wildlife rehabilitation! Interns assist with the care and treatment of a wide range of native wildlife patients during our busy seasons with the goal of returning patients back to the wild where they belong. The Sanctuary is a busy, yet rewarding environment to work in. We look forward to hearing from you!
Application Instructions
Ensure you can commit to the requirements below before submitting an application. Do not call the sanctuary with questions regarding internships to allow our animal care staff to continue their work with their rehab patients and the public. Inquiries should be sent via email.
Applications may be submitted via email, mail (105 North S Street, Pensacola, Fl 32505), or dropped off at the sanctuary. You must include:
++ Animal Care Intern Application Form
++ Your Resume
++ Cover letter (describe career goals and how an internship at WSNWFL will assist)
++ Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a former employer or teacher)
++ Proof of current Tetanus shot
Applicant Requirements
++ 18 years or older
++ Priority is given to current students and recent graduates, but all may apply
++ Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently
++ Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks in a timely manner
++ Ability to work both independently and cohesively with volunteers, fellow interns, staff, and management
++ Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions
++ Ability to perform a variety of tasks including heavy lifting (up to 50lbs), climbing, and both indoor and outdoor cleaning
++ Positive attitude is a must
++ Minimum commitment of 10 weeks is required for full-time (30-40 hours per week), part-time positions are available on a limited basis with a longer commitment period (send scheduling questions via email)
++ Interns must have reliable transportation and provide their own housing
++ Internships are unpaid, but may be used for school credit if agreed upon with sanctuary before start date
Job Duties
- Cleaning tasks: laundry, dishes, sweeping, mopping, etc
- Answering phones and admitting new animals
- Public education
- Diet preparation (can include handling dead prey for raptors and other carnivore patients)
- Animal Care: handling and restraint of animals, feeding of orphaned wildlife, and assisting staff
- Medical care: assisting staff with evaluations and medication administrations, charting, and animal intakes
- Other tasks as needed
What to Expect
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for the Wildlife Sanctuary. During these months, we often receive 30-40 animals a day (3600 animals on average every year) and there is a lot of work involved in caring for these patients. Your primary role is to assist in the care of the wildlife patients, many of whom have been orphaned. This internship is fast paced and engaging both physically and mentally. You will be challenged on a daily basis and gain valuable knowledge in the wildlife rehabilitation field.
We thank you for your interest in our Internship Program. Please allow 5-10 business days for responses to applications, our staff is very busy year around with animal care.
Email to: [email protected]
Education + Outreach Intern
Explore the wonders of the conservation and nonprofit world by assisting with programs. Public and private events are essential to the sanctuary and allow our animal care staff to continue the amazing work that they do. Our goal is to foster community partnerships, public awareness and appreciation for wildlife, and plant the seeds for our region’s future conservation heroes. The Sanctuary is a busy, yet rewarding environment to work in. We do have two similar programs in education and outreach, one designed for collegiate students and recent graduates, another open to high school upperclassmen. Please specify which you are applying to when submitting an application.
Application Instructions
Ensure you can commit to the requirements below before submitting an application. Do not call the sanctuary with questions regarding internships to allow our animal care staff to continue their work with their rehab patients and the public. Inquiries should be sent via email.
Applications may be submitted via email, mail (105 North S Street, Pensacola, Fl 32505), or dropped off at the sanctuary. You must include:
++ Education and Outreach Intern Application Collegiate or Education Intern Application High School
++ Your Resume
++ Cover letter (describe career goals and how an internship at WSNWFL will assist)
++ Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a former employer or teacher)
++ Proof of current Tetanus shot
Applicant Requirements
++ 16 years or older with reliable transportation
++ Experience with, passionate about, or recently completed a degree in environmental science, biology, education, business, management, or related field
++ Interest in conservation, wildlife, and community engagement
++ Strong communication and public speaking skills (a must)
++ Experience working with children or in community education (a plus)
++ Responsible, respectful, and eager to learn + listen to peers
++ Organized, self-directed, and creative thinker
++ Able to work independently and as part of a team
++ Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions
++ Ability to work in close proximity to animals and follow organization guidelines (note: allergens present)
++ Positive attitude is a must
++ Minimum commitment of 10 weeks is required for full-time (hour negotiable), part-time positions are available on a limited basis with a longer commitment period (send scheduling questions via email)
++ Interns must provide their own housing
++ Internships are typically unpaid, but stipends may be available to exceptional applicants at completion (donor dependent), please discuss school credit options before start date
Job Duties
- Lead and support environmental education programs for diverse age groups
- Design and deliver public presentations and guided tours
- Coordinate and participate in outreach events and festivals
- Assist with curriculum development
- Develop content for social media, digital education platforms, and digital walking tours
- Collect and analyze data on program outcomes and audience engagement
- Complete an internship project
What to Expect
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for the Wildlife Sanctuary. During these months, we often receive 30-40 animals a day (3600 animals on average every year) and there is a lot of work involved in caring for these patients. Your primary role is to assist in the care of the wildlife patients, many of whom have been orphaned. This internship is fast paced and engaging both physically and mentally. You will be challenged on a daily basis and gain valuable knowledge in the nonprofit management field.
We thank you for your interest in our Internship Program. Please allow 5-10 business days for responses to applications, our staff is very busy year around with animal care.
Email to: [email protected]