The Wildlife Center’s preceptorship programs offer training opportunities to students and others interested in learning about wildlife rehabilitation and education.  Preceptorships are available with two areas of emphasis: Wildlife Rehabilitation (Animal Caretakers/Orphan Raisers) and Environmental Education.  Preceptorship students receive no salary; however, housing is may be available.

Wildlife Rehabilitation:  Animal Caretaker/Orphan Raiser Preceptorships

Each year the Wildlife Center admits about 2,500 patients – sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals in need of medical care.  The Animal Caretaker/Orphan Raiser preceptorship program gives in-depth, hands-on experience in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.  Lasting a minimum of eight weeks, preceptorships focus on animal husbandry, nutrition, capture and restraint methods, hand-feeding techniques for orphaned species, wildlife laws, and release criteria. 

All applicants must be self-motivated individuals with a sincere interest in working with wildlife and the ability to enthusiastically work long hours. Attention to detail, punctuality, initiative and a strong desire to learn are required, as well as at least two years of college or equivalent prior animal experience.

Summer preceptorships take place during an eight-week period in May-August, the Wildlife Center’s busiest time of year.  A large amount of responsibility will include feeding a wide variety of orphaned animals and monitoring their progress.  Students are trained and supervised by the rehabilitation staff.  Preceptors are also encouraged to develop a topic of research related to patients at the Center and, upon completion of the preceptorship, to share findings with the staff.  For more information, please read over our summer animal caretaker/orphan raiser preceptorship description.  The application deadline for summer positions is March 1^st.  Please check back in the fall for a summer 2011 application or email outreach@wildlifecenter.org.

Fall and spring preceptorships are much like the opportunities offered during the summer.  Because the WCV’s case load is lower in the fall and spring, there is also a significant research component to the preceptorship. Preceptors are expected to fully develop an area of research related to the field of wildlife rehabilitation, present findings to staff, and write a paper upon completion of the preceptorship. Fall/spring preceptors can commit to a full-time eight-week period, or may also complete a part-time twelve-week preceptorship (ideal for local students or those who are working).  For more information, please read our fall/spring animal caretaker preceptorship description.  2011 applications are available.  Please email outreach@wildlifecenter.org with any questions.  Application deadlines: Fall preceptorships, June 15^th; Spring preceptorships, December 1st.

Environmental Education Preceptorship (Summer)

Each year the Wildlife Center presents environmental education programs to thousands of children and adults. The preceptor will have the opportunity to enhance his or her knowledge of wildlife conservation and to gain experience in speaking to and interacting with the public. The preceptor will assist with presenting environmental education programs and hikes, designing and improving education programs, and creating education materials. The Education Department maintains a permanent collection of non-releasable raptors (owls, hawks, and eagles), reptiles (snakes and turtles), and opossums. The preceptor will receive training in the handling of raptors and reptiles, and will assist with animal care, cage maintenance, and environmental enrichment for education animals. Participation in office duties such as data entry, marketing and scheduling programs, maintaining records, and answering phones is also expected. A full-time commitment of 8-12 weeks is ideal. Application deadline is March 1.

Qualifications: Must be a self-motivated individual with a sincere interest in environmental education and conservation. Strong initiative, punctuality, professionalism, and attention to detail required. At least 2 years of college in a related field is preferred. Must be able to lift 30 pounds and have reliable transportation.

Please contact the Director of Environmental Education at 540-942-9453 or educationhr@wildlifecenter.org for an application.

Questions about other volunteer opportunities can be directed to
outreach@wildlifecenter.org.

Join us in making a real difference in wildlife conservation and the environment.