The Wildlife Center’s preceptorship programs offer training opportunities to students and others interested in learning about wildlife rehabilitation.   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 job description.  The application deadline for summer positions is March 1^st.  Summer 2012 preceptorship applications are available.   Please email outreach@wildlifecenter.org with any questions. 

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 college students or those who are working).  For more information, please read our fall/spring animal caretaker preceptorship description.  Fall/Spring 2012 applications  Please email outreach@wildlifecenter.org with any questions.  Application deadlines: Fall preceptorships, June 15^th; Spring preceptorships, November 15th.

Please visit our Volunteer page for information about other ways to volunteer.

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