About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

The Sharon Audubon Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship provides an opportunity to learn about native Connecticut animal species in a hands-on, rehabilitation clinic setting with sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife to an individual with a demonstrated interest in conservation, wildlife medicine and the natural world. This wildlife rehabilitation clinic focuses on birds, primarily songbirds, as well as small numbers of raptors, native reptiles and mammals. The intern will obtain extensive experience hand-rearing and developing outreach content on Chimney Swifts, a conservation priority species in the rehabilitation clinic.

Topics that will be focused on are species identification, natural history, behavior, proper husbandry, enrichment techniques, animal handling, pre-release evaluation, record keeping, volunteer management and training, as well as basic and intermediate medical skills including tube-feeding, medication administration, fluid therapy, physical examinations, wound management, bandaging and splinting, and more.

This is a high intensity position requiring the person to work efficiently at a fast pace. This position will require the intern to be standing for long periods, to engage in constant physical activities such as enclosure cleaning, in repetitive activities such as baby bird feeding, and have the ability to be flexible in the ever-changing atmosphere of a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.

• Length of Internship: May 26, 2026 – September 8, 2026.

• Hours: 35 per week

This position is classified as on-site at Sharon Audubon Center in Sharon, CT.

Onsite housing is provided and is required for this position.

Only applications submitted with a cover letter will be considered

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives

At the culmination of the internship the intern will be able to:

• Professionally and efficiently interface with the public during admitting patients, rescues, and fielding phone calls.

• Correctly identify common native bird species.

• Demonstrate their ability to assess physical conditions upon examination and treat many of the common injuries presented in wildlife such as broken bones, head trauma, emaciation, and cat bites as well as raising orphaned young birds.

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of birds.

• Correctly calculate and administer fluid therapy and medications.

• Triage in emergency situations.

• Properly handle and restrain patients.

• Understand the physiological response of stress in wildlife patients.

• Identify and develop proper husbandry plans for the variety of species admitted into care based on the natural history of the animal.

• Identify proper release criteria.

• Lead the five-day long Teen Rehabilitation Internship Program (T.R.I.P.) summer camp (including developing content and schedule).

• Assist in the development and presentation of skill training workshops for volunteers and apprentices.

• Assist in the development of education and outreach content on Chimney Swift and bird rehabilitation and conservation

• Data entry and record keeping

Internship Benefits

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Assisting with volunteer supervision and training, taking the lead on training initiatives

• Contribute to our development of Standard Operating Procedures and contribute to the Sharon Audubon Center’s multiple social media platforms.

• The intern may assist in educational programming with resident educational animals if needed.

• The intern will be working under the Wildlife Rehabilitation staff at the Sharon Audubon Center, working alongside, training supervising volunteers and at times working self-guided.

• Development of education and outreach content regarding our conservation work with Chimney Swifts and other bird species

• Intern is required to live on-site in available housing.

Intern Schedule
This internship is being offered for 15 weeks at 35 hours per week. The daily schedule will include evening and weekend shifts, and may include day shifts.

Projected Start Date

Our summer internship is expected to run from May 26, 2026 – September 8, 2026 (exact dates may be flexible within reason).

Qualifications and Experience

• Undergraduate degree or currently majoring in natural science, veterinary clinic experience or other science-related field required.

• Excellent work ethic, enthusiasm, commitment, flexibility, initiative, a desire to learn required. Must be a team player.

• Must be a "go-getter" able to make decisions when working independently and work graciously with others.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must have own laptop to use for internship work.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and engage in consistent physical activities.

• Experience using social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram

• Prior experience with handling wildlife and/or animal medicine is highly desirable.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.