Wildlife Care Technician

Animal Pathways

                             Animal Behavior

                            & Training

**Wildlife Care Technician Internship applications for Fall 2024 are now open.**

Internship Description: Wildlife Interns assist our wildlife staff in the caretaking of over 3,000 wildlife animals that Anderson Humane rescues and rehabilitates each year. We believe experience is the best teacher. Interns are trained by our three licensed wildlife rehabilitators in the daily caretaking of our wildlife residents and the administrative and operational tasks of our wildlife department. Interns also observe and assist our rehabilitators as they triage incoming wildlife animals in need and provide routine medical care to recovering patients. Anderson interns spend their season rotating through five main wildlife areas (in South Elgin and Elburn, IL), spending about two weeks in each, developing a thorough, and well-rounded intern experience.  Prior animal care experience is helpful but not necessary.

Duties & Responsibilites: Interns will engage in a variety of areas including, but not limited to:

• Daily feeding of a variety of wildlife animals, newborns to adults.

• Keeping the wildlife areas clean and sanitized, as well as dishes and laundry duties

• Assisting the public with and completing our wildlife animal intake process

• Assisting staff with various “hands-on” wildlife care and medical duties and responsibilities which may include cases of illness and trauma

• Performing supervised medical tasks such as fluid therapy, wound care, and injections.

• Assisting our Wildlife Allies Manager with wildlife rescues and humane wildlife animal exclusions from homes and public areas.

• Updating medical data and patient records into software database

• Communicating patient status and/or concerns to Anderson’s Rehabilitation and Veterinary staff

• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Candidate Requirements:

• Required attendance for an online program orientation and multiple in-person training sessions.

• Interns must be at least 16 years old.

• Pay the $30.00 Internship Fee which includes an Anderson Humane Intern tee and nametag.

• High comfort level learning new computer software; ability to enter data efficiently with accuracy.

• Physical ability and willingness to work with and handle wildlife (and domestic) animals of all temperaments and species; training is provided.

• Effective time management skills; can multi-task and redirect efforts when priorities change.

• Asks appropriate questions in an effort to gather pertinent information.

• Communicates clearly in verbal and written form; superior interpersonal communication skills exuding warmth and inclusion.

• Models professional behavior; remains calm and pleasant to diffuse stressful or high-emotion situations.

  Internship Schedule: Our internships are unpaid and require a commitment of at least 150 hours per season, around 15 – 30 hours per week. On-site housing and stipend are not provided. Interns must select an option for their typical weekly schedule. These options are available strictly on a first-come first-serve basis and do fill up quickly.

  • Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

  • Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

  • Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

  • Monday, Thursday, Saturday

  • Tuesday, Friday, Sunday

  • Saturday, Sunday, Choice of weekday

  Location: Internships takes place on-site at our animal shelter in South Elgin, IL and rehabilitation center at in Elburn, IL.

  Reports to: Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager

Internship Description: Interns participating in Anderson Humane’s “Pathways” program will engage with our Animal Intake, Animal Care, and Animal Foster departments to follow an animal’s journey from homeless to healthy and safe. Anderson Humane accepts thousands of animals in need each year from unsafe situations, overcrowded shelters, and off the streets. Our goal is to ensure the success of every animal that walks through our doors. Interns will have the opportunity to select one animal pre-intake and create a plan for them from arrival to adoption, predicting their path and potential challenges.

Duties & Responsibilites: The Animal Pathways Intern reports to the Intake and Foster Manager and participates in a variety of activities including, but not limited to:

• Earning your certification in Fear Free Shelters methods

• Assess submissions of prospective transport animals and assist with screening

• Participate in dog and cat transports from partner shelters

• Handle new animals during intake assessments and vaccinations

• Record medical histories and determine medical needs on arrival

• Assist in foster coordination and placement

• Participate in the daily care of dogs and cats

• Provide enrichment and socialization to in-house animals

Candidate Requirements:

• A genuine interest in, and desire to learn more about animal welfare

• A basic understanding of dog and cat body language and behavior

• At least 18 years old with a valid Driver’s License for authorization in our Vehicle Safety Program

• Sense of comfort and ease handling domestic animals with possible health and/or behavior issues

• Effective time management skills with the ability to multi-task and redirect efforts when priorities change

• Basic typing and computer skills for data entry

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing

• Models professional behavior; remains calm and pleasant to diffuse stressful or high-emotion situations; asks appropriate questions in an effort to gather pertinent information

•  Superior interpersonal communication skills exuding warmth and inclusion

• Ability and desire to work with the public

Internship Schedule:  Internships are unpaid and require a minimum commitment of 100 hours, or 12 – 20 hours per week over a 3- to 6-month timeframe.

Location: Internships takes place on-site at our animal shelter in South Elgin, IL.

Reports to: Intake and Foster Manager

Internship Description: IAnderson Humane’s Volunteer Engagement team is currently accepting applications for unpaid internships from team-players who have a passion for animals and for supporting those whose positive contributions further our mission. Volunteer Engagement Interns are managed by our Volunteer Engagement Manager and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. Our dynamic Volunteer Engagement program provides vital support across the organization from donor development, domestic animal care, veterinary services, and adoptions to community outreach, wildlife care, and beyond. Our volunteers are crucial to the seamless operation of every facet of Anderson Humane.

Duties & Responsibilites: The Volunteer Engagement Interns engage in a variety of activites including, but not limited to:

• Volunteer Training Sessions, and Anderson Humane events

• Maintain a seamless workflow for volunteer onboarding

• Assist in caring for wildlife and domestic animals

• Provide guidance and support to volunteers

• Maintain volunteer schedules

• Engage with prospective and current volunteers

• Maintain and update the volunteer database

• Manage general email boxes and ensuring prompt responses

Candidate Requirements:

• A genuine interest in, and desire to learn more about animal welfare

• Enjoyment having animals, like dogs, cats, and wildlife in the workplace (training is provided)

• Effective time management skills: can multi-task and redirect efforts when priorities change

• Basic computer skills for data entry

• High level of ease and confidence learning new technology, like Google Suite and shelter volunteer software

Internship Schedule:  Internships are unpaid and require a minimum commitment of 100 hours, or 15 – 30 hours per week over a 3 month timeframe.

Location: Internships take place on-site at our animal shelter in South Elgin, IL, with occasional visits to other Anderson Humane locations in Bloomingdale, North Aurora, and Elburn, IL.

Reports to: Volunteer Engagement Manager

Internship Description: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Training and Behavior Intern to help us enhance the lives of shelter animals by creating and carrying out behavior modification programs and enrichment plans that are as unique as they are. Our work focuses on giving each animal in our program the tools they need to have the best chance of success in their adoptive homes. While the primary focus of training will be with our dogs, there may be a few cats to focus on as well.

This internship offers a rewarding opportunity to sharpen your skills in reading animal behavior, learn new strategies to solve common animal behavior issues, and see how your commitment positively impacts the lives of animals that need our help.

Duties & Responsibilites: The Training and Behavior Intern will report to the Training and Behavior Program Manager and participate in a variety of activities including, but not limited to:
The daily care of the cats and dogs residing in the shelter.

• Providing enrichment activities and socialization to Anderson Humane’s animals.

•  Identifying and communicating behavioral observations of shelter animals.

• Assist the Training and Behavior team with daily training sessions and record keeping of “All-Star” animals.

• Assist Anderson Humane’s Trainers with weekly group training classes.

• Enhancing your proficiency in methods and techniques for training and behavior modification.

• Working alongside staff and volunteers when required.

• Contributing to ongoing projects with the Training and Behavior Team such as creating resources for clients, puppy socialization program, and additional enrichment opportunities for the shelter animals.

• Assisting at events and meetings as needed.

Candidate Requirements:

• Genuine interest in, and desire to learn more about animal welfare

• Current enrollment in (or a recent graduate of) an educational program in a related field

• All applicants will need to become Shelter Fear Free certified and adhere to LIMA based training practices.

• Basic understanding of dog and cat body language and behavior

• Flexibility; can multi-task and redirect efforts when priorities change

• Be proactive and work independently with ability to prioritize, stay organized, and keep a great attention to detail

• Basic computer skills for data entry

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely

• Ability and desire to work with the public

Internship Schedule: Internships are unpaid and require a minimum commitment of 100 hours, or 15 – 20 hours per week over a 3 – 6-month timeframe.

Location: Internships take place on-site at our animal shelter in South Elgin, IL; regularly scheduled training classes require visits to St. Charles and Streamwood, IL.

Reports to: Training and Behavior Program Manager

Internship Description: Anderson Humane’s Development department is currently accepting applications for unpaid internships from enthusiastic team players who have a passion for animal welfare and making a difference in the lives of animals. Our Development Interns gain valuable experience in non-profit donor development and directly contribute to the growth and success of our organization by supporting our fundraising efforts. Ideal candidates are proactive and able to work independently, but also take direction from our Chief Executive Officer and Director of Corporate Partnerships. This internship emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships with donors, a crucial aspect of successful fundraising in a non-profit organization.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Development Interns will engage in a variety of activities including, but not limited to:

• Assist with researching potential donors, sponsors, and grant opportunities

• Help to maintain and update donor databases and records

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns

• Assist in creating fundraising materials and donor communications

• Collaborating with the development team to identify and implement fundraising strategies

• Contribute to donor cultivation efforts to build and strengthen donor relationships

• Conduct market research to identify trends and best practices in animal welfare fundraising

• Providing administrative support to the development team as needed

Candidate Requirements:

•  Passion for animal welfare and a strong commitment to our organization’s mission

• Current enrollment in (or a recent graduate of) an educational program in a related field

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong research and organizational skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite; experience in donor management software is a plus

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines

Internship Schedule:  Internships are unpaid and require a minimum commitment of 100 hours, or 12 – 20 hours per week over a 3- to 6-month timeframe.

Location: Internships takes place on-site at our administrative offices in St Charles, IL.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer & Director of Corporate Partnerships.