Facility

California Wolf Center

Closing Date

Description

The California Wolf Center is a unique conservation center dedicated to the return of wild wolves to their natural habitat and to the people who share the landscape with them. We foster communities coming together to ensure wolves, livestock, and people thrive in today’s world. To fulfill our mission, we work closely with a large and diverse group of stakeholders. We have a strong presence throughout the Pacific West focusing on California wolf recovery and in the Southwest focusing on Mexican gray wolf recovery.

At our conservation center in Julian, CA, we host several packs of gray wolves. Many are potential release candidates as part of a Species Survival Plan, so we must keep them as wild as possible in order to give them the best chances for survival in the wild. As a result, we avoid any interaction with our resident wolves and ensure the minimum amount of human contact possible.

Interns will learn about animal husbandry, enrichment, behavioral observations, record keeping, and habitat maintenance. Interns will also obtain valuable skills in public speaking and education.

Interns will help with routine animal care, observations, food pickups, habitat maintenance, and educational tours.

Interns may help with ongoing research projects occurring at the center. Note: this is infrequent and should not be expected as a guaranteed part of the internship. Applicants are welcome to propose their own projects. However, the approval process can be time-intensive, so keep that in mind when applying. This is an optional component of the internship.

Education and Pre-requisites

Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be available 3 days per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday preferred), for 3 consecutive months
Must be currently enrolled in an educational program (university or otherwise) that relates to the internship (biology, animal behavior, or wildlife biology, for example)
Must provide your own transportation and housing
Must be in good physical condition and able to lift and carry 40 pounds
Must be able to work in extreme conditions including rain, snow and extreme temperatures
A valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and safe driving habits are required

Compensation and benefits

This is an unpaid internship. Interns can receive college credits for the internship. Interns and their family and friends can attend California Wolf Center tours for free. Interns receive a 30% discount in our gift shop.

Application instructions

To apply to the internship program, please submit a one to two page resume, one page cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to Heidi Pankratz, Director of Animal Care and Education at heidi@californiawolfcenter.org. Applications are accepted year-round, though typical start dates would be in February or March (Spring), May or June (Summer), August or September (Fall), or November or December (Winter). Please specify ideal start and end dates in the cover letter.