Facility

The Wildcat Sanctuary

Closing Date

Description

The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) seeks highly motivated, dedicated, and passionate individuals interested in gaining experience in all aspects of captive wild animal care and husbandry. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, and the opportunity to provide the ultimate care for our rescued felines, this may be the internship for you.

TWS is a rescue organization that is home to over 100 wild cats. Our mission is to provide a natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspire change to end the captive wildlife crisis. We are an accredited, non-profit sanctuary nestled between the beautiful lakes, fields and forests in rural Sandstone, Minnesota, conveniently located between Duluth and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Our goal is to provide a well-rounded experience in the animal welfare field and teach our interns what it takes to be a carnivore caretaker, while educating them about the sanctuary field and the captive wildlife crisis. Interns will gain valuable experience from exotic feline husbandry, habitat construction and modification, diet preparation, enrichment, grounds keeping, emergency response, leading volunteer workdays and more!

Education and Pre-requisites

At least six months of previous animal care experience (sanctuaries, zoos, rehabilitation, domestic animal shelters, animal hospitals/clinics, other internships, etc.) and/or college study in the fields related to zoology, animal science, biology, animal psychology, veterinary sciences, etc.
High school diploma is required. College courses are preferred. A college degree is not required.
Hold a valid driver’s license
Provide their own mode of transportation to TWS
Provide your own health insurance
Current tetanus vaccination required
In good physical condition: Able to kneel, stoop, bend, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, and walk on uneven terrain. Ability to consistently lift 60 pounds. Comfortable on ladders, using power tools, and operating lawn equipment.
Work in all weather conditions (rain, snow, wind) and during weather extremes (hot and cold)
Work 8-10-hour shifts, 6 days per week, including weekends, holidays and over nights.
Comfortable driving SUV/ Cargo Van (or willingness to learn)
Fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication)
Positive attitude and good working in a team environment
Must be able to multi-task and be flexible in a work environment
No allergies around animals that would preclude you from living or working with cats

Compensation and benefits

$50 week stipend and FREE onsite housing

Application instructions

Applications are received year-round. Preference will be given to applications received prior to the deadline, however any applications received after the deadline may be considered if positions are still open.

NOTE: TWS is not accepting international applicants at the time.

Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter and a copy of your driver’s license, with this completed application to P.O Box 314 Sandstone, MN 55072 or email the information to elysed@wildcatsanctuary.org. If emailing the document, please try and send the combined files in pdf format.

Resume – Please be sure to include the following:

Any paid or volunteer experience with animals- native wildlife, domestic, or exotic – add in contact information for supervisor where possible
Any experience working with the public or large groups
Any other experience that you feel may be relevant in consideration for this internship
Three professional (preferred) or academic references from individuals, not related to you, with complete contact information
Cover letter – Please be sure to include the following:

Explanation of previous experience that would be valuable to TWS
What your career goals are for the future and how this internship will help you attain your future career goals