Facility

Black Pine Animal Sanctuary

Closing Date

Description

The Exotic Animal Care Internship program is an immersive, unparalleled learning opportunity that enables college students and graduates to gain broad practical experience as integral members of the sanctuary team. The sanctuary is home to nearly 100 wildcats, bears, wild canines, reptiles, primates, birds, and various other mammals. These residents reside here for the REST of their lives. The sanctuary is also an educational facility that offers a wide variety of programs for members of the public, schools, and more, and manages an on-site retail store. Black Pine does not buy, sell, breed, trade, or exploit animals for the sake of entertainment. This is a “no direct contact” facility; there is no dangerous interaction with potentially dangerous animals.

​

Animal care interns carry out animal husbandry tasks, safe animal enrichment activities, and will collaborate with the veterinary team to provide treatment for illnesses and/or injuries, and assist all members of the paid staff with housekeeping, light maintenance, public relations, and more.
Requirements:
At least 18 years old with valid driver’s license**

Minimum commitment of 10 weeks on site to complete a minimum of 400 hours of service

Available to work weekdays and some weekend days, holidays & possibly evenings

Be able to lift up to 30 pounds

Able to stand/walk for extended periods of time

Able and willing to read and follow verbal and written work instructions and work independently

Able and willing to work in an environment where exposed to animals, animal by-products, animal carcasses (feed), dirt, excrement, unpleasant smells, and possibly noisy conditions

Willing to assist with administrative, customer relations, and housekeeping tasks as well as animal care

Able to commit to upholding all safety and personnel policies, and support the overall non-profit mission

Must provide proof of tetanus/booster shot within past seven years and a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test result

​

**Black Pine prefers participants have their own transportation, however arrangements may be made for carpooling with local staff members. If transportation is a challenge, please disclose the need when applying for a position.

Internship applications are accepted year-round with start and end dates to be determined on a case by case basis.

Education and Pre-requisites

For currently enrolled students or recent graduates pursuing a degree in animal related fields.
Previous exotic experience preferred, but not required.

Compensation and benefits

Free housing available for up to 4 interns, if needed.

Application instructions

Complete application on our website: https://www.bpsanctuary.org/internships
Submit cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation.