Essential Duties

• Focus on wildlife husbandry, nutrition, capture and restraint.
• Set up and clean animal enclosures.
• Laundry, dishes and general cleaning tasks.
• Maintain accurate wildlife medical records.
• Learn and comply with all vAWH health and safety policies and procedures.
• Learn and understand the natural history of native Florida Wildlife.
• Interact with the general public, volunteers, staff, managers and other internship participants in a professional manner.
• Be knowledgeable about and clearly communicate the Conservancy’s mission.
• Perform other tasks as required that align with the Intern Program training and educational goals. 

Related Duties

• Other duties assigned may include collaboration and interaction with the Conservancy Marketing department to create  promotional videos or engaging  with Conservancy donors promoting  endowment projects.

Qualifications

Applicant must be a college graduate with a science-based degree and be able to commit to a minimum of six months.

Skills and Abilities: 

Interns must be self-motivated, have effective time management skills, and be willing to work long hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed. Interns must be able to work independently as well as part of a team and have a sincere interest in working with wildlife. Attention to detail, initiative, and a strong desire to learn are required. Interns must record patient information accurately, have an average knowledge of mathematics, perform multi-stage tasks efficiently, and listen to and retain shared information in a fast-paced environment. A strong work ethic and positive attitude are essential for success in the program. needed. Ability to read and interpret medical setting documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before the public or employees of the organization. Perform physically demanding tasks such as carrying animals of varied weights and crates and rigorous outdoor tasks such as thoroughly cleaning large outdoor enclosures in varied Florida climates. 

Basic Skills:  Ability to understand basic math to complete necessary duties and tasks (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages) Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, visual diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work outside, in Florida climate up to four hours during fluctuating temperatures including  hot, humid, rainyand  high bug activity, weather-related conditions.  

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Intern to successfully perform the essential functions as described.. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:  While performing the duties of this training program, the Intern is required to see without obstruction, distances both near and far, The intern is occasionally required to reach with hands, arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and crawl.  The Intern is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to grip, finger, handle or feel.  The Intern is frequently required to talk or hear.  The Intern must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.  Special vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and depth perception. 

Work Environment: The intern is regularly exposed to hot, humid, and wet Florida weather conditions, often facing high bug activity  weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. There are occasional long work hours during the busy season, holidays and weekends.

The Conservancy is a drug free and smoke free, equal opportunity workplace.

$300 bi-weekly cost of living stipend and dorm accommodation, including laundry, provided.

Applications received at this time will be considered for internship placements available in the Summer term (May–June).

This position will primarily focus on Wildlife Rehabilitation
Interested candidates can start at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist I or II level based on qualifications and experience.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist I: Minimum two years college or veterinary technician school with a focus in wildlife biology, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum one year of related experience or internship.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist II: Minimum two years college or veterinary technician school with a focus in wildlife biology, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of three years of wildlife rehabilitation experience, encompassing initial care, basic laboratory/radiology procedures, and animal care/nutrition.

Responsibilities
• Wildlife Rehabilitation:
o Conducts rehabilitation techniques.
o Admits and evaluates patients, and collaborates with veterinarian on diagnoses and patient treatment plans.
o Carries out treatment plans, provides re-checks and husbandry requirements for patients recovered from illness and injury progressing through the rehab process.
o Evaluates recovery progress and provides input regarding readiness for release according to detailed criteria approved by staff vet and rehabilitation manager.
o Assists in feeding or arranging for the feeding of hospital wildlife 365 days/year.
o Provides behavioral enrichment program for wildlife patients.
• Training and Supervision:
o Supervises and trains Conservation Associates (interns) and volunteers.
o Provides training regarding euthanasia protocols to new staff and Conservation Associates.
• Emergency Services:
o Provides on-call emergency service as scheduled.
o Varied scheduled work shifts.
o Performs euthanasia of wildlife, and provides input to senior staff for decision making in the vAWH.
• Administrative and Organizational Support:
o Assists in day-to-day operations of the hospital.
o Monitors supply inventory and records items needed to ensure supply levels are properly maintained.
o Adheres to protocols required to maintain DEA license.
o Assists in reporting receipt of threatened species to comply with state and federal permitting requirements.
o Assists with special projects and new programs, as directed by the supervisor.
o Maintains wildlife patient information and records, inputting them into a computer database
o Assists in the maintenance and enhancements of the physical hospital including outside enclosures.
o Assists with vAWH intern program, including trainings, evaluations, supporting intern engagement, and identifying intern retention opportunities.

• Communication and Public Relations:
o Effectively handles telephone inquiries, people who rescue wildlife, sensitive issues, distraught people, hostile people, etc.
o Occasionally develops and conducts Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital educational programs.

Skills and Abilities
• Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting business periodicals, journals, technical procedures, and regulations.
• Strong report writing and business correspondence skills.
• Effective presentation and communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Competence in applying mathematical concepts including probability, statistics, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Application of mathematical concepts to practical situations, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Problem-solving skills for addressing non-standardized situations.
• Interpretation of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Excellent communication skills and adept at managing multiple priorities continuously.

Education and Experience
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and wildlife rehabilitation practices, including animal care and nutrition.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds and interests.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience with public speaking.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs; experience with Microsoft 365 suite preferred.
• Strong commitment to the conservation of biodiversity, environmental quality, and natural resources.
The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Rabies Pre-exposure vaccine series.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:

• Regularly required to sit, stand and walk.
• Standing for extended periods while performing various tasks.
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions, during all-weather types.
• Use of hands for various tasks.
• Visual abilities include close and color vision, along with peripheral and depth perception.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary Range:
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist I: Range commensurate upon experience - $46,000 
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist II: Range commensurate upon experience - $49,500

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Date Posted: February 17, 2026 

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

For more than 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, wildlife and future of our five-county area.

Are you ready to jumpstart your environmental career in one of the most unique and biodiverse regions of the country? Join us at the Conservancy located in beautiful Southwest Florida for an unforgettable summer internship experience in Environmental Education! This is more than just an internship - it’s a chance to train alongside passionate environmentalist and a dynamic Education Department, dedicated to inspiring change. You will gain hands-on experience with native wildlife and immerse yourself in the wonders of Florida’s ecosystems, all while building a strong professional foundation that will serve you for years to come. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is thriving, future-focused, and rooted in a mission to protect and educate.

Description 

The Summer Environmental Education internship opportunity offered at the Conservancy starts in May and runs through August, approximately 3-4 months of the year. This rewarding opportunity provides the selected intern with a valuable experience in environmental education, proper animal handling, and effective presentation of summer programs to audiences. The intern will also gain extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems and how conservation and climate change impacts our local region.

The Summer Environmental Education intern will be an integral part of the Education team at the Conservancy, helping to bring environmental awareness to our local community through educational outreach. This Summer internship is an excellent opportunity to expand foundational knowledge and develop expertise in the areas of environmental education and public speaking skills, essential for a professional career within the Environmental Education field.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida provides interns accepted into the program with a $300 bi-weekly cost of living stipend and offers shared living accommodations in our newly constructed, beautiful dorm building conveniently nestled on campus with quick access to shopping and Naples beaches. Dorm space is limited to availability per term. Dorm amenities include the following at no cost to the intern: pin-pad entry to designated spaces, food-prep, storage and dining space, on-site laundry facilities, donation of cleaning supplies and designated parking for interns.

Essential Duties

The Summer Environmental Education Interns assist with deliver of environmental education programs at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for audiences of all ages, including presentation of live animals as scheduled during Summer programs. The Summer programs include but are not limited to scheduled outreach programs, public talks off-site, and the Learning Adventures Bus. Interns will also assist the Education Department in the development of creative and engaging, audience appropriate, program content and materials as needed. 

Work and Training Environment

• Willingness to properly handle Conservancy Ambassador Animals (as appropriate). Animals include: reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians, or other ambassador animals housed by the Conservancy.
• Apply excellent communication skills within the organization and during public speaking events.
• Ability to work with and professionally engage with audiences of all ages such as: community members, camp groups, volunteers, fellow interns, and Conservancy staff.
• Willing to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings shifts. 
• Ability to lift 20 pounds and work outdoors in unpredictable Florida climate; including hot summer temperatures, rainy weather, high humidity and occasional increased insect activity while outdoors. 

Education/Experience

• Applicant must possess a B.S. or B.A. degree in Science and/or Education
• Environmental Science/Ecology education or comparable background with a strong interest to work in a nature center and experience working with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Some teaching experience is preferable but not required.
• Animal handling is preferable but not required.

 We are looking for driven, curious, and compassionate individuals ready to grow with us and make a lasting impact. If you are passionate about the environment and eager to be part of something bigger than yourself, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. To apply, please submit your application and resume for review and consideration. 

Description 

The Environmental Education internship is a 5-month position that provides the candidate with a dynamic experience in environmental education, interpretation, animal handling, and special events. The intern will also gain extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems and how conservation and climate change impacts our region.

The Environmental Education intern will be an integral part of our Education team and bring environmental awareness to thousands of students and visitors through educational outreach. This is an excellent opportunity to learn educational, interpretive, and public speaking skills that will be essential for a professional career within the Environmental Education field.

 $300 bi-weekly cost of living stipend and dorm accommodation, including laundry, provided.

 Essential Duties

Interns will assist with and deliver environmental education programs for audiences of all ages and present live animals for these programs as needed. These programs include but are not limited to school field trips, afterschool programs, camps, Nature Center tours, daily public talks, and special events. Interns will also assist in development of program content and materials as needed.

 Work and Training Environment

• Willingness to handle (where appropriate) reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work with audiences of all ages (public visitors, school groups, volunteers, fellow interns, and staff).
• Willing and able to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings shifts.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds and work outdoors in hot, humid and sometimes buggy conditions. 

 Education/Experience

• Applicant must possess a BS or BA in science and/or education
• Environmental science/ecology, education or comparable background with a strong interest to work in a nature center and with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Some teaching experience is preferable but not required.
• Animal handling is preferable but not required.

 About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

For more 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, wildlife and future of our five-county area.

 Our Nature Center features a collection of indoor and outdoor exhibits, artifacts, and live animals curated to showcase Southwest Florida’s unique wildlife and habitats. The Nature Center experience includes state of the art hands-on exhibits and technology for all ages.