UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP: The Bird Center of Washtenaw County is currently recruiting student interns for the upcoming summer... Apply by:

Summer Internships Available At The Bird Center of Washtenaw County

The Bird Center of Washtenaw County, Inc. is seeking paid and unpaid interns for late April or early May through August 2013.  The Center is located in the Ann Arbor Area.  We are currently accepting applications. Interviews will be held through March 22, 2013 (earlier is better), with hiring decisions made before April 1, 2013. For an application or more information, call (734) 973-9579 and leave a message or e-mail birdcenter@comcast.net. Previous animal experience desired, but not necessary.

In 2012, we admitted over 1000 birds of approximately 65 different species.  We handle songbirds and provide emergency care for waterfowl and wading birds. Raptors are given emergency care and sent to other rehabilitators.  Interns will be supervised by Carol Akerlof who holds both Michigan DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife permits for rehabilitation of birds as well as trained supervisors who have taken courses in rehabilitation from national organizations.   

We will pay funded interns at the minimum wage of $7.40 per hour.  Funded interns work a 36.25 hour week and have two days off.  Unfunded interns work a 20 hour week.  Shifts for interns will be 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. for one shift and 1:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the later shift.  Usually an intern would work one shift per day.  This is a four month commitment.  We operate seven days a week.  There is a one week probationary period. 

Duties of Interns:

Feeding baby birds of many different species.

Teaching fledglings to self feed on natural food items (this includes mealworms).

Cleaning of bird housing and the center.

Administering medications and other treatments to injured birds.

Answering telephone calls from the public in a professional manner (we will train you).

Accepting birds from the public and obtaining the legally required information.

Possibly going out on rescue missions.

Possibly taking birds to veterinarians.

A bit of what you will learn:

Bird anatomy

Proper housing and diets for various species and how to feed them

Signs of illness in birds, starvation, head injuries, etc.

How to check for possible fractures

How to measure and administer medications

How to weigh and handle birds

Interns must be in good health, not pregnant, at least 18 years of age, and have a healthy immune system.  Non-smokers are desired. This will be another exciting summer, please join us! Volunteer opportunities are also available for those unable to commit to an internship.