Wild Bird Fund Volunteer Requirements

We expect our volunteers and interns to follow all of the Wild Bird Fund’s Volunteer policies and procedures to maintain a high standard of volunteer service, create a safe environment for the animals and clients we serve, and provide you with a positive experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our volunteer coordinators at [email protected]

All prospective volunteers must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least 16 years old
• Up to date on tetanus shots
• Fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19
• Volunteers should be able to commit to four (4) hours per week for four (4) months
• Attend a Wild Bird Fund information session
• Submit a complete application
• Complete a four-hour training session
• Autumn and Spring Interns have the following requirements:
  • High School interns are required to complete 8 hours per week, for a total of 80 hours
  • College Undergraduate Interns are required to complete 10 hours per week, for a total of 100 hours
  • Graduate/Veterinary Interns are required to complete 15 hours per week, for a total of 150 hours total

Upon acceptance into the volunteer program, there is a $20 administrative fee to cover the costs of the program. This includes processing costs, issuance of your volunteer ID badge, an official WBF volunteer t-shirt, supplies, and your training sessions. Financial hardship scholarships may be available on a case-by-case basis and will be determined during the interview process.

Wild Bird Fund Volunteer Application Process

If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected] and provide the following information:

• Are you at least 16 years of age?
• Do you have an up-to-date (within 10 years) tetanus shot?
• Are you fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19?
• Can you commit to a 4-hour shift per week for a minimum of 4 months?
• Please tell us why you’d like to volunteer with us and detail any experience you have with wildlife, especially birds.

Note: We usually have a sizable waiting list, so please be patient. Response time is 1-2 weeks.

Volunteer Information Session

Note: Due to COVID, all information sessions are currently being help via Zoom.

Once your initial email questionnaire has been approved, you will receive an application and be invited to attend a volunteer information session. Volunteer information sessions are typically held once a month. Space is limited and is first-come, first-served, so please only request a spot if you are certain that you can attend, and are serious about your commitment to volunteering with us. These sessions typically last 1-2 hours.

Your First Volunteer Shift

Once you have completed the above steps, you are considered an active volunteer at WBF. You will be scheduled for a training shift and will receive your name badge and volunteer t-shirt. You can then sign up for volunteer shifts and participate in volunteer events and workshops.

Wild Bird Fund Common FAQs about our Volunteer Program

How long do I have to wait between applying and becoming a volunteer?

We typically ask volunteers to sign up for training shifts during the two weeks following the submission of your application. This process can sometimes take longer, depending on the number of new applicants.

I have a specific interest in learning one aspect of animal care, such as raptor handling. Can I train just for that task?

We believe that volunteers should be well-rounded in all aspects of animal care. You will learn to care for our many wild patients in a structured way, starting with hygiene, which is key to the success of any medical facility. During orientation you will hear about our Ladder of Learning, which describes the way in which you will gain new skills by building on previous tasks. We expect all volunteers to participate in keeping the center clean, but you will learn more advanced skills the longer you volunteer with us.

I do not wish to volunteer on-site at the center. Can I volunteer off-site only?

Off-site volunteer opportunities are limited and vary by the time of year and our current volunteer needs. If you wish to volunteer off-site only, please email us at [email protected] and let us know how you would like to volunteer, and we will tell you if we have any opportunities at the time. We are looking for off-site volunteers who already have some experience in their area of interest, e.g., grant writing, and we may ask for a resume depending on how you wish to volunteer.

If you wish to volunteer off-site ONLY, please do not sign up for an orientation date.

How do I become an intern?

We take a limited number of spring, summer, and autumn interns.  We are looking for interns who are pursuing a career in wildlife care, veterinary medicine, and similar paths. If you are looking to intern with us, consider starting as a volunteer, as this will give you an advantage when starting your internship.

I am afraid of working with a certain kind of bird, i.e. hawks and falcons. Can I still volunteer?

We expect all volunteers and interns to be able to work with and around pigeons, songbirds, and domestic fowl. You do not need to work with the larger birds such as hawks and herons, but we encourage all volunteers to stretch themselves. You may find that you feel differently once you are comfortable working with smaller species!

Do I have to clean cages to volunteer?

All volunteers, staff, and rehabbers participate in cleaning around the center. Cleanliness and hygiene are essential to successful wildlife rehabilitation.

What happens if I need to take a vacation or a long leave of absence from volunteering?

We understand that volunteers may occasionally need to take a break from volunteering. If you plan to take a leave of absence of a month or less, please email us to let us know how long you will be gone and when you plan to return. If you need to take a break for more than a month, we may need to ask you to attend a refresher training shift when you return. We ask that volunteers do not take a leave of absence during their first month of volunteering, as this is disruptive to your training and will make it difficult for you to pick up where you left off when you return. Please plan accordingly when you sign up for orientation.

About the Wild Bird Fund Internship Program

Note: Applications are due March 31, 2024.

An internship at the Wild Bird Fund offers the rare opportunity for hands-on learning and experience with NYC’s wildlife. The internship program is geared towards enthusiastic, committed students and recent graduates who are pursuing a career in wildlife care, wildlife biology, environmental studies, and veterinary medicine. At the Wild Bird Fund, interns will develop a well-rounded understanding of wildlife care and rehabilitation, including:

• The housing and feeding needs of many species of bird and mammal, from pigeons and squirrels to red-tailed hawks
• Safe handling techniques for creatures as small as a house sparrow and as large as a mute swan
• Essential medical care for injured and ill wildlife
• Key techniques for identifying bird species and their needs in captivity
• Conservation methods and habitat information essential for our patients who return to the wild
• Skills and knowledge vital to the running of a wildlife rehab center serving over 5,000 patients a year
• …and so much more!

In addition, interns will shadow wildlife rehabilitators, learning what it takes to care for injured and orphaned wildlife from the experts. WBF offers classes and workshops throughout the summer on topics like microscopy and lab work, animal nutrition, and bird migration science.

We offer three types of internship, based on your education level. Interns are encouraged to continue on as volunteers after their internships. Past interns have moved on to successful careers in wildlife biology and veterinary medicine. Some have become independent wildlife rehabbers, and some of our most successful interns join our team as staff members.

High School Juniors and Seniors
Our High School internship will help students develop basic wildlife care techniques, and is great for those who are exploring eventual careers in an animal care field. High school interns will learn animal husbandry, basic medical care, and baby bird feeding. Autumn and Spring High School interns are required to complete 8 hours per week, for 80 hours total.

College Undergraduates
Our Undergraduate internship is great for students who are actively pursuing an animal- or biology-focused curriculum. In addition to husbandry, medical care, and baby bird feeding, undergraduate interns will learn more intensive medical care techniques and will work with raptors and large waterfowl. Autumn and Spring College undergraduate interns are required to complete 10 hours per week, for 100 hours total.

Graduate/Veterinary Interns
Our Graduate/Veterinary internships focus on expanding the professional student’s knowledge and understanding of wildlife medicine. Interns at this level will works hands-on with rehabbers and veterinarians, and will assist with daily medical care, as well as general husbandry. Autumn and Spring Graduate/Veterinary Interns are required to complete 15 hours per week, for 150 hours total.

For High School and College internship programs and co-ops: The Wild Bird Fund works with many school programs throughout the metro area to help students prepare for careers in conservation, veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, and more.  Please email us at [email protected] to discuss the specific needs of your program.

Wild Bird Fund Internship Application Process

Note: Applications are due March 31, 2024.

If interested in an internship with us, please email a cover letter, a Statement of Purpose and a resume to [email protected]. Please note that spaces are limited.

The Statement of Purpose should be no more than 500 words, and should explain what you expect to achieve during your internship, and what your career goals are with regard to wildlife care.

If accepted, applicants will be invited to a 2-hour orientation and 4-hour training session. Orientations typically take place on Sunday, from 12-2pm. The training session can take place after orientation, or any time during the week after 12pm.

Applicants who are not accepted are encouraged to apply to volunteer with us. Volunteering is a great way to get more experience, and many of our volunteers go on to intern with us. Applicants are also welcome to re-apply for the next internship cycle.

For High School and College internship programs and co-ops: The Wild Bird Fund works with many school programs throughout the metro area to help students prepare for careers in conservation, veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, and more.  Please email us at [email protected] to discuss the specific needs of your program.

Wild Bird Fund Common FAQs about our Internship Program

Can I get school credit for this internship?

We are happy to help you get school credit for your internship, when possible.  The student is responsible for getting the necessary forms and paperwork to WBF.  We reserve the right not to sign off on school credit if the individual school’s requirements are deemed inappropriate for our internship program.  Students are encouraged to discuss earning school credit with their advisors and WBF prior to their internship’s start date.

Will I be paid for my internship?

WBF internships are unpaid.

Can I do more than the required number of internship hours?

Absolutely! The more time you spend at WBF, the more you will learn. You will have documentation of all of your hours at WBF, above and beyond the minimum.

What if I can’t commit to the minimum hours per week or minimum total?

If you cannot commit to the minimum hours per week or minimum total hours, you are encouraged to apply to volunteer. Interns who cannot meet the minimum may be asked to leave the program.

What if I have to go on vacation or take a short leave of absence?

If you are unable to fulfill your weekly commitment due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, we ask that you let us know via email. This will not count against your internship commitment, provided you are able to complete your minimum total number of hours. Likewise, if you need to leave for a full week or more, we ask for advanced notice, and that you consider your minimum commitment when planning your summer.

What kind of support can I expect?

WBF is committed to helping our interns learn and grow into their chosen career fields.  Staff members will be on site every day to oversee interns, answer any questions you may have, and teach you new skills.  Wildlife rehabilitators are generally available from 2-8pm. If you need to work directly with a veterinarian (i.e., as an application requirement for vet school), please let us know when you apply.

I don’t have any animal experience.  Should I still apply?

We welcome students of all experience levels to apply.  If you do not have prior animal experience, you can tell us how your other work experience might help you in our clinic.  Or, you can let us know about other relevant life experiences in your Purpose Statement or on your resume. At the end of the day, we are looking for commitment, an eagerness to learn new skills, and the ability to work hard.