Description

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND Save Our Seabirds Inc. located on City Island in Sarasota, FL is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured birds. Our 130,000 square foot facility is home to approximately 250 birds consisting of over 30 species both native and exotic. On average, Save Our Seabirds, Inc. cares for 800 to 1000 birds each year admitting anywhere between 3 and 10 birds a day. With volunteer help, our non-profit organization successfully rehabilitates and releases up to 65% of the birds in our care. We also offer education regarding the adverse impacts of humankind on wild birds, provide Oiled Wildlife Response and Training, and continually develop and maintain a unique avian Surrogate Parenting Program. If you wish to learn more about S.O.S Inc. visit us at www.saveourseabirds.org. Please note that our web page content is in the process of updating. INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY Our internship program seeks enthusiastic college students who are passionate in both the medical and ecological aspects of wild bird studies. Interns will gain interactive experience in the identification, handling and treatment of injured birds. Treatment of various species includes engaging tasks such as tube feeding, administration of intravenous medication, and physical therapy. Interns will also have the exciting opportunity to work with birds that require fitting and replacement of their special prosthetic limbs designed by Kevin Carroll, creator of Winter's famous prosthetic tail. In addition to hospital duties, an in depth study of anatomy, physiology, behavior, and dietary needs of different species will be covered extensively throughout the internship. (These concepts play a vital role in many diagnoses and are an important underlying element in any veterinary practice.) Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in our rescue response team and avian surrogate parenting program. INTERN COMPENSATION - Letter of recommendation (upon successful completion of internship) - Valuable resume and volunteer experience - Preparation for careers in wildlife rescue and veterinary medicine - Saving animals and having an immediate impact on Florida's wildlife HOW TO APPLY Please note that the start and end date for our program is flexible. We receive applicants from all over the United States and realize that different regions will have different final exam schedules and summer break times. Please include in your cover letter the time period in which you can attend our program (start/end date). It must at least be 2.5 months of consecutive time roughly around (or within) the posted internship time period. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Email your resume and cover letter to Executive Director Lee Fox at sosinternship@gmail.com or contact Denise Gaberman for more information by phone (941) 388-3010. Please note that we do accept late applications, but priority is given to those submitted on time.