Summary

The Summer Wildlife Intern is a crucial member of our wildlife team at Wolf Ridge, participating in all aspects of wildlife care, education, and research, both on- and off-campus. This hands-on educational experience is designed to provide the intern with a diverse skillset to help them prepare for a future career in wildlife husbandry, research, education, or conservation.

General Duties of the Summer Wildlife Intern

Care and management of Wolf Ridge’s 17 ambassador animals, including 1 red-tailed hawk, 1 great horned owl, 1 red fox, 1 European starling, 1 red-eared slider, 2 mice and 10 native fish

• Diet preparation and daily feeding
• Cleaning and maintenance of animal housing
• Building and repair of enclosure perching and structures
• Enrichment design and implementation
• Training with use of positive reinforcement techniques

Provide wildife educational opportunities for Wolf Ridge visitors and groups of all sizes

• Weekly Raptor presentations for groups of 50-150 camp participants
• Informal and impromptu “keeper chats” by animal enclosures
• 3-hour wildlife-focused classes with groups of up to 20 campers and adults; class offerings include Birds, Small Mammals, Frogs and Toads, Invertebrates, Animal Signs, Northwoods Mammals
• Design and carry out programming for Adventuring for Animals Camp (6th and 7th graders)
• Weekly Naturalist on the Shore “Meet A Raptor” program at Bluefin Bay Resort 

Assist Wolf Ridge rock climbing team during Midwest Peregrine Society peregrine falcon chick banding

Participate in Wolf Ridge passerine and near-passerine banding research

• Attend Institute for Bird Populations Beginning Banding course held at Wolf Ridge, and assist with Advanced course and Youth Ornithology Field camp
• Work with Wolf Ridge bird banding team on MAPS Project (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) banding project throughout summer
• Learn how to operate mist-nets, safe extraction and handling of birds, aging and sexing techniques, recording data using MAPS protocol

Participate in staff training and orientation

Be flexible to accommodate the needs of different programs

Critical Skills and Experiences

• First Aid, CPR prior to employment start date
• Current driver’s license
• Able to commit to 40hours/week, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Willing to serve as role model for students and peers: display maturity, responsibility, patience, adaptability, enthusiasm, and a commitment to animal welfare and environmental education
• In good physical condition and able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Ability to work well individually and on a team
• Ability to accept feedback gracefully and integrate it
• Strong communication skills and ability to navigate conflict
• Understand and adhere to all Wolf Ridge policies

Internship Dates

Arrival Date: May 24, 2025

Departure Date: August 16, 2025

Compensation

• Attendance at Institute for Bird Populations Beginning Bird Banding course, June 19-26 ($2950 value)
• Average of two days off provided each week (variable schedule)
• Lodging provided throughout duration of internship
• Meals are available in the dining hall when groups are on campus
• Credit for this internship can be arranged through the intern’s current college or university
• No additional wages or benefits provided