Volunteer Wildlife Rescue Internship (16 weeks)

Out on the frontlines, the Wildlife Rescue Team deals with the difficult and often dangerous wildlife situations that can’t be handled by members of the public. As a Wildlife Rescue intern, you will be volunteering alongside our highly trained Rescue personnel as they travel around the GTA responding to wildlife calls.

During our 16-week internship you will experience the many types of wildlife rescues, including relocation of goose and duck families, capture of sick or injured animals and the release of patients back to the wild. If you are interested in gaining hands-on experience with wildlife rescue, this unique opportunity is for you! As an intern you will learn about wildlife identification, behaviour and natural history. Emphasis will be placed on mastering safe methods of capturing, handling and transporting a variety of Ontario species. The role will include driving to rescue locations and transporting animals to and from the centre.

While the Wildlife Rescue internship is incredibly rewarding, wildlife work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Days are filled working on your feet, with lots of walking, bending and lifting. The internship includes working on some evenings, weekends, and holidays so that we can provide the best care possible for our wild patients. This could be a great role for people with an interest in wildlife rehabilitation, animal services or wildlife conservation as a career path.

Details

Location: Downsview Park

Internship sessions: May to August

Commitment:

Full-time is a minimum of 600 hours over 16 weeks (40 hours/week). Preference will be given to those who can make a full-time commitment. The schedule can be flexible to accommodate school or work.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Current tetanus vaccine (within the last 10 years)
• Preference will be given to those with a Pre-exposure Rabies vaccine with copy of current titre
• Animal Handling is an asset
• Must have a G Driver’s Licence and a clean driving record

Please note that the internships are unpaid positions. TWC is committed to providing training and hands-on experience for all of our interns so that you will gain skills and knowledge during your internship.

Accountabilities:

• Ensure a positive, professional, and safe working environment at all times; with a focus on both human and animal safety
• Engaging in learning opportunities provided
• Participates in rescues and releases as well as assists with documenting all appropriate information on situations

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Must be comfortable working long hours with a demanding workload and being in a vehicle for long drives
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds and perform other strenuous activities
• This position predominantly requires working outside (throughout the GTA and occasionally beyond) in all weather and conditions, including scaling heights, overcoming obstacles, working around water and enduring potentially high-risk conditions
• Strong work ethic and desire to learn
• Excellent communication skills; must be proficient in verbal and written English

To apply: Please submit an online application HERE. You will need to submit a resume, cover letter, and references upon request. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only those we wish to consider for an interview will be contacted.

DEADLINE: February 1st, 2026