Veterinary Internship in Wildlife Medicine and Rehabilitation

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc. is offering a one-year, paid internship in Wildlife Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Frink Center for Wildlife in Newark, DE. This wild avian hospital, rehabilitation center; and oil spill response facility treats approximately 3000 native wild birds annually; accepting birds from a multi-state area, and responding to oil spills involving wildlife. Facilities include x-ray machine, rigid and flexible endoscopes, surgitron unit, and nebulizer. The intern will work closely with the staff of two full-time clinical veterinarians, two CVTs, three full-time clinic supervisors and over 100 volunteers active in bird care. The first few months will be spent learning the daily procedures and protocols, through the attendance of workshops and hands-on clinical experience. By the six-month mark, the intern will assume responsibility for the majority of the medical decisions and treatment regarding the in-house caseload. Areas of instruction and subsequent responsibilities include: assisting with the operation of the clinic; daily medical treatments and husbandry care; admission of new patients; routine diagnostic procedures (clin-path, radiology, parasitology and necropsy); common medical procedures; euthanasia protocols and procedures; surgery and anesthesia; caseload management; and human health & safety concerns. The intern will assist with the Introduction to Wildlife Medicine Course taught to the first-year class at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and with the preparation and presentation of continuing education programs for staff, volunteers, and other wildlife rehabilitators. The intern will also assist in any on-going research projects. The intern is expected to work 40 - 50 hrs (five days)/week with 4 weeks of out-rotation, up to15 days paid time off, and 2 days to attend CE if applicable (in addition to required time at NWRA conference). Compensation: $24,000; health insurance plan (co-pay by employee) and workman’s compensation benefits; SIMPLE IRA if eligible; and up to $1,000 towards travel expenses to attend NWRA and other CE if applicable. Travel expenses will also be paid if the intern is asked to assist with an oil spill response, and additional compensation (paid time off) may be provided if extra workdays are required during this type of emergency. Qualified candidates must possess a VMD, DVM, or equivalent degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine. A U.S. veterinary license must be obtained prior to the starting date of the internship; a Delaware veterinary license in desirable, but not required. Candidates must also have direct experience working with wildlife, flexibility to occasionally work nights or emergencies and respond to oil spills, good verbal and written communication skills as well as presentation skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs, a valid driver’s license, and current tetanus and rabies vaccinations (or adequate titer).

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit the following:

Curriculum vitae

Letter of interest, indicating career goals

3 letters of reference

Review of applications will begin on 15 April 2010. Final selection will be made before 10 May 2010. A 15 June 2010 starting date and a 14 June 2011 ending date are anticipated, but this is negotiable. Applications should be submitted to: Erica A. Miller, DVM, 110 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711; 302-737-9543 x116; 302-737-9562 (fax); emiller@tristatebird.org