Natural Resources Job Board

An internship program at International Bird Rescue is a rigorous, hands-on learning program that immerses participants in every aspect of the operation of an aquatic bird hospital.

Wildlife rehabilitation involves intricate care and observation in order to help wildlife heal from their injuries or illnesses, and condition themselves toward the ultimate goal of release back into the wild. We focus on helping aquatic birds overcome injury and illness resulting from urban conflicts such as fishing line entanglement, birds hit by cars, contamination due to natural sources or oil spills, and conservation concerns such as habitat loss.

Each hospital is staffed daily with at least two experienced Rehabilitation Technicians who oversee case management and facilitate the learning processes of interns and volunteers. Although interns will sometimes interact with the staff veterinarian, this is a rehabilitation, not a veterinary, internship. 

Most common aquatic bird patients include: herons, egrets, waterfowl, shorebirds, loons, grebes, murres and other alcids, gulls, pelicans, cormorants, and the occasional tubenose, with each center rehabbing over 1000+ birds each year.

The Los Angeles facility is located on a scenic bluff overlooking the ocean in San Pedro, CA. This center has a consistent influx of animals year round, with the busiest seasons often occurring in winter and spring due to migratory bird patterns and natural oil seep. The San Francisco Bay-Delta facility is located in Fairfield, CA, approximately one hour northeast of San Francisco, on the edge of Suisun Marsh, one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons because of a large influx of aquatic baby birds.

Intern activities, benefits, and learning opportunities

IBR does not provide housing or transportation accommodation for interns. 

You must have your own vehicle to get to and from the center or can use alternate transportation that can reliably be used to arrive at the center by 8AM. Interns are encouraged to reside locally and arrange for their own housing.  We suggest using Airbnb, subletting an apartment, renting a room, or staying with a friend or relative nearby. Make sure to consider the commute between your living quarters and the center when researching places to stay.

Requirements: 

Any season may present unpredictable emergencies, such as oil spills or disease outbreaks. Interns are expected to participate in the on-site response to such emergencies and may be asked to stay late or respond off-site if necessary, at Bird Rescue’s expense.

There are four Internship positions per wildlife hospital (LA or SF) available each year. We require a 3 month commitment during the timeframes listed below.

How to apply

To apply for an internship, please submit your application using the online form by the posted application deadline. 

Application requirements:

1. A letter of interest, including your background/relevant interests; a description of why you would like to intern with us specifically, and any details we should know.

2. A resume or curriculum vitae

Application Process: After reviewing your application, you will be notified if you have been selected for an interview. After reviewing your interview, you will be notified if you are selected for the internship program.

For questions or comments, contact us at internships@birdrescue.org