Natural Resources Job Board

Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Northern Nevada, is currently accepting applications for a one six-month internship position starting in Mid-August and ending in Mid-February 2025.  This position will provide a unique opportunity to work with big cats, small wild felids, bears, and native wildlife. Interns will gain extensive experience and the skills necessary to pursue paid animal care positions. When a staff position becomes available, Safe Haven’s preference is to hire employees who have previously worked previously as interns.

Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, meeting over 500 animal care recommendations, and is the only GFAS big cat accredited organization in Nevada. Safe Haven provides lifelong care to abandoned, surrendered, and confiscated exotics, and wildlife not eligible for reintroduction.

Responsibilities: 

- Provide daily animal husbandry, medications, species-specific diets, and supplementation.

- Assist with habitat and den cleaning. 

- Assist in safe capture procedures (small animals only). 

- Participate in emergency training and evacuation drills. 

- Provide animal enrichment. 

- Assist with habitat building.
- Provide informal educational tours to the public. 
- Assist in lifting and positioning sedated animals during on-site veterinary exams.

Compensation and Benefits: 
We offer one of the highest-paid stipends and free onsite housing, including a full kitchen, wifi, washer/dryer, and a $600.00 monthly stipend. Housing is shared, non-smoking, no pets, and additional codes of conduct apply. 40-hour work week with two consecutive days off per week.

Qualifications:
- Associate degree in an animal care field. 
- Prefer recent graduates or students working toward a degree in animal science, zoology, biology, or environmental sciences.
- Six months of volunteer or paid animal care experience. 

- Must be 18 years of age or older.

- Self-motivated and hard-working.

- Professional attitude and ability to work with other interns and staff. Must be comfortable interacting with the public.

- Must be able to regularly lift 50 pounds and work in inclement weather.

- Must adhere to safety protocols and a no-contact policy. Any violations involving direct physical contact will result in immediate dismissal.

- Work 8+ hour shifts, 5 days per week, including weekends and holidays.
- Must have own transportation and a valid driver’s license.

- Must be able to commit to a 6-month internship.

Submitted materials will be reviewed, and a phone interview is scheduled. Applicants can submit a cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation to: