Wildlife Internship Details and Applying
About Our Organization ECSS: Sweetbriar Nature Center is a private not-for-profit, 501c3, a corporation that exists to provide natural science education services for Long Island residents of all ages and to engage in native wildlife rehabilitation services. Sweetbriar Nature Center has 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field, and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make homes here. Our grounds are open to the public year-round. Our center cares for and rehabilitates over 2,000 sick, orphaned, and injured wild animals yearly. Sweetbriar is also home to over 100 non-releasable and domestic animals. We provide hundreds of environmental and natural science programs to schools, libraries, and other organizations throughout the year. Through education and examples, ECSS encourages responsible decision-making, appreciation, and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island.
Who may apply for an internship position?
We offer internships to college undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career as a veterinarian or veterinary technician. This makes up the largest percentage of our intern group. All career and college majors are encouraged to apply. An interest in medicine, wildlife and natural history is expected.
What is the average length of an internship?
During the summer season, internships are typically 12-13 weeks.
On average, interns work 30-40 hours a week.
The hospital is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Summer season the hospital day begins at 9am and ends at 5pm.
Applications are accepted starting in January.
The summer season (from May 21st to mid August) is the busiest time of year for internship applications. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit as application as early as possible to allow for appropriate evaluation and scheduling. You should expect to hear from the Center, in writing, within a few weeks after submitting an application.
Is there a stipend offered?
If doing the internship for credits we can not offer a stipend, we do offer stipend for summer interns. Stipend amount changes yearly.
Rabies vaccinations are not required to apply for the internship.
Although the Center would like to hire all applicants, we receive far more than we can possibly accommodate. Many wonderful applicants are not accepted, not because there is anything lacking in their application or background, but because of the large number of applicants and limited spaces.
We also offer internships in nature education, gardening and assisting with our butterfly vivarium.
How do you apply?
We suggest submitting a current resume, to our rehabilitation director via email- jbswbriarnc@aol.com.