Environmental Education Internship

The Center for Wildlife’s Environmental Education Internship is an unpaid learning opportunity for those studying education, science communication, nature-based learning, public outreach, and the care of disabled wildlife living in sanctuary. This position is an exciting pathway to careers in Conservation Sciences such as outdoor leadership, animal care, conservation biology, outreach and education.

Interns learn by working alongside our Education & Outreach Team, which consists of 4 fabulous humans and over 2 dozen wild, non-releaseable birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians! Environmental Education (EE) Interns have the opportunity to change the world each day by connecting community members of all ages with the natural world via our educational programs, connections with animal ambassadors, and learning on our 30-acre campus in the Agamenticus Conservation Region of Southern Maine.

Core Components of CFW’s Environmental Education Internship:

Animal Care & Handling: EE Interns learn how to properly care for and handle many of our non-releasable animal ambassadors for programs and events. Interns are heavily involved in the daily care of our ambassador animals. They learn about behavior, nutrition, enclosure maintenance and design, and enrichment.

Programming & Special Events: EE Interns are trained on how to lead education and outreach programs independently from planning to execution. EE interns will also use their creativity to help design and support special events on and offsite.

Cross-Internship Learning: To gain even more well-rounded skills, EE Interns join the Wildlife Care Interns in the clinical department for professional workshops and skills labs, and have full access to our library and campus.

All-Team Support: EE Interns are expected to work alongside our clinic staff, apprentices, and volunteers. Volunteers and interns work together to help support staff in animal care, educational programming and daily operations. Many of our volunteers have been with us for a long time and have a diverse background of experience and knowledge!

*Summer Interns - Camp Support Staff: SummerEE Interns play a key role in supporting our popular summer day camps - which blend ecology, wildlife science, animal care, arts and nature-based play. Interns take turns working with Summer Camp leaders in the field and classroom each week.

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Winter, Spring & Summer Internship Dates

❄️ Winter Env Ed. Internship: application deadline of December 29th, 2025

Start date: January 12th | End date: March 20th

🌸 Spring Env. Ed. Internship: application deadline of February 27th, 2026

Start date: April 30th | End date: June 5th

🌞 Summer Env. Ed. Internship: application deadline of April 24th, 2026

Start date: June 15th | End date: August 21st

Eligibility:

Must be 18 years of age or older
College degree or current college student in a related field is not required. We welcome non-traditional interns! Students may be eligible to receive college credit for internships
Highly self-motivated people preferred
Interested in environmental education, science communication, and/or wildlife care
Attention to detail, punctuality, initiative and a strong desire to learn are required
Personal transportation is required
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Positive attitude and strong work ethic
Tetanus vaccinations are required

Compensation, Required Hours & Training:

Center for Wildlife Internships are unpaid
Summer Internships are Full-Time and required to work 40 hours per week in five 8-hour shifts
Spring & Winter Internships can be Part-time or Full-Time (these interns are required to work a minimum of 24 hours per week).
- Priority is given to full time applicants
There is mandatory training the first week of each internship session and we ask that schedules remain open during this time.
Students: Check with your career center or internship advisor to see if internship grants are available!

To apply: send a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to intern@thecenterforwildlife.org addressed to the Volunteer & Intern Coordinator.

Any questions, please contact our Intern Coordinator: intern@thecenterforwildlife.org

Environmental Education Internship

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