Adult spotted owl perched in a cedar tree.

Internships

The Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program internship program offers a unique experience for recent college or university graduates to gain hands-on experience in conservation biology. Internships usually begin in the fall or January and run until the end of June.

Check if we're hiring!

Interns quickly learn the daily operations of a conservation breeding program, including interpreting owl behaviours, managing a healthy rodent prey colony, and ensuring the site and all aviaries are maintained. Interns become involved with artificial incubation and monitoring egg development. Once chicks hatch, the team works day and night shifts to keep constant watch over the chicks, who are extremely fragile for their first few days of life. Interns assist senior staff with feeding and weighing chicks up to four times per day. There are also opportunities to participate in our education and fundraising efforts.

Applications are usually accepted in late summer or fall. Interns are hired through the British Columbia Conservation Foundation with funding coming from our partners at the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program since 2016.

Previous intern sitting on deck holding a two week old owl chick.

The BC Conservation Foundation recognizes the importance of a diversified workforce, and encourages Indigenous People(s), First Nations, and Métis candidates, women, members of visible minority groups and diverse ability persons to apply.

Internship Job Description

Daily Animal Husbandry

Daily care of the owls is required to ensure each owl remains healthy and fit for breeding. Duties will include diet preparations and feeding of owls, behavioural observations, cleaning and maintenance of owl enclosures and work spaces, and the maintenance of mice and rat colonies that are bred to feed the owls. Note: euthanasia and rodent dissection duties are required. The focus for the breeding season is on owl care and monitoring. Attentive, continuous monitoring is required to identify when eggs are laid. Once eggs are secured with the utmost care, they are placed in incubators where they must be carefully monitored for accurate environmental conditions and regularly checked for development. Hatched chicks required 24-hour care to head start their growth and development prior to being returned to the adult breeding pairs. Candidates must be prepared to work a widely varied schedule, including up to 10-hour shifts, isolated work, and alternating between day, evening, and overnight shifts on a regular basis.

Maintenance/Construction

The intern will help staff with the ongoing maintenance of existing enclosures and facilities, including invasive species removal, grass cutting and assisting with the construction of new habitats. All required equipment training, including the use of a UTV, will be provided on site.

Administrative/Research

The intern may assist with the writing of reports and funding proposals, as well as help with other administrative tasks. Research and data analysis from the breeding season is crucial for the development and updating of protocols. Further development of and participation in education programs both on and off site will be important components.

Community Outreach

The intern will assist with community outreach by attending events and delivering presentations to various age groups, both independently and with support. They will support fundraising initiatives and help with the care and handling of ambassador animals for public engagement. Additionally, the intern will aid in developing educational materials and maintaining social media presence.

Field Work

After all chicks have been returned to active spotted owl nests in the late spring, the intern may participate in release activities which would require driving to remote sites, early mornings/late nights, and camping. A 4×4 vehicle is provided.

Wages, Accommodation and Working Conditions

Interns will be paid $20.20/hr and be required to work rotating day, evening, and overnight shifts up to 40 hrs per week with possibility of overtime during the chick-rearing season (typically April to June). Additional compensation will be provided for overnight shifts. Interns are required to have independent housing off-site and their own transportation to the facility in Langley and outreach events (mileage will be reimbursed for outreach travel). Interns are required to provide their own food and proper work clothes and boots for all weather conditions. The NSOBP is a non-smoking work environment.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or diploma related to fields in biology, zoology, conservation, environmental science or veterinary science.
Must have previous animal care or husbandry experience, specifically birds and small mammals.
Physically fit, capable of lifting 50lbs, and prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Willing to work a varied schedule and be available to work 5 days a week, including many night shifts.
Eligible to work in Canada at the time of application.
Valid driver’s license in BC.

Asset Qualifications

Previous biological work experience in the conservation of threatened and/or endangered species.
Understanding of animal behaviour and reproductive biology of birds.
Experience working outdoors or in a variety of conditions.
Experience working independently.
Ability to adapt to a rotating schedule (provide examples if possible).
Experience working with indigenous communities.
Previous experience delivering educational programming to various age groups in formal and informal settings.
Competency using social media platforms and content creation programs like Canva.
Competency in using Excel and Word.
Valid First aid certification.
Experience driving in snowy, rural areas and appropriate tires for winter road conditions.