2025 INTERNSHIPS
NOTE: We have updated our program for the 2025 season, please read this page thoroughly before applying.
The Bat World Sanctuary internship program allows aspiring animal caretakers and rehabilitators an opportunity to gain bat care experience at the only accredited bat sanctuary on earth. We have a total of 5 internship spots available for 2025, with pre-set dates ranging from May to October with each slot lasting approximately 4 weeks. Internships are unpaid at this time, but accommodations are provided on-site. The work week is 5 days, with both daytime and nighttime shifts required. Available internship dates are posted within the online application.
2025 Application: OPEN
Deadline to submit: January 31st, 2025
When you’ll hear from us: February, 2025
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assisting staff members and volunteers with animal care in our fruit bat enclosure. This will include a wide variety of tasks, centered around enclosure maintenance. Interns will learn about cleaning protocols, care standards, enrichment activities, and hands-on care for elderly bats.
- Learning food prep in our kitchen, where duties may include; washing dishes, chopping fruit, assembling food dishes, and general cleaning.
- Interns will be given the opportunity to assist in our insectivorous bat enclosure, learning about captive care standards and basic bat rehabilitation. Depending upon the time of year, interns may learn basic care and feeding of orphaned insectivorous bat pups.
- Joining a staff member for night shifts during your externship is required. The night shift typically takes 1 to 3 hours to complete, and the start time for this shift may range from 5 pm – 7 pm depending upon the time of year. During this shift, you will assist a staff member with supplying the fruit bats with fresh lettuce, handing out melon treats, and conducting visual checkups. Interns will also assist staff members with hand-feeding native bats.
- Interns may accompany staff members on bat rescue calls.
Qualifications:
- A desire and passion for bettering the lives of animals by pursuing a career in an animal-based field. Preference is given to those who are looking to pursue wildlife rehabilitation.
- An understanding that we are, first and foremost, a bat rehabilitation center. We are not a zoo. We are a sanctuary.
- Preference is given to those who have completed a Bat World Bat Rehabilitation workshop, either virtual or in-person.
- Being capable of standing, stooping, and walking for long periods of time, as well as being able to lift at least 40 pounds.
- The ability to take direction, a true willingness to learn, and a sincere love for bats.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work as a part of a team.
- 18 years or older with a valid ID.
- Proof of rabies pre-exposure vaccination is required. The vaccine must have been administered within a year of your internship date, or a sufficient titer must be provided.
Location & Accommodations:
- Bat World Sanctuary is located at 299 High Point Rd, Weatherford Texas 76088.
- The nearest airport is the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
- There is no public transportation system in our area; therefore, having your own car is required.
- Accommodations are provided within the intern quarters at the Bat World Learning Center, located on the same property as the main facility. This is a shared room that is set up for two occupants, though you may be the only one present at the time of your stay. A private bathroom is attached, and interns are free to use the kitchen within the Learning Center.
How To Apply:
- Complete and submit this application before the January 31st deadline.
- Send your resume (with cover letter) and three professional references to [email protected]
- Once received, we will review your application and be in touch via email starting in February of 2025.