INTERNSHIPS
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.
Internships will be available from March to September and last 5 working days, for a total of approximately 40 hours. Internships are unpaid at this time. Work days run from Monday to Friday, with the day shift starting at 7:30am-2:30pm. Interns will also accompany a staff member for 2 evening shifts, which typically last 1 to 2 hours. A private guest room is provided free of charge, and only one intern is permitted at a time.
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 who have an up-to-date rabies vaccination 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. Those who have not been vaccinated against rabies may shadow a staff member for this portion, but will not be permitted to do any hands-on work.
- Joining a staff member for 2-night shifts during your externship is required. The night shift typically takes 1 to 2 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. Rabies-vaccinated interns may assist staff members with hand-feeding native bats, and unvaccinated externs may observe.
- 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 will be given to those who have practical experience working around animals.
- 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.
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.
- A guestroom is available on-site at the Bat World Facility. If preferred, a hotel is also located about three miles from Bat World Sanctuary.
How To Apply:
- Review the Internship Contract.
- Complete and submit this application.
- Send your resume (with cover letter) and three professional references to [email protected]
- Once received, we will review your application and contact you if we feel you would be a good fit for the program.