W.O.L.F. offers internship opportunities to individuals interested in gaining experience in the field of animal care and non-profit sanctuaries. Because W.O.L.F. is a small nonprofit, all internships are unpaid and accepted interns are responsible for providing their own food and lodging. We also recommend that interns have their own source of transportation although W.O.L.F. can offer some assistance with transportation to and from the Sanctuary.
Interns are not required to be an active student in order to participate in an internship with the Sanctuary. If you are a current student and seeking internship credits, please keep in mind that W.O.L.F. does not have a formalized internship program in association with any university at this time. Therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure to that your experiences at the Sanctuary will meet all of the requirements necessary to receive credit with your college supervisor.
Please note that any new interns need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide vaccination documentation to be approved to work at the sanctuary. Click for more information on COVID-19 guidelines
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for an internship with W.O.L.F. you need to include:
- The completed intern online application and upload the following documents:
- A cover letter and resume
- 2 professional references
- 1 letter of recommendation (.pdf or .jpeg format preferred)
- Indicate which internship sessions you are applying for in order of most preferred to least (internship sessions are listed below)
- Indicate whether you are looking for a part-time or full-time internship.
Internship Opportunities
Part Time Internships
Your internship must consist of two full days per week for 10 weeks (with the exception of Winter/Spring Session 1, which is 6 weeks). You are welcome to work more days if you can fit it into your schedule. Staff will pick you up at Overland Foods in Laporte at 7:30am and you will work with us until 4pm. If you do not have a vehicle to get you to Overland Foods, other arrangements can be made if you live near CSU. At the successful completion of your internship, you are welcome to stay on as a volunteer with the Sanctuary if you choose.
Full Time Internships
Your internship must consist of 4-5 full days per week for 10 weeks (with the exception of Winter/Spring Session 1, which is 6 weeks). You are welcome to work more days if you can fit it into your schedule. Staff will pick you up at Overland Foods in Laporte at 7:30am and you will work with us until 4pm. If you do not have a vehicle to get you to Overland Foods, other arrangements can be made if you live near CSU. At the successful completion of your internship, you are welcome to stay on as a volunteer with the Sanctuary if you choose.
Intern Requirements
- Must be 18 or older
- Must respect the animals in W.O.L.F.’s care
- Must be willing to participate in all aspects of Sanctuary work
- Must be able and willing to lift 50 lbs
- Must be able and willing to work 8 hour days
- Must be able and willing to work outside in varying weather conditions in challenging terrain
Winter/Spring | Application Deadline |
Session1: December 3 – January 14 | Session 1: October 1 |
Session 2: January 1 – March 11 | Session 2: November 1 |
Session 3: February 26 – May 6 | Session 3: December 1 |
Session 4: April 23 – July 15 | Session 4: February 1 |
Summer/Fall | Application Deadline |
Session 1: May 15 – July 24 | Session 1: March 1 |
Session 2: July 1 – September 9 | Session 2: April 15 |
Session 3: August 13 – October 21 | Session 3: June 1 |
Session 4: October 8 – December 16 | Session 4: August 15 |
Work days can include the following tasks:
Animal Care: Poop scooping, feeding, water, raw meat prep, enrichment activities, and help with medical procedures (if qualified).
Maintenance: Enclosure repair, sanctuary maintenance, electrical work, mechanical work, use of power tools for various projects, use of chainsaws for fire mitigation.
Education: Help with educational programs, monitor and/or handle ambassador animals, answer questions from the public about the Sanctuary, set up and break down tabling events, sell merchandise.
Administrative Assistance: You will be assisting our Director of Development with fund raising, donor relations, and any administrative work that she may need help with. You will be learning about the inner workings of a 501(c)3 non-profit sanctuary.
For the duration of your internship, your supervisors will be the Volunteer Coordinator and Animal Caretaker.
For the safety of the wolves, staff, volunteers, and interns, W.O.L.F. maintains a high level of standards and accountability. Please make sure to review our intern policies listed below prior to applying.
Intern Policies
The Work
Interning at the Sanctuary is often very labor intensive and interns will be asked to complete a wide range of activities based on the needs of any given day. It is recommended that interns come prepared to work outdoors in a mountainous environment in all manner of weather conditions.
Standards
Interns are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of conduct at all times when involved in activities associated with W.O.L.F. Interns may assist with public relations and community activities as prescribed by W.O.L.F. staff.
Animal Handling
Interns may handle wolves and wolf dogs only after they have successfully completed the prescribed training program.
Animal Health
Interns will at all times follow the prescribed rehabilitation procedures specified by W.O.L.F. staff and the program veterinarian.
Non-Smoking Facility
Interns may not smoke, vape or chew on W.O.L.F. property.
Property
No animals, supplies, equipment, etc. may be removed from the facility without permission from the directors or staff.
Commitment
Interns must meet the minimum time commitment agreed upon with W.O.L.F. at the start of the internship to be considered an active intern in good standing.
Vaccinations
W.O.L.F. recommends that interns maintain a current tetanus vaccination and receive the pre-exposure rabies vaccination series. Interns must be vaccinated for COVID-19 – Click here for more information.
Controlled Substances
The use or possession of illegal or controlled substances on W.O.L.F. property is strictly forbidden. This includes all drugs and alcohol, including marijuana. Use of any of these substances will result immediate termination of the intern.
Termination
Termination from the program may result if a intern fails to adhere to any of the policies of the W.O.L.F. program.