Our Internship Program is a volunteer (non-paid) program for biology, wildlife, and veterinary students interested in practical experience in a zoological environment. Interns work in conjunction with students enrolled in our Professional Zookeeper Program, part-time volunteers, and our core staff.
We are grateful for a full cadre of 20+ staff who are either students, interns, instructors, or volunteers, all trained and committed to the center. Whether leading tours, answering calls, supporting animal care or leading outreach programs, our staff are a core part of our work.
Program Highlights
As an Intern you work alongside our animal care staff, students, and volunteers in closer proximity to the animals. As such, strict adherence to safety precautions and following direction from the KIC (Keeper in Charge) are a must and violating such may result in immediate termination. *These are carnivores, and a lapse in focus, safety or following instructions could result in injury or death for humans and/or animals.
Work includes, but is not limited to, cleaning and maintenance of animal housing exhibit spaces and nearby grounds, food preparation for animals’ meals (including raw meats), accurate and timely record keeping, species-specific enrichment, guest education/interactions and other small wildlife facility functions. Interns will be utilized in all aspects of day-to-day operations as determined by the management team.
This can be physically arduous work and you must be able to lift 50 pounds, stand or be on your feet for long periods of time, and work outdoors in all types/seasons of weather.
Eligibility
All persons applying to the Internship Program must be a minimum of 18 years of age and be a high school graduate. Students enrolled in college biology, zoology, and/or wildlife courses encouraged, but not a stipulation.
Cat Tales cannot authorize college credit. Interns must personally arrange such credit with their own Professors or Institution.
Internships require a commitment of 300 hours over a 12 week period, with a minimum of 24 hours per week. If your schedule does not permit this time commitment, consider being a Volunteer.
Applicants must be in good health and provide proof of a current physical, Tetanus vaccination and negative TB test. You must be Honest, Dependable, Punctual, Polite, Happy, and Safe. Also, a Self-Starter, a Team Player, and have your own Transportation. Interns are responsible for their own housing and health insurance.​​
Application Process
Complete the online application and submit. Questions can be emailed to cattalesed@gmail.com (We will respond as promptly as possible. Expect some delay as animal care comes first before admin and our work days can be long.)
We will contact you for an interview, confirm your references, and do a background check prior to acceptance. Interviews can be done virtually or in person and take about an hour. Proof of physical exam, tetanus vaccination and negative TB test are necessary prior to starting internships.
Start dates for internships are flexible and determined on a case-by-case basis.
I understand that the information on my internship application is subject to check and verification by Cat Tales Wildlife Center, and that my previous and present employers, organizations, and volunteer associations may be asked for information as to my character and record with them. I hereby grant permission to Cat Tales Wildlife Center to contact these employers, organizations, and volunteer associations, and further, I hereby authorize my former and/or present employers, organizations, and volunteer associations to give any information as to my character and employment record with them.
I also grant permission to Cat Tales Wildlife Center to obtain information from and/or copy police and court records in order to conduct a pre-internship investigation on me. I hereby release from all liability and damages those individuals, companies, organizations, or agencies who provide information as stated above.
Should I become an Intern, I agree to comply with all rules and regulations of Cat Tales Wildlife Center. I understand that I am applying for a voluntary position to help Cat Tales Wildlife Center in a non-paid position. I realize that there are many hazards at Cat Tales Wildlife Center that deal with animals, diseases, and other dangerous and unpredictable injuries. I am aware of my own health and physical limitation, which might not be obvious to my supervisor. I realize that it is my responsibility to decline any work that is beyond my capacity (physical or mental), so that my safety and health is maintained.
​I agree to release and hold harmless Cat Tales Wildlife Center from any accident, injury, illness, or damage sustained as an Intern, while serving in such a capacity. I waive my rights to seek any form of damages and instruct my heirs and beneficiaries to honor this agreement. The parties to this Agreement do hereby mutually recognize that Cat Tales Wildlife Center does not provide Workman’s Compensation or any other type of liability insurance. Accordingly, persons such as Interns are not covered by Cat Tales Wildlife Center for such forms of insurance.
If placed in an Animal Care Department, the volunteer will be responsible for paying for a TB test at a doctor or facility of his/her choice. For the welfare of the employees and animals, Cat Tales Wildlife Center requires all volunteers working in Animal Care departments to receive a TB test, and have it read negative, in order to volunteer at Cat Tales Wildlife Center in such capacity. If proof of negative TB test is available, current within the last 12 months, please submit proof with application. The intern must be current on their Tetanus vaccination; proof must be provided once the applicant is accepted into the Cat Tales Wildlife Center Internship Program in the Animal Care Department. All vaccinations are at the intern’s expense.
I certify that the information given by me in this internship application is true and complete. Furthermore, I certify that I have read and understand the above.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages citizens in solving community problems. Members commit to full-time or part-time positions offered by a network of nonprofits, faith and secular community-based organizations, public agencies, Indian tribes, and institutions of higher education to fulfill assignments in the fields of disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Members serve in these positions over a 10-12 month period.
All members who successfully complete their term will earn an education award. The amount of award is dependent on the length of the term and some terms also provide a monthly living stipend.
Please reach out to Rachel Terrell (she/ her)
​rterrell@esd101.net for more information or search open listings: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do
AmeriCorps Trainer/ YouthBuild Placement Specialist
NorthEast Washington ESD 101
Spokane Service Team