Wildlife Outreach & Education Intern

About Think Wild: Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission at Think Wild is to inspire the high desert community to protect and care for native wildlife through education, conservation, and rescue/rehabilitation.

The Position: Think Wild is seeking to recruit one Wildlife Outreach and Education Intern for the summer of 2026. The intern will assist the education and outreach team with education programs, outreach events, content creation for social media, and the creation of blogs and other outreach materials. This includes assisting and leading educational programs with local school groups as well as during four weeks of summer camp, tabling and engaging with the public at local community events, and creating social media posts and videos (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube), blogs, press releases, and other means of engaging the public.

Learning Outcomes: Throughout the internship, the intern will:

1. Learn to communicate complex biological concepts to diverse audiences

2. Teach youth and community members about wildlife ecology, conservation, coexistence, and rehabilitation.

3. Educate and engage the community about Think Wild’s mission

4. Organize and facilitate education programs for local youth

5. Create relevant lessons, curriculum, and social media content about wildlife conservation

6. Complete an internship project as coordinated with education staff

This internship is from late May to early September 2026 (start and end date flexible).

The internship requires completion of about 280 total hours. Start/end dates as well as duration of internship are flexible, but the intern must be available during the following dates:

• June 22-26, 2026
• July 6-10, 2026
• July 20–24, 2026
• August 17-21, 2026

The intern will complete four intensive weeks consisting of five 8-hour shifts per week (40 hours/week). The remaining hours will be distributed flexibly across the rest of the internship, based on program needs and the intern’s preferences/schedule.

Please note, that this is an unpaid position, but a $1,000 stipend is provided to cover living expenses. Interns also receive a Think Wild t-shirt and letter of recommendation upon request.

Contacts that may be able to provide free or discounted housing options are available upon request.

Qualifications:

• High school graduate or completed GED by June 2026
• 18 years of age or older
• Must work well with staff, volunteers, interns, the general public, and as a member of a team
• Must be flexible and willing to adapt to a fast-paced work environment
• Must complete and sign Think Wild liability release waiver
• Knowledge and/or passion for learning about Central Oregon wildlife and conservation
• Experience working with and overseeing medium to large groups of school-aged children preferred
• Interest and experience in creating TikToks, Reels, and other social media content to educate the public about wildlife issues
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to research topics, verify information for accuracy, and assist in writing blog posts, educational content, and occasional press releases
• Comfortable speaking with the public and representing Think Wild at community events, including tabling, outreach activities, and educational booths

EEO Policy: It is the policy of Think Wild to afford equal volunteer opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.