The Raptor Trust Summer Scholars Program

Founded in 1983 as a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, The Raptor Trust is a wild bird rehabilitation center in northern NJ. Each year from mid-May through August we receive hundreds of injured, orphaned, or displaced nestling and fledgling songbirds found by citizens. The Raptor Trust sees this time as a perfect opportunity to provide experience and education to students who wish to learn about wildlife care and rehabilitation.

Purpose and Essential Functions: Summer Scholars are responsible for assisting staff in maintaining standards of care for injured adult birds, preparing diets and feeding orphaned/displaced young songbirds and waterfowl, and helping with general upkeep of the center. We welcome students to participate in educational workshops, meetings, and workbook practice.

Position Dates: May through August

Scheduling: Approximately 24-40 hours per week including some evenings and weekends

Housing: Currently unavailable. Local applicants or individuals with local housing arrangements only.

Location: The Raptor Trust 1390 White Bridge Road, Millington, NJ 07946

Opportunities and Learning Objectives:

Hand-feed nestling and fledgling songbirds
Prepare specially formulated diets for a wide variety of bird species
Learn how a species’ natural history, including diet, habitat, and social patterns, affects its rehabilitation
Monitor and take notes on patient health and behavior under the direction of our technicians
Greet and interact with the public while assisting with bird admissions, phone calls, and guest inquiries
Observe various diagnostic procedures including phlebotomy, microscopy, and radiography
Practice identification of common songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl
Develop and practice skills in teamwork, communication, time management, and task prioritization
Become familiar with ethical, moral, and legal considerations regarding avian rehabilitation, rehabilitation of nuisance species, and the use of euthanasia

The position includes observation of raptors but does not guarantee experience in raptor care or handling.

Payment/Additional Information: This is an unpaid, volunteer position. College students committed to this position may meet the criteria for eligibility to apply for our volunteer scholarship. This opportunity can also be modified to meet most schools’ criteria in qualifying for an academic “internship” or experience credit.

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years of age and currently enrolled in a college degree program and in good academic standing, OR a recent graduate.
Must have access to a reliable means of transportation and be available for evening, weekend, and holiday scheduling.
Ability to lift and carry at least 25lbs, spend up to 8 hours mostly on their feet, and tolerate outdoor working conditions.
Ability to follow directions, work well as part of a team, and communicate effectively with the staff and general public.
Enthusiasm for education, conservation, and the mission, goals, and values of The Raptor Trust.
Self-directed, organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Must be fully vaccinated against tetanus and COVID-19.

While students in all areas of study are welcome to apply, preference may be given to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in relevant coursework including Ecology, Biology, and Animal Science related studies.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out the the Summer Scholars Program Coordinator, Amanda Cannizzo.