Are you interested in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator? Volunteer opportunities are a great way to gain experience and test out your chosen field. If you’re ready to take the next step, an intensive practicum placement is a chance to really develop your skills. Wild ARC’s well-respected Practicum Program mentors prospective rehabilitators (or other animal health professionals), and offers the opportunity to develop technical wildlife skills.
Practicum Program Design
Wild ARC’s Practicum Program offers two distinct streams:
Our practicum program runs between April and October of each year, and each stream provides participants with two, three or four months of intensive, hands-on wildlife rehabilitation experience during our busy summer season.
Our practicum students work closely with our rehabilitation team; you will learn how to handle, assess and treat a wide variety of wild bird and mammal species. The Wildlife Rehabilitation stream has a focus on the rearing and treatment of a variety of small mammals and avian species. The Herbivore Specialist stream focuses on the rearing, biosecurity requirements and medical treatment of sensitive herbivores like black-tailed deer fawns and Eastern cottontail rabbits.
Practicum Educational Credit:
Our Practicum Program is a professional development opportunity. Participants can receive university course credit for completing the practicum (such as APBI 496 at the University of British Columbia), or it can fulfill the practicum requirement for various environmental or animal health programs. Alternatively, participants can register for a certificate course in wildlife rehabilitation training through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC).
Practicum Applications
Application packages are accepted from the beginning of February until February 22 each year. Placement interviews and offers typically occur at the end of February or beginning of March. Applications can be submitted electronically to Wild ARC Assistant Manager, Ashley Currie at acurrie@spca.bc.ca and must include:
- Completed Practicum Application Form (PDF)
- Current Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter detailing your career aspirations
- Two references (at least one from former employer)
- Valid Driver’s Abstract (needed for operation of BC SPCA vehicles)
