Where are you located? 

Our address is located on the footer of our website. N Ingleside Farm Road, Iron Station, NC 28080

 

What are the hours?

We work on a set schedule the entirety of the apprenticeship meaning that every week, work hours will be the same. These are prearranged once accepted into the program. The shifts are three 4-hour shifts per week. One weekday may be included. Exceptions are two 6-hour shifts per week with special requests. 

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Is this position paid?

Due to being a nonprofit running strongly from volunteer positions, this is not a paid position. 

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What can I expect to be doing?

This is an introduction to wildlife rehabilitation. Basics of wildlife rehabilitation will be covered in the first half of the apprenticeship. Feeding infants, diet prep, husbandry, weighing, how to assess animals for release, cage setup, working with the public and managing a wildlife center will be covered. Basic medical protocols will be covered in the second half of the apprenticeship varying based on level the apprentice is presenting. Everyone learns at a different pace. Expect to be on your feet most of the day, moving and lifting, take initiative in daily center tasks. 

 

​Will I get to work with the veterinarian? 

Due to the highly sensitive nature of vet procedures, only staff works with the veterinarian. However, if you are scheduled on a vet day, you will indirectly be exposed to vet procedures and hear vet assessments of cases. ​

 

What if I want to learn medicine? 

If there is intent to be a home-based NC wildlife rehabber, the basics of wildlife medicine will be covered for common injuries and illness taught by our licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Wildlife medicine is incredibly involved & extensive. The amount of knowledge to learn in this 8 month apprenticeship is extensive, there will not be a shortage of new information and difference species to learn about. A huge focus of wildlife rehabilitation is raising orphans and that will be our primary focus. You are also considered a functioning part of the CWCC team and are valued as such and expected to contribute as a team member to move our mission forward to save NC wildlife at our wildlife hospital. 

 

What if I have a trip planned? 

We understand that vacations are planned well in advance. We will allow for 5 vacation days, consecutively or non-consecutively during an apprenticeship program. The program is short and intense and missed days does not allow us to advance appropriately. If more than 3-days are planned to be missed, our fast-paced internship may not be the right position for you.

 

​How big are the team sizes? 

We have four people on shift in the morning and three people at night.​ Subject to change. Our goal is to continue to grow our team to save more animals that need us. 

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Do I have to be rabies vaccinated?

No, however rabies vaccinated applicants will be prioritized due to CWCC intaking a large volume of rabies vector species (bats, raccoons, fox, skunks, bobcats). Animals that are rabies vectors are staff only for their 2-week quarantine period and then they will be open to worked with for our interns. 

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Do I have to get licensed?

You do not have to get licensed to join our program. Many of our apprentices will apprentice for a full term and then join our team the following year either as rehab volunteers or staff. This program is an ideal way to get your foot in the door with our wildlife center if you are looking for a wildlife based careers. It is a good position for a resume builder as it shows reliability and dedication to a wildlife based cause for an extended period of time. 

 

I want to get licensed. What are the steps?

That's great. We will tell you how to file your paperwork and make sure you are prepared to be a home-based wildlife rehabber. We will provide knowledge and insight into home-based rehabilitation. We will mentor you until signing off on paperwork at the 1-year apprenticeship license mark as long as we feel confident that your skills are satisfactory to care for orphaned wildlife in your own home. 

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I am in South Carolina, can I still be in the program? 

Absolutely! South Carolina does not require apprenticing so there would be no licensing requirement. However, we are a strong proponent of gaining knowledge and hands on experience before rehabbing on your own. Joining our program will give a big kickstart to rehabbing confidently and professionally and/or be a wonderful resume builder and educational opportunity. 

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Will you provide supplies to support me as a home-based rehabber?

We will not provide supplies at this time unless we have a surplus of extra items. We can provide guidance and tips and tricks while you set up your space. We can also connect you with other organizations that are all home-based rehabbers to join once you finish your licensing under CWCC. It is our goal to open our own home-based rehabber network in the coming years for orphaned baby wildlife. 

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What else do I need to know?

This is a fast paced environment that is mainly outdoors. We work in extreme heat and cold. Our hospital is an emergency hospital for wildlife. This job is fast-paced, stressful at times and physically demanding. We never know how each day will go and we work hard to give the highest level of care possible to our animals. Our interns are like wildlife rehab assistance and we expect dependability, professionalism and punctuality.