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 from April to October each year, and each stream provides participants with the opportunity to gain 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
Wild ARC’s practicum program is an educational or professional development opportunity, and participants must be enrolled in an approved credentialled program. Approved programs include the Applied Animal Biology Practicum (APBI 496) at the University of British Columbia or the certificate course in wildlife rehabilitation training through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC). The practicum may also meet requirements for various environmental or animal health programs at other institutions.
Practicum Applications
Application packages are accepted from February 1st until February 22nd 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, Kelsi Arnott at wildarcvolunteer@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)
