PAL Internship Program

 

Introduction
The Wisconsin Humane Society’s PAL program is a nationally recognized empathy-building program developed by the Wisconsin Humane Society in 1993. Under the supervision of WHS experts, underserved Milwaukee area youth train shelter dogs to become well-mannered companions for an adopting family. They also learn to care for injured and orphaned birds in our wildlife nursery. PAL helps children gain experience in responsibility, teamwork and caring for others by working with animals.

Goals
The Intern Program is a valuable experience for the intern as it is a source of inspiration, new ideas and an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience. At the end of the internship, the intern will have gained experience in working with youth and animals in an educational setting (see “Objectives”).

Overview
The PAL Intern will work three two-week sessions of the PAL program. The sessions occur June 21 to July 2, July 12 to July 23 and August 2 to August 13. Intern must be available for the entire six weeks. The internship carries a stipend of $7.25 per hour, paid biweekly.

Training
The PAL intern must attend a Cat Behavior Seminar, a Dog Behavior Seminar, Dog Walker Training and Orphan Baby Bird Care Training. These trainings will be coordinated through the WHS Volunteer Manager. Hands-on training will begin on day one, when you will immediately be immersed into the work and function as a valuable staff member. Primary tasks include group management, animal handling and assisting youth in the wildlife hospital.

Qualifications and Expectations
The WHS PAL Program is looking for motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in an educational and/or biological field. Previous animal handling experience is a plus. Previous experience working with children is highly desirable.

Ideal interns are mature, hardworking, reliable, enthusiastic, conscientious individuals who are willing to perform a variety of tasks with a smile. Good communication skills and an ability to effectively work in a team environment are essential. A successful PAL intern should also be able to work well under pressure.

The PAL intern must also be available for the entirety of his or her internship. Because of the nature of the internship, vacation requests cannot be approved.

A WHS PAL Intern will take full advantage of the internship by accepting increasing amounts of responsibility throughout their internship.

Objectives
At the end of the internship, the intern should have a working knowledge of a wide variety of subjects central to the practice of working with youth and with animals. These subjects include:

• Managing young people in a group setting
• Working with underserved youth
• Basic animal handling techniques
• Basic dog training techniques
• Basic understanding of wildlife rehabilitation

Evaluation
Upon request, a written evaluation will be sent to the school at the completion of the internship.

How to Apply
To apply, follow the link below to complete and submit an employment application:

Employment Application

To be considered for the position, attach resume and cover letter, stating what you can offer and hope to receive from an internship, to your completed application.

Application materials may also be mailed to:
Human Resources / PAL Internship
Wisconsin Humane Society
4500 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208-3156

 

Equal Opportunity Employer