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How much do entry level wildlife jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wildlife in the United States is $23.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job in wildlife conservation without a degree?

Entry level wildlife conservation jobs often prioritize hands-on experience, volunteering, or internships over formal degrees. Gaining skills in habitat restoration, animal handling, or data collection, along with certifications like First Aid or GPS use, can improve your chances. Building a network through volunteering and demonstrating a passion for conservation can also help secure entry-level positions.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Entry level wildlife jobs include positions such as wildlife technician, animal caretaker, or conservation assistant, which involve caring for animals, monitoring habitats, and supporting conservation efforts. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, fieldwork skills, and sometimes certifications like first aid or safety training.

What are entry level wildlife jobs?

Entry level wildlife jobs are positions designed for individuals who are just starting their careers in wildlife biology, conservation, or management. These roles typically require little to no professional experience and may include titles such as wildlife technician, field assistant, or research intern. Duties often involve conducting field surveys, collecting data, assisting with habitat management, and supporting wildlife research projects. These jobs are a great way to gain hands-on experience and build foundational skills needed for more advanced roles in wildlife conservation.

How do I start working with wildlife?

To start working as an entry-level wildlife worker, gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships at wildlife centers, conservation organizations, or research projects. Developing skills in animal handling, field observation, and data collection, along with obtaining basic certifications such as first aid or wildlife safety, can improve job prospects. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent and a passion for conservation and animal welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Wildlife Technician, and why are they important?

Entry Level Wildlife Technicians typically need a background in biology, environmental science, or a related field, along with basic fieldwork experience. Familiarity with data collection tools, GPS devices, and wildlife monitoring software is often required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are important soft skills. These qualifications enable accurate data gathering and effective support of conservation efforts, which are critical for wildlife management and research.

What careers work with wildlife?

Careers that work with wildlife include wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, park rangers, zookeepers, and wildlife rehabilitators. These roles often require fieldwork, knowledge of animal behavior, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in biology, ecology, or environmental science.
More about Entry Level Wildlife jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Wildlife jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Wildlife job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wildlife jobs? The most popular types of Wildlife jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Wildlife jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Wildlife jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Wildlife jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Wildlife jobs are:
Entry Level Wildlife jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Wildlife job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,268 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Wildlife rehabilitation intern

Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary

Hubert, NC • On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Company Description

 Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit center (More info HERE) that exists solely on mostly donations from people like you, some grants & the help of our dedicated volunteers. Our goal is to treat injured animals, with the intent of releasing each animal back to the wild, if possible. If the animal is unable to survive in the wild we house them, feed & use them as an educational animal with interns & the public. Much of the wildlife that arrives at our doorstep is from some form of conflict with humans; such as being hit by cars, attacked by cats/dogs or being taken away from their parents by well meaning, but unknowing humans. We hold current state & federal licenses for wildlife rehabilitation, possession, & education.

      Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary specializes in the rehabilitation, care & treatment of small mammals, songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and/or reptiles. Some of the Sanctuary's services, but not limited too:

  • Orphan care for babies, with the intent to eventually release them back to the wild

  • Educational programs & presentations to schools, youth groups, civic groups, or libraries(Click HERE for more information)

    • Programs can be tailored to native local wildlife, ecology, environment, natural resources, or backyard habitat creation

  • A learning center is available to provide experience with hands-on rehabilitation for new rehabilitators, or those interested in earning their mandatory hours of experience & training for a variety of permits/licenses

  • A permanent home to non-releasable waterfowl & assistance with placement of adoptable domestic waterfowl

  • Social media updates on a weekly bases to promote activities, events, fund raising, educational moments or local issues concerning wildlife

      Possumwood Acres is only able to support itself through generous individuals, such as yourself, business sponsorships & through grant awards. Would you or your company consider becoming a sponsor today to support our efforts to protect, heal & educate people about the wildlife in the Onslow County area? If so please click HERE to be taken to our sponsorship sign up page.

Job Description

Overview

Applications are being accepted for students 18 years old or older interested in volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in coastal North Carolina.  Interns will receive intense rehabilitation training that focuses on native species of wildlife.  This includes small mammals as well as a wide variety of birds (songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, sea birds, shore birds). With this training the intern will be able to

participate in actual patient care and practice hands-on wildlife rehabilitation skills.  Upon completion of the internship, the student will receive a certificate documenting the skills learned and the hours of service performed.  No monetary compensation is provided with the intern positions, however, all necessary training is provided. Prior wildlife knowledge is not required but always appreciated. Limited housing may or may not be available for those performing 40 hours per week.

Training Benefits

Experience will be invaluable for students planning on furthering their education in the following fields:  Veterinary Medicine, Biology, Zoology, Veterinary Technician, Wildlife Management, Environmental Sciences, Small Animal Management, and Wildlife Rehabilitation. Internships allow qualified students to explore their interests and gain practical work experience in an active wildlife sanctuary. This experience will allow interns to find entry level employment opportunities in wildlife sanctuaries, nature centers, zoos, and wildlife centers.  They will learn the basics of public relations through dealings with those who find animals and bring them in for treatment.  They will be able to answer wildlife related questions and assist county residents by providing information and directing them to other relevant resources.   They will be able to take advantage of networking opportunities that may prove beneficial in the future in their chosen fields.  And finally, they earn Community Service Hours by volunteering at a non-profit organization.

Requirements

The intern will be working with wounded animals and their by-products (feces, urine, blood) and must provide proof of having a current Tetanus Booster (within the past 5 yrs.).  Anyone who is auto-immune system compromised or pregnant must provide a physician's approval.  Other certain medical conditions may require a note of clearance from their physician before being allowed to work with any animals directly.

Program Specifics

Interns will be expected to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.  The sanctuary is open 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 9 PM. Schedules will include shifts on weekdays and weekends.    Program length may vary depending upon the intern's availability, but a minimum of 6 weeks is required in order to receive a Certificate of Completion for the minimum of 180 hours.

Rehabilitation

Perform hands-on animal care inside the Animal Room.  This includes feeding, water, tubing, weighing, assisting with wound care, bandaging, splinting, administering medications, fluid therapy, and orphan care.  Proper husbandry will be maintained while cleaning and changing cages, as well as demonstrating proper safety precautions at all times while handling wildlife patients.  Interns will also have the opportunity to arrange for an additional week of training at a local veterinarian office and at the local zoo, if desired.  This additional training is optional and not required, but offered for those interested in these careers.

Education

Assist in wildlife presentations and programs, and help conduct group tours of the sanctuary.  Interns assist education staff with a variety of programs for the public and schools both on and off site. In addition to improving their own presentation skills, interns assist with program development.  Interns must be willing and able to relate to the public and have a tolerance for large school groups for students of all ages. Excellent customer service skills are a must.

Education Animal Care

Learn to work with the non-releasable animals and birds used in programs and presentations, and assist in the manning process for the raptors.  Interns will develop enrichment activities for mental stimulation for these program animals.

Qualifications

None

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply