Description:
The Animal Welfare Specialist (AWS) Volunteer Intern should share the MSPCA’s desire to effect change in our community. AWS Volunteer Interns should have a deep sense of compassion and a strong desire to help both animals and people.
The AWS Volunteer Intern will demonstrate and embrace the organizational values of compassion, integrity, collaboration, excellence, service, and positivity in carrying out day to day tasks as well as interactions with others.
This is an unpaid volunteer internship at our Boston location. It is designed for local college students considering careers with animals. High school seniors with animal experience may be considered. This role is also appropriate for those on an exploratory gap year between high school and college. If you are seeking an unfiltered look at the rewards and challenges of a career in animal welfare, we’d love to consider your application!
We are currently accepting applications for January-May service. Please fully read the below criteria to ensure you meet all qualifications prior to applying.
Responsibilities:
- Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, etc. which are regularly soiled with feces and urine.
- Complete a variety of support tasks as directed by staff. Tasks may include but are not limited to laundry, dishes, donation sorting, and phone calls.
- Ensure all animals are given the best possible care by providing proper food, water, bedding, and enrichment to shelter animals.
- Provide quality and meaningful customer service to the general public at all times.
- Participate in training as required by role.
Physical Requirements:
- Able to sustain moderate to heavy activity for 4 hours with variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and stooping.
- Able to lift, push, pull, or carry objects and/or animals weighing up to 50lbs.
- Able to perform these duties in variant temperatures and elements including extreme heat, extreme cold, and inclement weather. This role may involve a combination of indoor and outdoor tasks, regardless of the weather.
- Must be able to manage any animal or hay-related allergies with medication.
- For the safety of volunteers, staff, and our animals, as well as guests on our property, we are unable to accommodate request for alterations to these requirements. This includes requests for frequent breaks, or altering the ability to lift/push/pull/carry 50 lbs.
Qualities/Skills:
- Able to multitask and complete tasks in a fast paced, high stress environment.
- Able to maintain composure during challenging and/or emotionally charged situations.
- Able to work well and communicate effectively with staff, fellow volunteers, and clients.
- Adaptable to an ever-changing environment. This role is not a suitable match for individuals who do best with routine tasks.
- Receptive to direction and feedback.
- Ability to be judgment-free in challenging situations, including animal surrenders.
- Able to work independently. Interns will often be expected to complete assigned tasks with little to no supervision.
- Computer proficiency and daily access to email required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- The ability to remain open-minded and understanding of decisions for euthanasia that consider the animal’s physical and emotional well-being and the safety of the community.
- Have the ability to keep information confidential.
Experience and Education Requirements:
- Enrolled as a high school senior or in any year of college for the ’23-’24 school year.
- Some animal experience necessary. Experience with multiple species with various dispositions and behavior needs helpful but not required.
Other Requirements:
- Applicants for this role are required to have a transportation plan for weekly shifts.
- Minimum age of 17. Those age 17 are required to obtain a Massachusetts Youth employment permit for this volunteer role, after acceptance but prior to their volunteer start date. This is not required for those who will be 18 and over by their start date. Details can be found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/youth-employment-permit-information
- Attendance at a virtual orientation, after acceptance.
Time Commitment:
- One or more 7:30am-11am or 12pm-4pm shifts per week, on the same day each week. All weekday shifts are available
- Internship is January – May.
- Please ensure this is compatible with your school schedule before applying.
Click here to apply!
