Clone of 2024 Summer Internship Application

Internship Description:

The American Eagle Foundation operates an 8 week internship program beginning approximately in June and ending in August (timeframe dependent on student preferences) and is geared toward upper level university students or recent graduates. This internship, modeled after our three main pillars of Conservation, Education, and Protection, has been designed to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that empowers the student to work efficiently, think critically, and act professionally. Our program is packed full of opportunities for students to learn and develop whether that is through our weekly lecture series taught by AEF staff or other professionals in the field, trekking through Great Smoky Mountains National Park learning about stream and forest ecology and its relation to raptors, participating in offsite programming to enhance public speaking skills, or even developing a research study to present to staff! By participating in our internship program, you will take the first step into actively shaping your future, and we cannot wait to start that journey with you!

Job Duties:

Live Checks
Proper removal and disposal of leftover food
Diet Preparation via AEF SOPs
Cleanining Aviaries via AEF SOPs
Creating Enrichment via AEF SOPs
Programming both Onsite (keeper chats, BTS, etc.) and Offsite (Wings of America freeflighted bird shows at Dollywood) in front of crowds numbering in the hundreds on some days.
Assist in social media content collection and creation
Attend curated lectures
Participate in labs/offsite learning opportunities
Other duties as assigned

*All interns will be properly and sufficiently trained by AEF staff and checked off by Curator of Ornithology before being allowed to perform any job duties on their own. Interns will continue to be periodically monitored by AEF staff to ensure the integrity of AEF’s high standards of care.

Qualifications:

Must be entering your Junior/Senior year of university or a recent graduate.
Must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, transcripts required at application submission.
Must be willing to meet minimum attendance requirements - 8 or 10 week program, working a minimum of 24-30 hours/week (3 days).
Have a working email address and access to it
Ability to remain punctual
Meet all basic requirements of tasks assigned in a reasonable time frame
Ability to work in the outdoors potentially exposed to extreme temperature, wildlife, or weather.
Ability to lift a minimum of 50lbs
Ability to provide 3 professional or academic references
Ability to follow all AEF policies and and procedures
Must follow AEF Code of Conduct
Must have own insurance
Must provide own housing and transportation

Once your application is received by our staff committee we may contact you to set up an interview.

Final decisions will be made by end of March.

Best of luck! We look forward to receiving your application!

Full Name*

First NameLast Name

As we communicate with you, we want to address you properly. Please let us know what your preferred gender pronouns are? blanks

E-mail*

Confirmation Email

Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Birth Date*

MonthDayYear

Tell us a little about yourself and your background:*

Why would you like to intern at the American Eagle Foundation?*

Do you have any previous wildlife handling experience? (It isn't necessary, we just want to know!)*

Do you have a background in animal biology or ornithology? (It isn't necessary, we just want to know!)*

Describe in detail a creative project that you have planned, led, and executed.*

Available start date (on or after May 1st)*

MonthDayYear

Available end date (on or before August 31st)*

MonthDayYear

Please choose from the following:*

I am currently enrolled in an Undergraduate degree program.I am currently enrolled in a Graduate or Doctorate program.

Name of Undergraduate College or University:*

Name of Graduate University:*

Undergraduate area of study/emphasis:*

Graduate/Doctorate area of study/emphasis:*

What college year will you have completed by Fall of 2026:*

FreshmanSophomoreJuniorSenior

What is the date of your last Tetanus shot?*

MonthDayYear

Agree:*

I understand that Tetanus shots are required every 10 years for all staff, volunteers, and interns at the AEF. If my last Tetanus shot was administered more than 10 years before my proposed Internship start or end date, I will schedule and receive a Tetanus shot prior the 10 year mark. I will ensure to receive a Tetanus shot every 10 years for as long as my involvement lasts at the AEF.

1) Reference (Please provide a full name, a valid method of contact, and an explanation of your relationship to this individual)*

2) Reference (Please provide a full name, a valid method of contact, and an explanation of your relationship to this individual)*

3) Reference (Please provide a full name, a valid method of contact, and an explanation of your relationship to this individual)

Upload Cover Letter*

Upload a File

Upload Resume*

Upload a File

Agree:*

Should I be chosen for the Internship, I understand that I am responsible for my own insurance, lodging, and transportation throughout the duration of an AEF internship.

Agree:*

Should I be chosen for the Internship, I understand that the American Eagle Foundation holds the right to cancel or terminate my Internship at any time for any non-discriminatory reason if it is proven by the staffing committee to be in the best interest and safety of the AEF's staff, constituents, reputation, resident birds, assets, and facilities.

Agree:*

Should I be chosen for the Internship, I acknowledge that I may be required to submit a random drug screen test as part of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse policy of the American Eagle Foundation. I further understand that the American Eagle Foundation's Drug and Alcohol Abuse policy prohibits the presence of illicit substances in the systems of staff, volunteers, and interns while on the job. A confirmed positive test is a violation of this policy and will result in the termination of my services. Additionally, a refusal to test, failure to submit adequate urine for a test, or adulterated sample, constitutes a positive test.

Agree:*

I have completed this application truthfully and to the best of my ability.

Signature*

2026 Summer AEF Internship Application