The Swiss Ornithological Institute of Sempach is a non-profit foundation dedicated to ornithology and bird conservation. It monitors native bird species, researches their lifestyles, and is committed to protecting endangered birds. It cares for injured and orphaned birds, while also informing and advising the public. The institute employs around 200 staff members throughout the country.
At its headquarters in Sempach, the institute operates a care center for wild birds. Each year, the dedicated team in the Bird Care Department looks after over 1,400 birds, including the rearing of young birds and the care of injured and weakened birds.
Are you looking for a short-term, unpaid internship within a dynamic team? To strengthen our team, we are looking for, starting from April 1, 2026, or by agreement, until August 31, 2026, for a minimum period of 4 weeks, a:
Bird Care Intern, 80-100%
Your tasks
•Feeding young birds (including songbirds, pigeons, birds of prey, and swifts)•Food preparation, including feeding animals•Cleaning cages, aviaries, and infrastructure•General assistance in the bird care center•Assisting with veterinary interventions•Additional tasks according to skills and suitability
Your profile
•You have experience working with (wild) birds (advantageous)•You are studying veterinary medicine, are a veterinary assistant or animal keeper (advanta-geous)•You possess manual skills and good dexterity•You are willing to perform physical work•You can stay calm in stressful situations•You are available to work irregularly on weekends and holidays•You hold a category B driver’s license (advantageous)
We offer
You will have the opportunity to work in an interesting role within a varied environment, with a friendly, informal culture. Good networking opportunities and free accommodation in our visitor center (subject to available bed capacity) complete our offer. Workplace: Sempach LU.
Are you interested?
Diversity is important to the Ornithological Institute, and we look forward to all qualified applica-tions. For further information, please contact Dr. vet. Stéphanie Borel, veterinarian and head of bird care.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates) no later than February 28, 2026, in a single PDF file via our application portal.
Other applications cannot be considered.