Job Application for Ethology Research Intern at Farm Sanctuary

***Application Deadline Friday, July 14, 2025 by 12pm EST***

Summary: The Research Department at Farm Sanctuary performs original animal behavior, personality, emotion, cognition, welfare, and behavior research in pursuance of a better understanding of the inner lives of farmed animals. The Intern, Ethology Research will assist the Research team with ethology and sanctuary animal welfare research through remote video data collection.

Responsibilities:

Assist with video data collection as part of non-invasive, sanctuary-based research studies at Farm Sanctuary, contributing to the body of research on the emotional, social, and cognitive lives of farm animals.
Read and evaluate existing literature and actively participate in conversations about scientific papers
Perform literature reviews in support of new and existing research and sanctuary animal welfare projects
Support the research program with administrative tasks as necessary

Qualifications:

In pursuance of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in animal behavior, animal welfare, biology, zoology, psychology, or related field; or recently graduated
Excellent observational skills
Good organizational skills and attention to detail
Hard-working and dependable
Able to work well independently
Alignment with Farm Sanctuary’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom.

Familiarity, commitment to, and experience with the practice of equity and social justice, and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission

Specifications:

Terms of employment: Part-time (20 hours per week), non-exempt, temporary position

Reports to: Ethology Research Assistant

Location: Remote in the United States

Pay: $15.50/hr unless state minimum wage is higher

Benefits: Sick Time, 403B Plan
Additional Specifications:

This position requires a commitment of six months (September through February)
Access to a computer is required

Program Perks:

Attend weekly Farm Sanctuary education workshops that include presentations, staff Q&As, team-building exercises, and hands-on learning opportunities
Gain beneficial work experience in nonprofit employment, especially within vegan, animal rights, and sanctuary organizations
Make strong professional connections and references
Gain valuable insight about ethical ethology and sanctuary animal welfare study design
Opportunity to gain and practice animal behavior data collection skills
Opportunity to learn about Farm Sanctuary programs
Further the goals and mission of Farm Sanctuary to benefit farm animals

Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and feel a sense of belonging. We work hard to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We take our duty seriously to protect employees with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We believe that our prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a strength and essential to achieving our mission. A diverse workforce brings many perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions to our complex issues. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we foster a culture of belonging where innovation and growth can thrive. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, including hiring and recruitment practices, employee development and training, and interactions with the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components in fulfilling our mission of rescuing and protecting farmed animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and compassion for all.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Any photos or videos taken in the scope of employment and/or related to Farm Sanctuary are considered work product and intellectual property of Farm Sanctuary.

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Please list any prior volunteer and work experience relevant to the Ethology Research intern position.

Please describe any animal behavior data collection experience.

What are you hoping to gain/learn/experience from an Ethology Research internship?

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I certify that I have not knowingly withheld any information that might adversely affect my chances for employment and that the answers given by me are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that omission or misstatement of material fact on this application may be grounds for rejection of this application or for immediate discharge if I am employed, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery. I hereby authorize Farm Sanctuary to thoroughly investigate my references, work record, education and other matters related to my suitability for employment (unless otherwise noted on application) and authorize the references I have listed to disclose to Farm Sanctuary any information related to my work records without giving me prior notice of this disclosure. I release Farm Sanctuary from any claims, demands, or liabilities arising out of or related to this disclosure. I understand that, if offered employment by Farm Sanctuary, my employment will be at-will, meaning either Farm Sanctuary or I can terminate that employment with or without good cause and with or without advance notice and agree that nothing conveyed to me during the application process by Farm Sanctuary has altered this at-will employment relationship. I understand that nothing contained in this application or conveyed in any interview is intended to create an employment contract between me and Farm Sanctuary.

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ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP

Important notes:

All interns must be 18 or older.
This internship begins on December 1, 2021.
This internship is 20 hours/week for a 6 month duration.

How many days per week do interns work?
Ethology Research interns generally volunteer 20 hours per week on a five-day schedule. Every intern gets two days off each week, not necessarily Saturday and Sunday. Scheduling varies by department.

Who interns at Farm Sanctuary?
Individuals intern at Farm Sanctuary for a variety of reasons — from students looking to learn more about nonprofit work, to professionals seeking a fulfilling and unique experience, to aspiring rescuers interested in starting a sanctuary of their own one day, to people who just love animals and want to spend time helping them. We’ve had interns from all over the United States, as well as from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Some interns come to Farm Sanctuary as long-time vegans, but others are completely new to veganism and are trying it for the first time. Interns must be 18 or older.

Do I have to be vegan to intern at Farm Sanctuary?
If you are interning from a remote location, you do not need to be vegan. However, all staff and interns are required to be vegan while on the sanctuary premises - out of respect for the animals and the work that Farm Sanctuary does.

What educational opportunities are provided?
Each week, interns meet for an educational presentation from a Farm Sanctuary staff member. Topics include, but are not limited to: Animal Agriculture & Its Impacts, An Intersectional Approach to Veganism, and Strategies for Effective Animal Advocacy. Interns are also able to attend biweekly Q&As with Farm Sanctuary Staff across departments.

When should I submit my application?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We recommend that you submit your application two to three months in advance of the internship start date. Although we do not have enough spaces to accommodate all applicants, we are very appreciative of everyone’s offer to help.

When will I hear whether I have been accepted for an internship?
The application screening process can take up to two months. You will be notified if we are not interested in moving forward with your application.

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Ethology Research Intern

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ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP

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