About Toucan Rescue Ranch
The Toucan Rescue Ranch’s (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rican wildlife. TRR works with a model focusing on conservation, education, and research to ensure a brighter future for Costa Rican wildlife. TRR emphasizes the care, rehabilitation, and release of national wildlife. We receive and care for confiscated, sick, and injured animals from government agencies.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE), which brings injured and displaced wildlife to the center. TRR provides sanctuary while giving treatment and rehabilitation. Whenever possible the animal is released to their natural environment.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licensed Costa Rica wildlife rescue facility, Costa Rica Foundation (300667701803), and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 80-0516453).
Internship Description & Important Details:
As a graphic design intern at Toucan Rescue Ranch, you’ll apply your skills in branding and visual communication to develop both print and digital pieces: social media content, web assets, merchandise, signage, educational materials, and fundraising campaigns.
You’ll learn how to transform ideas into functional visuals aligned with an established brand, exploring how design can become a powerful tool for marketing campaigns and special events.
A key focus of this internship is environmental education, enhancing the way we share knowledge and raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
More than just creating designs, you’ll have the chance to research, craft, and tell visual stories that inspire action and truly connect with audiences.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ON OWNERSHIP OF WORK
All designs and materials created during this internship are the property of Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR). TRR may use them across digital, print, and other media for fundraising, promotion, or education. Interns may showcase their work in personal portfolios with proper credit, but cannot use it commercially outside TRR projects.
Interns are expected to contribute approximately 16 hours per week, following a flexible schedule mutually agreed upon by both the intern and Toucan Rescue Ranch.
This is a remote opportunity, accessible to participants from around the globe!
- Production and layout of print and digital materials: social media, website, signage, merchandise, and educational resources.
- Application of branding, visual identity, and functional design for marketing and fundraising campaigns.
- Visual storytelling and conceptualization of persuasive messages tailored to specific audiences.
- Research and use of verified information for environmental education and awareness campaigns.
- Teamwork, applied creativity, and effective communication.
- Develop creative visual content to support conservation messaging through online and offline channels.
- Assist in developing visual branding elements consistent with the organization’s identity.
- Collaborate with the marketing and education teams to bring creative ideas to life.
- Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute to campaign storytelling.
- Conduct research and translate verified environmental and wildlife information into engaging visuals and content.
- Support educational outreach initiatives through visual materials and campaigns.
- Develop a Final Project that integrates creative design with purposeful strategy—whether through a visual campaign, donor engagement materials, or awareness resources—that directly supports and enhances the work of the Toucan Rescue Ranch.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Current student or recent graduate in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Advertising, or a related field.
- Passion for creativity with a strong interest in wildlife conservation and environmental education.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and meeting deadlines.
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and receive feedback.
- Good written and verbal communication skills (English and/or Spanish)
- Basic to intermediate knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) or equivalent tools (Canva, Figma, etc.).
- Understanding of branding, visual identity, and layout design.
- Ability to design for both print and digital media.
- Knowledge or interest in storytelling and marketing design for fundraising and awareness campaigns.
- Research skills to ensure the use of verified and accurate information in educational and promotional materials.
- Familiarity with content creation for social media and websites is a plus.
- Reliable internet connection for online communication and file sharing.
- Interest in wildlife conservation, nonprofit work, or environmental education.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.
- Illustration (digital or traditional) to create unique visuals.
- Basic animation or motion graphics to enhance digital content.
- UX/UI design knowledge for web and interactive projects.
- Copywriting skills for creative and persuasive messaging.
- Experience with print production processes.
Internship Duration: Minimum commitment of 12 weeks
We can be as flexible and accommodating as possible with the below dates. A longer duration is preferred, and we will accept adjustments to these dates. Please indicate these requests in your application.
| Service Dates | Application Available | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Open all year round | OPEN | No Application Deadline |
Program Benefits & Costs
One of the best parts about this opportunity? It’s completely free!
As this is a fully remote opportunity, there are no program fees — making it accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world. You’ll gain valuable real-world experience, develop your skills, and contribute to wildlife conservation — all from the comfort of your home.
Your time and creativity directly support Toucan Rescue Ranch’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife!
Internship Costs
Graphic Design Virtual Internship-
As this is a fully remote and free internship, Toucan Rescue Ranch does not charge any fees or cover additional personal expenses.
Apply Today:
One-page cover letter of interest—specify which internship you are interested in and the start date, CV or resume, and contact information for three professional references. After reviewing your application, we will promptly contact you to schedule a virtual interview.