VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Make YOUR wildest dreams come true - help AIWC return injured wildlife to the wild!
AIWC depends on an army of dedicated volunteers. With ever-increasing demand and only one year-round full-time staff person wearing several hats including program director and wildlife biologist, extra hands, minds and hearts are always needed. The experience of working up-close and hands-on with wildlife is the reward most of our volunteers seek - an opportunity and privilege that is second to none!
However, there is much more that is needed for a rehabilitation facility like AIWC to perform the outstanding service it does. For 2007 AIWC is in need of Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistants, Rescue Drivers, Fundraising Volunteers, Office Volunteers and Construction & Landscape Volunteers. We are also currently seeking new members for our Board of Directors. A complete description of the available volunteer positions is provided below.
feeding a baby beaver
Volunteering at the wildlife center is unforgettable and there is rarely a dull moment. Even mundane tasks such as floor-mopping are enjoyable when surrounded by such magnificent creatures as a golden eagle, great-horned owlets, mountain bluebirds, chirping baby robins, a common loon, a young beaver playing with sticks or a trio of playful juvenile red squirrels. When it comes to keeping these animals clean and fed and looking after their medical needs, many hands make lighter work, and we encourage you to consider joining our team of around 100 volunteers.
WHAT TO DO IF VOLUNTEERING WITH AIWC INTERESTS YOU
1.For 2008, potential volunteers whose timing coincides with our annual volunteer recruitment campaign are asked to indicate their interest to the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible to receive an invitation to attend one of our annual Volunteer Orientation sessions.
2008 Volunteer Orientation evenings are scheduled for:
- Thursday January 24, 2008 6:45pm at AIWC or
- Monday February 11, 2008 6:45pm at AIWC (you must attend only one of these sessions)
E-mail the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@aiwc.ca with your full name, mailing address, e-mail address and a phone number. If you do not have e-mail access, please call the wildlife centre at 946-2361 and speak with a staff member.
Due to the size of our classroom, seating is limited so you must RSVP that you would like to attend an Orientation by calling 946-2361.
Note that all volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, and have a valid Alberta driver's licence and vehicle access.
*** If you are applying between January 17th and February 11th, 2008, please contact the wildlife centre as soon as possible by phone at 946-2361 to see if there are still spots open in the Orientation.
*** If applying after February 11th, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator by phone or e-mail. We will let you know if any positions are still available.
2.You will be mailed an invitation to attend an orientation session at AIWC's wildlife centre on February 28, 2007 at 6:30pm. The evening session consists of a slide presentation on the work AIWC does, and a discussion of the requirements and expectations for each volunteer position. Application forms are distributed at the orientation session.
3.After attending orientation, if you are still interested in joining AIWC's volunteer corps, you are asked to fill in an application form and arrange an interview by calling the wildlife centre at 946-2361. An informal interview will be scheduled with one or more AIWC staff members or senior volunteers and you will receive a tour of AIWC's wildlife hospital. All applicants will be screened and subject to a selection process.
4.If selected, you will receive a volunteer manual (there is an administrative fee for the manual and course materials) and enroll in the appropriate short training course for your position (for instance wildlife rehabilitation volunteers must learn how to properly restrain a variety of species from large birds of prey and mammals to tiny infant songbirds).
5.New volunteers begin volunteering in April and typically start by doing 2-4 buddy shifts where the new volunteer works in tandem with a senior volunteer.
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION ASSISTANT (or CENTRE VOLUNTEER): AIWC's most popular position involves assisting with the care of injured and orphaned wildlife and the overall operation of the wildlife hospital. You will assist with hospital cleaning as well as feeding and daily care of the animals. You will restrain animals during treatments and handle them during cage transfers. You will also participate in volunteer-run fundraising events and construction bees. Time commitment is a minimum of 120 hours per year. This includes a minimum 100 hours completed by doing one 3-4 hour shift per week plus another 20 hours assisting with non-animal work such as fundraising or PR events and construction work parties (although all volunteer duties benefit AIWC's animal patients!). Shift times are flexible. Extensive formal training provided!
WILDLIFE RESCUE DRIVER: AIWC's most challenging position with great rewards! Getting injured wildlife to AIWC as quickly as possible is essential to their survival.
This position entails both pick-ups and rescues. You are on the front line, rescuing animals in distress and securing them in appropriate transport boxes. You interface directly with members of the public and represent AIWC in a professional, friendly manner, providing educational advice on wildlife conflict situations. Time commitment is 100 hours per year. Training provided!
FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER: Rehabilitation is costly yet AIWC receives no government funding. AIWC does miraculous work on a shoe-string budget, but we must raise the necessary funds ourselves. This position involves joining the fundraising committee to assist with the organization of annual AIWC fundraising events, including "The Call of the Wild" - a formal gala and silent auction. Time commitment is 4-8 hours per month or more if desired.
CONSTRUCTION, LANDSCAPE AND MAINTENANCE TEAM: This position suits people with limited availability as volunteering is on a project by project basis. There is no need to be handy - we can teach you that - but if you're already handy, we're definitely happy to have you. Design and build animal enclosures, assist with landscaping and keep the facility running in tip-top shape! Time commitment is 4-8 hours per month or more if desired.
OFFICE VOLUNTEER: This position is for those who enjoy office and computer work, working from home, or those who enjoy being around the animals but not necessarily having to work with them directly. Office volunteers assist with general office duties, mail-outs and office organization. Time commitment is 8 hours per month or more if desired.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Board of Directors is committed to making sure AIWC is here for the future. The Board's focus is on long-term planning, securing self-sustainability for AIWC and corporate fundraising. The Board seeks people with initiative and leadership qualities. Director and Secretary positions are currently open.
INTERNSHIP: Take an intensive plunge into the world of wildlife rehabilitation. This position is intended for those passionate about pursuing a career in wildlife rehabilitation or working with wildlife. See the internship position posting for more information.
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