Wild ARC relies on the assistance of many volunteers throughout the year, with the majority of animal care activity between April - October. Recruitment and training takes place mostly in the spring to prepare for our busy baby season. Interested in finding out more? Orientation sessions are a great way to learn more about volunteer opportunities without making a firm commitment.
Please contact Wild ARC at info@wildarc.com or 250-478-9453 to RSVP for one of the following 2010 orientation dates (seating is limited). All orientations are held at Wild ARC unless otherwise specified.
Download a volunteer application and bring it with you to the orientation session or mail-in at anytime of the year. During the fall and winter if volunteer needs are low, we will keep your information on file for any upcoming orientations or volunteer vacancies.
Wild ARC Volunteer Application
Following the orientation session, all new animal care volunteers will complete 6 hours of in-class training. Times and dates for classes in Animal Health & Husbandry, Baby Bird Care and Mammal Care will be available at the orientation session. You must attend an orientation before signing up for training.
Please review the job descriptions for each of the volunteer opportunities available and consider the commitment and training required before completing the application.
Assist staff with care of wildlife patients and maintenance of the care facility
Prepare diets and give feedings
Clean cages and aviaries
Laundry, dishes and general cleaning duties
Set up habitats for indoor and outdoor animals
Minimum 19 years of age (students age 16-18 may volunteer through work experiences programs)
Must read and agree to abide by BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines and ethics
Proof of current tetanus shot; Good physical stamina and health
Reliable attendance
Good communication skills and the ability to work alone
Patient and comfortable around small birds and mammals
Unique opportunity to work as a team assisting wildlife
Expand knowledge and skills in animal care
Increase knowledge of local wildlife species, ecology, and urban wildlife management
Must complete approx. six hours of in class training (covering animal husbandry, wildlife diseases, baby bird and mammal care) before shadowing a senior volunteer and beginning a regular weekly shift
Required to commit to a minimum of one 4 hour shift once a week for 6 months, although many volunteers will stay throughout the year
Assist with regular cleaning and organization
Laundry, dishes, washing cages, and general cleaning duties
Food and supplies inventory
Minimum 19 years of age (students age 16-18 may volunteer through work experiences programs)
Must read and agree to abide by BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines and ethics
Proof of current tetanus shot; Good physical stamina and health
Reliable attendance
Able to prioritize and work alone
Good communication skills
Help care for wildlife patients by keeping the facility running smoothly
Basic Orientation and Animal Health workshop
Required to commit to a minimum of one 2 hour shift once a week for 4 months, although many volunteers will stay throughout the year
Help maintain function of the facility and its structures
Work with staff to design and develop safe structures for containing wildlife patients
Creative maintenance of existing structures
Minimum 19 years of age (students age 16-18 may volunteer through work experiences programs)
Must read and agree to abide by BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines and ethics
Proof of current tetanus shot; Good physical stamina and health
Reliable attendance
Handy with tools
Try out your new tools! (or use ours)
Help wildlife using skills you already have
Basic Orientation and Animal Health workshop
Flexible but requires a minimum of 6 hours per month
Participate in annual or novel projects
Contribute to the growth and maintenance of the facility through group work parties or individual projects (such as data entry or gardening)
Must read and agree to abide by BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines and ethics
Proof of current tetanus shot; Good physical stamina and health
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Reliable attendance
With the minimum age limit a bit more flexible, teach your older kids the importance of volunteering for your community AND help wild animals at the same time!
Basic Orientation before assisting on group or individual projects
Flexible but requires a minimum of 4 hours per month
Contribute to education programs for schools and community groups
Develop and deliver age specific education programs
Must read and agree to abide by BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines and ethics
Demonstrated teaching experience or interest
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Oral presentation and public speaking experience
Independent research ability and computer skills
Reliable attendance
Criminal record check
Gain experience in public speaking
Help wildlife by educating the public about Wild ARC, why we need a facility such as Wild ARC, and how we can co-exist with and reduce human impact on wild animals
Basic Orientation, Animal Health, Baby Bird Care and Mammal Care workshops
Flexible but requires a minimum of 4 hours per month
Educate the public about Wild ARC through community events and fundraisers
Participate in community booths and organized fundraisers
Must read and agree to abide by BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines and ethics
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Enjoy working with the public
Reliable attendance
Gain experience in small and large scale fundraising
Help wildlife by educating the public about Wild ARC
Basic Orientation, Animal Health, Baby Bird Care and Mammal Care workshops
Flexible but requires a minimum of 4 hours per month
To increase community support and understanding of Wild ARC through coordination of activities such as fundraising, special events and advocacy
Must read and agree to abide by BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines and ethics
Skills vary based on activity participation but must have overall interest in fundraising and outreach
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Reliable attendance
Basic Orientation and attendance to CAC meetings before nomination
Attend CAC meetings every 3-4 weeks; Flexible for events or activities but requires a minimum of 8-16 hours per month
Enrich the habitat of animals in care
Collect greenery, browse, bark, pine cones and other natural enrichments
Ensure cages contain fresh enrichments
Must be an active Wild ARC volunteer in another capacity
Take pleasure in the pleasure of the animals!
Basic Orientation and Animal Health workshops
A minimum of 2 hours per week for 4 months