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Wildlife Care Volunteer
Purpose
During the busy spring and summer seasons, there can
be upwards of 600 wild animals in care at Toronto Wildlife Centre,
with additional emergency cases arriving each day. Wildlife Care
Volunteers play an integral part in the rehabilitation of patients
by providing general care to the animals and assisting with facility
maintenance.
How Volunteers Help
With Toronto Wildlife Centre now receiving close to
6000 animals a year, the role and responsibilities of Wildlife Care
Volunteers have never been larger. Volunteers are principally
involved with meeting the daily needs of the animal patients we
admit. As a result of their efforts, more than 2000 animals were
successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild last
year.
Example of Activities
1) Monitor,
feed and weigh juvenile and adult wild animals
2) Clean
animal cages and laundry, wash equipment involved in the daily care
of the animals
3) Maintain
the upkeep of the facility
4) Hand
feed wild orphaned animals
Qualifications/Requirements
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At least 16 years of age – * Note: High school
students will be asked to fill their first 40 volunteer hours in
the area of General Support before moving into Wildlife Care
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Interest in and respect for the unique needs of
wild animals
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Strong comprehension of English
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Updated tetanus vaccination
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Rabies vaccination not required but volunteers
with the vaccine will have the opportunity to handle rabies
vector species
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Volunteers are required to attend a General
Orientation Session at TWC and will be interviewed thereafter.
Timeframe
Wildlife Care Volunteers are asked to commit to one
scheduled shift of four hours a week over a six month period. The
shift schedule is as follows:
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Morning |
Afternoon |
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Monday through Friday |
8:30am – 12:30pm |
1:30pm to 5:30pm |
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Saturday and Sunday |
9am – 1pm |
2pm to 6pm |
Due to the popularity of the position and the
relatively limited number of spaces available, please note that new
Wildlife Care Volunteers may be placed on a waiting list.
As noted above, all high school students who are
interested in Wildlife Care will be asked to spend their first 40
volunteer hours in General Support. This allows students to have a
sound introduction to Toronto Wildlife Centre while giving them an
opportunity to decide if continuing on at the centre is something
they would like to pursue.
Training
Wildlife Care Volunteers are required to attend a 3
hour Basic Skills Training session before staring their first
shift. Volunteers will then be paired with a staff member or a more
experienced volunteer for their initial few shifts.
Location
Toronto Wildlife Centre located in Downsview Park
(Sheppard and Keele)
Benefits
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Receive in depth training
on the proper handling and care of a broad range of wild species
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Gain unique hands-on
experience with wild animals
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Earn the opportunity to
receive advance training on rare and more difficult to handle
species
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Receive a reference letter
based on your efforts
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Observe and assist in
various rehabilitation procedures
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Expand knowledge of native
species in regards to natural history, diet and behaviour
How to apply
In addition to a completed application form
(available by
clicking here),
those interested in becoming a Wildlife Care Volunteer should submit
an up to date resume. If you happen to be rabies vaccinated, please
submit a copy of your vaccination record as well. |