Volunteer

Objective:
The Nature Center has a small collection of wild animals, adult and young, some of whom have been injured and require special handling. Scientific understanding is not as important as consistent, reliable efforts.

Responsibilities:
Clean animal cages; feed and exercise animals; assist with animals during visitor hours; maintain animal care records.

Commitment:
On-site training and two three-hour shifts per month for a minimum of six months.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 14 years of age
• Sincere interest in animals and wildlife: no unreasonable fear of snakes or insects
• Interest in learning more about natural history
• Dependable--being on time is very important
• Detail oriented and able to work independently
• Volunteers 18 years old and older must be free from any arrest or conviction of any felony or misdemeanor offense involving violence, sexual or physical abuse of any adult or child, or any felony narcotic offense.
• Adult volunteers are required to submit information for a background check before their first day of work in order for us to obtain related criminal records. The Volunteer Coordinator will provide information on how to meet this requirement.

Training and Preparation:
Volunteers are given an orientation to the Nature Center history and philosophy. Initial training is then given by the animal caretaker and volunteer animal care assistants.

Evaluation:
Volunteers are encouraged to meet with the Volunteer Coordinator or their supervisors whenever necessary to discuss various scenarios that may occur. Periodic evaluations will be used to help improve the volunteer’s performance and to determine if the needs of the Center are being met.

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