Wildlife Education Volunteer

LOCATION: Wildlife Care Center (opening spring 2024)
Located at 24103 Congress Springs Road, Saratoga, California

SUPERVISOR: Wildlife Educator

GOAL OF POSITION:  PHS/SPCA believes that attitudes can be positively influenced through education. As a Wildlife Education volunteer your job will be to inform audiences (primarily children) about native wildlife and foster a positive coexistence between the public and wild animals living in nearby areas. Our Education Program emphasizes developing awareness of native wildlife, advocating for wildlife protection and conservation, and empowering children and adults in the community to make positive changes toward wildlife welfare.

TIME COMMITMENT: Hours vary based on the volume of program requests the Wildlife Education department receives. Minimum of one year commitment expected.

DUTIES: Wildlife Education Volunteers  will specialize in one of the following areas:

• Giving classroom presentations to school children (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
• Assisting with activities and supervising children during camps at our Wildlife Care Center in Saratoga.
• Assisting with activities during after school programs at local schools

All Wildlife Education Volunteers will answer questions accurately about wildlife rehabilitation processes, local wildlife and ecosystems, and other related topics.

TRAINING: Completion of New Volunteer Orientation and Intro to Wildlife training.  You will meet with the Wildlife Educator to discuss position details and appropriate placement. Wildlife Education volunteers observe education teams in action, receive individual support and training in classroom skills/ curriculum delivery before volunteering independently. All Wildlife Education volunteers must pass a background check.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be willing to learn about a variety of wild animals, become familiar with PHS/SPCA’s wildlife rehabilitation program, and display an understanding of various wildlife topics. Wildlife Education Volunteers must be able to communicate clearly and enthusiastically with both children and adults. Camp volunteers should possess good physical stamina and the ability to walk moderate distances up and down graded paths. All volunteers provide their own transportation to and from scheduled programs.

EMOTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: While volunteers will be presenting to pre-screened groups, some audience members may pose difficult and uncomfortable questions about wildlife rehabilitation, policies, and what happens to animals that are deemed non-releasable.