Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

What to expect

RSPCA Queensland are currently seeking volunteers who would like to be part of our Rescue Unit as a Volunteer Rescue Unit Driver or Recue Unit Assistant. Rescue Unit Drivers form an integral part of our front line rescue team. RSPCA Qld have several Rescue Units on the road in such areas as Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Townsville, Toowoomba and Rockhampton.

Working from our Brisbane Animal Care Campus (in a vehicle that we provide with iPhone and iPad) you would be responsible for actioning jobs that come in via the Call Centre that are dispatched via the Rescue Unit.  Your duties in these situations would vary depending on your level of skill and experience. This is not your typical role volunteering at a shelter environment, as we need people who are independent and can be flexible to accommodate needs on a daily basis. An ability to deal constructively with stressful situations, and to remain calm in confronting situations, is of high importance.

We recruit both Assistants to the Rescue Officers and Drivers (both roles require a valid QLD P2 drivers license and above).

Couples/friends are eligible to work together in this role with one being a Driver and the other an Assistant once training is completed.

What are the benefits?

• Assisting animals in need on the front line
• The opportunity to improve animal handling skills and gain knowledge of the how the RSPCA operates
• The opportunity to learn from RSPCA Rescue Unit Officers
• Increased awareness of our native wildlife and the issues they face
• The opportunity to make a difference and know you are keeping our animals comfortable
• Becoming part of a friendly team and community

What are the tasks?

The position involves transporting injured or unwell animals as required and includes:

• Locating, handling and rescuing injured or unwell animals
• Significant driving around the greater Brisbane area using an RSPCA vehicle
• Collecting and transporting animals from vet clinics back to the Wacol Wildlife Hospital, or delivering animals to vet clinics for collection
• Generally interacting with the public while assisting animals, or to gain further information

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Have a valid and clean driver's license and the ability to use a GPS to navigate
• Good driving record
• Confidence or willingness to learn in handling a variety of animals
• Proficient in emails and sending and receiving photos via iPhone or iPad devices
• Committed and reliable
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and comfortable in a wide variety of outdoor situations
• Attention to detail for paperwork admissions, and able to accurately listen and follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Able to be flexible and adaptable
• Excellent communication skills

It is also important to mention that you will witness animals in distress that may sometimes be injured. The capacity to constructively deal with this both at the time and after the event is crucial.  To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer. 
Please read this before you apply to ensure you understand what we look for when reviewing applications. If an applicant is not able to meet these essential requirements, unfortunately, we are unable to progress their application any further. 

When can I volunteer?

• Shifts available: Monday – Sunday day (7am-3:30pm) or night (2pm-10:30pm)
• Please indicate your available days when applying.
• Please be aware that due to the nature of this role we ask you to be flexible to an extent with your shift time – it can be difficult to judge the length of a particular trip due to changeable traffic or weather conditions
• We request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per fortnight for a minimum of 3 months. Orientation and animal training will be provided.

Important Reminders:

It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.

Due to the time involved in training new Volunteers to become Rescue Unit Drivers, we are looking for those who will be able to maintain their commitment ongoing and are reliable. All of our vehicles are automatic and we recruit volunteers who hold a Queensland Drivers Licence. 

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the Volunteer Ambulance Coordinator via email on: animalambulance@rspcaqld.org.au or fill in the application above.

What to expect

RSPCA Queensland are currently seeking volunteers who would like to be part of our Rescue Unit as a Volunteer Rescue Unit Driver. Rescue Unit Drivers form an integral part of our front line rescue team. RSPCA Qld have several Rescue Units  on the road in such areas as Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Townsville, Toowoomba and Rockhampton.

RSPCA Qld provides a Volunteer Rescue Unit service in Toowoomba dedicated to rescue any sick, injured or orphaned animals in the Toowoomba Council area (in a vehicle that we provide with iPhone and iPad). You would be responsible for actioning jobs that come in via the Call Centre that are dispatched via the Rescue Unit. This shift works slightly different from our Wacol positions as the car stays in the Toowoomba area and is transferred between volunteers personal homes when it is your shift. It is a requirement that you live in the Toowoomba council area for this role. If you don’t, please consider our other roles.

Your duties in these situations would vary depending on your level of skill and experience. This is not your typical role volunteering at a shelter environment, as we need people who are independent and can be flexible to accommodate needs on a daily basis. An ability to deal constructively with stressful situations, and to remain calm in confronting situations, is of high importance.

We recruit only Drivers for the Toowoomba rescue unit(the role requires a valid QLD P2 drivers license and above).

Couples/friends are eligible to work together in this role with one being a Driver and the other an Assistant once training is completed.

We ask that all new Toowoomba Drivers attend the Wacol Campus (Brisbane) to do 2 x training shifts with our Rescue Officers to gain an insight into the Department and on the road training with a Rescue Officer, and 1 shift in Toowoomba, prior to commencing permanent shifts. 

What are the benefits?

• Assisting animals in need on the front line
• The opportunity to improve animal handling skills and gain knowledge of the how the RSPCA operates
• The opportunity to learn from RSPCA Rescue Unit Officers
• Increased awareness of our native wildlife and the issues they face
• The opportunity to make a difference and know you are keeping our animals comfortable
• Becoming part of a friendly team and community

What are the tasks?

The position involves transporting injured or unwell animals as required and includes:

• Locating, handling and rescuing injured or unwell animals
• Significant driving around the Toowoomba area using an RSPCA vehicle
• Collecting and transporting animals to vet clinics
• Liaising with veterinarians at clinics regarding the animals and delivering animals along with the relevant paperwork and medication

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Have a valid and clean driver's license and the ability to use a GPS to navigate
• Good driving record
• Confidence or willingness to learn in handling a variety of animals
• Proficient in emails and sending and receiving photos via iPhone or iPad devices
• Committed and reliable
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and comfortable in a wide variety of outdoor situations
• Attention to detail for paperwork admissions, and able to accurately listen and follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Able to be flexible and adaptable
• Excellent communication skills

It is also important to mention that you will witness animals in distress that may sometimes be injured. The capacity to constructively deal with this both at the time and after the event is crucial. To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer. 
Please read this before you apply to ensure you understand what we look for when reviewing applications. If an applicant is not able to meet these essential requirements, unfortunately, we are unable to progress their application any further. 

When can I volunteer?

• Shifts available: Monday - Sunday Day (7am-5pm) or Night (5pm-10pm) Please indicate your available days when applying.
• Please be aware that due to the nature of this role we ask you to be flexible to an extent with your shift time – it can be difficult to judge the length of a particular trip due to changeable traffic or weather conditions
• We request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per fortnight for a minimum of 3 months. Orientation and animal training will be provided.

Important Reminders:

It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.

Due to the time involved in training new Volunteers to become Rescue Unit Drivers, we are looking for those who will be able to maintain their commitment ongoing and are reliable. All of our vehicles are automatic and we recruit volunteers who hold a Queensland Drivers Licence. 

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the Volunteer Ambulance Coordinator via email on: animalambulance@rspcaqld.org.au or fill in the application above.

From Road to Recovery: Help Us Save Wildlife!

What to expect

This rewarding volunteer role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australia’s native wildlife and are committed to improving their welfare; people who wish to experience hands-on work with native animals and want to learn about the care and health requirements for future work in the industry.  This is a great opportunity for people who want to help the RSPCA rehabilitate animals and send them back to their natural habitat. You will be outside in winter and summer weather and sometimes driving in the challenging conditions Queensland can offer, but the reward is knowing you are making a difference to the quality of life of all the native animals in our care. Applicants must be over 25 years old.

What are the benefits?

• Opportunity to gain new skills and learn about our Australian wildlife
• Increased awareness of our native wildlife and the issues they face
• Native animal handling and identification skills
• Becoming part of a friendly new community

What are the tasks?

The position involves transporting wildlife patients as required and includes:

• Significant driving around the greater Brisbane/Gold Coast/Sunshine coast area, using an RSPCA vehicle.
• Collecting and transporting animals from vet clinics back to the Wacol wildlife hospital, or delivering animals to vet clinics for collection by carers.
• Releasing wildlife 
• Liaising with registered wildlife carers and delivering animals along with the relevant paperwork and medications to them.
• Educating members of the public about wildlife species when releasing them or when generally interacting with the public at the wildlife hospital.
• In between driving jobs if required, assist with sweeping and mopping floors, removing rubbish, washing animals’ water and food bowls, replacing food and water.
• Transferring animals between Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Australia Zoo and the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital
• Communication with RSPCA Wildlife Hospital Staff
• Taking bins full of soiled linen/towels/bedding to the laundry and collecting clean bedding/towels etc to take back to the hospital.
• Undertake general laundry duties as part of each shift, including loading dirty laundry into the machines, loading and/or taking clean washing out of the dryers, and folding all clean items.

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Confidence in working with a variety of animals, including reptiles
• Willingness to learn, wildlife knowledge or experience an advantage
• A clean driver’s licence is required, and the ability to use GPS to navigate to unfamiliar places
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and comfortable in a wide variety of outdoor situations
• Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Able to be flexible and adaptable
• Excellent communication skills

When can I volunteer?

We currently have the below vacancies:

Mondays: 8am-12pm, 9am-1pm, 1pm-5pm

Thursdays: 8am-12pm

Saturdays: 9am-1pm, 1pm-5pm

Sundays: 9am-1pm, 12pm-4pm

Please be aware that due to the nature of this role we ask you to be flexible to an extent with your shift time – it can be difficult to judge the length of a particular trip due to changeable traffic or weather conditions. We request a minimum commitment of 1 x four hour shift per week for a minimum of 3 months.  Orientation and animal training will be provided.

Important Reminders:

It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.

If you are ready to join the RSPCA Qld team, please click "Fill in an application" above. For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au

Help Us Welcome Every Wild Guest

What to expect

This rewarding role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australian wildlife and dedicated to improving their welfare, who are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people, and have great computer and administration skills.  In this role you will provide vital help to all creatures great and small by being the ‘face’ of the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital, greeting people as they bring animals in, entering critical data onto the RSPCA systems, answering telephone calls from wildlife carers, local vet surgeries and other RSPCA departments, and other general administrative tasks as required.

Please note: In this role, you will be the first point of call for members of the public, staff and volunteers bringing in injured or deceased wildlife.  As such you will need to possess a certain level of resilience when handling these situations.

What are the benefits?

• Opportunity to gain skills and experience with various administration responsibilities and further develop your customer service skills
• Experience in the day to day operations of a busy Wildlife veterinary clinic, including the opportunity to get an up-close look at a wide range of species from common animals to endangered species
• Learning more about Australian wildlife, including learning species ID techniques and natural behaviours
• Being part of a team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who will support you in learning new skills

What are the tasks?

• Greeting members of the public and registered wildlife carers as they bring animals into the hospital
• Recording the details of incoming and outgoing animals
• Assisting staff with animal handling as required
• Ensuring the reception waiting area and consult rooms are kept clean and tidy at all times
• Liaising with wildlife carers regarding the placement of injured/juvenile animals, birds and reptiles
• Answering general telephone enquiries from wildlife carers
• Other data entry tasks and general duties as required
• Assisting in other areas of the hospital if reception tasks are up to date

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Reception volunteers must be over 18 years of age
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
  Confident, friendly nature and positive in meeting new people and making them feel welcome
• Prepared to be involved in some delicate and sometimes challenging situations
  Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  Willingness to learn handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming animals

When can I volunteer?

We currently have the below shifts available only:

Mondays: 8am-12:30pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm

Fridays: 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm

Saturdays: 8am-12:30pm, 12:30pm-5pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm
Sundays: 8am-12:30pm, 12:30pm-5pm, 4pm-8pm or 5pm-10pm

Orientation and animal training will be required.

Important Reminders:

It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.

If you are ready to join the RSPCA Qld team, please click "Fill in an application" above. For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au

Step Into the Heart of Wildlife Rescue

What to expect

There are a number of vacancies available in our busy Wildlife Hospital with various shifts across week days and weekends.  This position would suit applicants that have an interest in our native wildlife and a commitment to learn about the daily care required for them; are dedicated to improving their welfare and would like to gain exposure to a native animal hospital environment. Applicants will be involved with cleaning and the daily care of native wildlife (eg birds, possums, lizards and turtles) that are currently in care. In line with wild animal rehabilitation practices, please note that handling of wildlife will be minimal.

These can be challenging roles as you may be faced with situations where animals are sick, uncomfortable or in pain.  You might feel emotional about the animals you’re working with and may find this difficult, but ultimately the reward is that you’re making a huge, positive difference to their lives – and yours!

Please note: we are unable to offer placements for vet nursing students; please contact your course provider.

What are the benefits?

• Close encounters with native Australian wildlife!
• Learning about native wildlife and domestic bird care and husbandry
• Opportunity to gain new skills and learn about the vet care industry
• Becoming part of a friendly new community

What are the tasks?

• Providing enrichment for domestic birds
• The daily cleaning of animal enclosures which involves removing used leaf and food, plus soiled newspaper and towels, and replacing with fresh supplies
• Assist with stock control and re-stocking of supplies where appropriate.
• Sweeping and mopping floors, removing rubbish, washing animals’ water and food bowls, replacing food and water.
• Hygiene control – this is critical as a shelter environment is a high-risk area for diseases, some of which are communicable to humans or your own pets.  This means ensuring appropriate sanitisation and hand-washing after handling animals or enclosures, use of appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, etc, to prevent disease and avoid cross contamination.  
• Assistance with ensuring the hosptial environment and reception area is presentable, and general tidying up.
• Taking bins of soiled towels to the laundry and collecting clean towels etc to take back to your area.
• Undertake general laundry duties as part of each shift, including loading dirty laundry into the machines, loading and/or taking clean washing out of the dryers, and folding all clean items.
• Occasional minimal animal handling involved 

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Confidence in working with animals
• Resilience – you will see and be required to care for animals with various illnesses or injuries and this can be confronting and upsetting
• Be able to work independently
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and able to stand for long periods
• Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Hard working and committed to the RSPCA

When can I volunteer?

• We currently have the following vacancies:
  • Tuesday - 12pm-4pm
  • Friday - 12pm-4pm
  • Saturday - 12pm-4pm
  • Sunday - 12pm-4pm
• Orientation and animal training will be provided.

If you could please specify in your application which shift you would ideally like to have, that would be much appreciated. 

Important Reminders:

It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.

If you are ready to join the RSPCA Qld team, please click "Fill in an application" above. For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au

Support Recovery, One Animal at a Time!

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers!

Join our incredible team and embark on a rewarding adventure with Australia's native wildlife. If you're passionate about their well-being and eager to learn about their daily care, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Gain exposure to our native animal rehabilitation centre and make a real difference in the lives of our furry friends!

What to expect:

• Immerse yourself in the captivating world of native wildlife care.
• Embrace the challenge of caring for animals who may be sick or in discomfort.
• We understand it can be emotional, but the reward is priceless—you'll be making a positive impact on their lives and your own!
• Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer placements for Vet nursing students. Please reach out to your course provider for alternative opportunities.

Benefits that will make your heart flutter:

• Up-close encounters with adorable native Australian wildlife!
• Learn invaluable skills in native wildlife care and husbandry.
• Explore the fascinating field of veterinary care.
• Become part of a friendly and supportive community that shares your passion.

Tasks that will make you feel like a wildlife superhero:

• Prepare delicious meals and provide enriching activities for our animal pals.
• Keep their enclosures squeaky clean.
• Channel your inner cleanliness guru—sweep, mop, and banish rubbish.
• Master hygiene control and follow sanitization protocols diligently.
• Help maintain a presentable clinic environment and reception area.
• Be a laundry legend—wash, fold, and collect clean bedding and towels.
• Assist with stock control and ensure supplies are always in check.

Skills and characteristics that will make you a superstar:

• Be confident or willing to learn about working with native wildlife in a rehabilitation centre.
• Show your independent spirit—we believe in your ability to shine.
• Flex those muscles! Physically fit individuals who can lift 10kg.
• Pay attention to the smallest details and follow instructions flawlessly.
• Enjoy working in a team environment and unleash your excellent communication skills.
• Roll up your sleeves and show us your dedication to the RSPCA's mission.

When can you make a difference?

We offer a range of shifts from Monday to Sunday. Our current roles we need to fill urgently are:

Dawn Shift (6:30am – 10:30am) Fridays and Saturdays
Morning Shift (8:30am – 12:30pm) Mondays and Thursdays
Midday Shift (10:00am – 2:00pm) Saturdays and Sundays
Afternoon Shift (1:30pm – 5:30pm) Thursdays and Sundays

Don't worry—we'll provide orientation and training in animal interaction, training, and husbandry.

Important Reminders:

An up-to-date Tetanus vaccination is mandatory before handling animals at the RSPCA.

If you are ready to join the RSPCA Qld team, please click "Fill in an application" above. For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au

Start Their Rescue Story at the Front Desk!

What to expect

This rewarding role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australian wildlife and dedicated to improving their welfare, who are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people, and have great computer and administration skills.  In this role you will provide vital help to all creatures great and small by greeting people as they bring animals in, entering critical data onto the RSPCA systems, answering telephone calls from wildlife carers, local vet surgeries and other RSPCA departments, and other general administrative tasks as required.

Please note: In this role, you will be the first point of call for members of the public, staff and volunteers bringing in injured or deceased wildlife.  As such you will need to possess a certain level of resilience when handling these situations.

What are the benefits?

• Opportunity to gain skills and experience with various administration responsibilities and further develop your customer service skills
• Experience in the day to day operations of a busy Wildlife veterinary clinic, including the opportunity to get an up-close look at a wide range of species from common animals to endangered species
• Learning more about Australian wildlife, including learning species ID techniques and natural behaviours
• Being part of a team of enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who will support you in learning new skills

What are the tasks?

• Greeting members of the public and registered wildlife carers as they bring animals into the hospital
• Recording the details of incoming and outgoing animals
• Assisting staff with animal handling as required
• Ensuring the reception waiting area and consult rooms are kept clean and tidy at all times
• Liaising with wildlife carers regarding the placement of injured/juvenile animals, birds and reptiles
• Answering general telephone enquiries from wildlife carers
• Other data entry tasks and general duties as required
• Assisting in other areas of the hospital if reception tasks are up to date

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Excellent communication and customer service skills
  Confident, friendly nature and positive in meeting new people and making them feel welcome
• Prepared to be involved in some delicate and sometimes challenging situations
  Reliable, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and multitask
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
  Willingness to learn handling techniques and housing requirements for incoming animals

When can I volunteer?

Mornings 8am-12pm: Saturdays and Sundays

Afternoons12-4pm: Saturdays and Sundays

There is a lot to learn in this role so we request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per week for a minimum of 3 months. Orientation and animal training will be required.

Important Reminders:

It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.

If you are ready to join the RSPCA Qld team, please click "Fill in an application" above. For further information, please contact us at volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au

Answer the Call of the Wild!

What to expect

This rewarding volunteer role would suit applicants who are passionate about Australia’s native wildlife and are committed to improving their welfare. This is a great opportunity for people who want to help their local Wildlife. This program is available across Queensland and is flexible, allowing participants to help anywhere, anytime.

What are the benefits?

• Increased awareness of our native wildlife and the issues they face.
• Native animal handling and identification skills.
• Get to know your local wildlife and community.
• Be part of the RSPCA QLD Wildlife Rescue network.

What are the tasks?

The position involves very basic rescuing and transporting injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife as required and includes:

• Rescue and Transport: Attending wildlife transport and rescue requests in your local area and deliver animals to a nearby vet clinic or local Wildlife carer.
• Wildlife Reunites: Attempt to reunite juvenile birds and other animals with their parents.
• In this role you will only deal with common and non-dangerous species (Smal-Med Birds, Lizards, Turtles & Possums) and you will not be dealing with high-risk animals (Roo’s, Koalas, Bats, Goanna’s, Birds of Prey, snakes) and no rescue situations that involve high risk (on ladders, in a water body, at heights, in a confined space)
• Community Engagement: Engage with members of the public in a positive way and represent RSPCA QLD when responding to rescue and transportation requests and provide advice or education when appropriate. 

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Confidence when interacting with a variety of wildlife species.
• Must be over 18 years of age, hold a valid Queensland driver's licence, and access to a suitable roadworthy and insured vehicle, you will be using your own vehicle and equipment.
• Willingness to learn about wildlife and rescue techniques.
• Adherence to RSPCA Queensland WH&S guidelines and code of conduct.
• Able to be flexible and adaptable but work in a safe manner and not put yourself or others at risk or harm.
• Excellent communication skills and able to stay calm and objective.
• Genuine interest in animal welfare and the objectives of RSPCA Qld.

When can I volunteer?

You can nominate the times and locations you want to carry out transports and rescues that suits you, this is a flexible volunteer role you can do to fit into your lifestyle.

Important Information:

• As an RSPCA Volunteer you can only attend to animals that have been tasked to you by RSPCA Staff and once you accept a job you will be required to regularly check in with RSPCA staff when out doing a job for your safety and to be covered by our insurances.
• It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination, and this will be your responsibility to obtain and keep up to date.
• If you do wildlife rescues already, please email us on the below email and we can add you to our rescue list so we can refer rescues to you or your organisation.

For further information, please contact our Wildlife Responder Coordinator via email on 1300animal@rspcaqld.org.au or fill in an application above.