Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

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

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.