Support Centre - Waterfowl Rescue (Seasonal)

Reports to:                            Waterfowl Rescue Team Leads & Support Centre Staff

Purpose of Position:

The Waterfowl Rescue program is a seasonal program that operates annually from mid-March to June during the busy Canada Goose nesting season. The program involves the safe capture and immediate release of goose, duck or waterfowl families that have become trapped on buildings, rooftop gardens and other man-made structures by a specialized team of volunteers. 

This program aligns with the Support Centre mission to Prevent, Educate and Respond to Wildlife in Distress.

Focus of this Position:

1. To assist Canada goose families who have nested in areas where the goslings have become trapped on a rooftop and cannot escape without intervention.

2. To provide minimal disturbance and interference to the goose families by providing an immediate release to ground level or to the nearest water source

3. Educate the public on the challenges faced by urban wildlife, and to advocate for the importance of wildlife in the urban environment, and to educate on the work of Wildlife Rescue.
 

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

  • On-call availability of 1+ days a week usually between the hours of 9am and 6pm from mid-March to June
    • Multiple day and weekday availability is an asset!
  • Flexibility and ability to commit to long volunteer hours with short notice
  • Use of your own vehicle in good condition and insurance in good standing
  • Physically fit and able to lift upwards of 20lbs. Must be agile and able to move quickly to capture wild animals
  • Reliable, organized and comes prepared to rescue calls
  • Ability to work in a team setting and follow directions
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Comfortable having conversations with members of the public

 

Scope of Accountability

The Waterfowl Rescue Volunteers are accountable to the Support Centre Manager and to the Waterfowl Rescue Team Leads for following direction, health & safety, assisting with capture and safely executing the rescue plan as communicated by the Team Leads.  All team members are responsible for communicating with the public.

 

Priorities and Expectations

Volunteers ensure that the highest standards of practice are achieved and maintained in accordance with the mission, vision and values of Wildlife Rescue and the Support Centre Program. Team members represent the organization as a first contact to the public thus volunteers act and communicate in a professional manner when in the field.

 

Deliverables

  • Ensure a quick, efficient and low stress rescue as planned by the Team Leads
  • Follow direction and instructions of team members
  • Communicate in a respectful manner
  • Maintain a high level of Health & Safety practices while in the field
  • Encouraging public support for Wildlife Rescue
  • Maintain best practices working with wildlife


Time Commitment

Participants in this seasonal program will provide a calendar of availability for the duration of the season (mid-March-June). Volunteers will be contacted by team leads and/or Helpline staff on the days of the week they have communicated availability. Volunteers should be willing to commit 4 – 8 hours on a rescue day. Rescues can take approximately 1-3 hours and a team can complete multiple rescues back-to-back in one day. Team members will need to allow for the time it takes to travel to and between rescue locations.

 

Recognition & Benefits

In this position you will have the opportunity to:

  • Make a difference for urban geese and waterfowl;
  • Contribute to the development and efficient operation of our seasonal rescue program;
  • Build on your knowledge, skills and experience in the rescue field;
  • While we are unable to reimburse the cost for gas, volunteers do receive a tax receipt for mileage donations totaling $20 or more;
  • Meet and work with new people.

Upon successful completion of the season, volunteers are encouraged to move to a regular rescue or transport volunteer role.