Support Centre - Rescue Volunteer

Purpose

Wildlife Rescue Association is a registered non-profit established in 1979. We are the second largest wildlife rehabilitation facility in terms of intakes in Canada; we serve over 6000 wildlife patients each year! We rehabilitate injured wildlife, raise orphaned wildlife, and treat pollution-damaged wildlife with a goal of release back into the wild. We have a team of over 300 volunteers, whom along with staff, run our Wildlife Hospital 365 days a year.  Rescue Volunteers help wildlife by performing field assessments of potentially injured/ill birds and perform capture and transport duties when necessary. 

Responsibilities 

  • Respond to Support Centre requests to assess birds in the field for potential injuries/illness
  • Safely contain injured, sick, or orphaned birds
  • Transport birds needing care to WRA for treatment
  • Minimise animal stress and suffering by minimising noise and other stressors during transport
  • Ensure volunteer and animal safety in the field
  • Refer public enquiries to our Wildlife Helpline
  • Assist with completing intake forms as needed
  • Maintain professionalism when representing Wildlife Rescue to the community

This role is perfect for someone who

The following qualifications are important for this role:

  • Professional communication skills when representing Wildlife Rescue in the community
  • Positive attitude
  • 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 calls for rescue
  • Strong adherence to safety protocols
  • Valid BC Drivers License
  • Consistent access to a safe, reliable vehicle with insurance in good standing (winter tires may be required for some transports)
  • Willingness to travel to many areas of the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (greater travel areas are an asset)
  • Previous experience of handling wildlife is an asset.

We have a higher need for volunteers who:

  • Are available on weekdays between 10am and 3pm
  • Are willing to travel to between Burnaby and further areas in B.C including: Richmond, Delta, Surrey, and the Fraser Valley 
  • Already have an up to date rabies vaccination and are willing to transport bats
    • (We DO NOT expect volunteers to obtain an expensive rabies vaccination in order to volunteer. Only a few volunteers will be selected and trained for Bat Transport & Rescue. Speak to a staff representative if you are interested in this role. People who are not trained by a qualified specialist should not approach, handle or touch a bat as they are a high-risk species for transmission of zoonotic disease)

Time Commitment

  • Minimum of one shift per week and 100-hours total
    • Requests may be less frequent in the fall and winter
    • Two transports per month must be completed to remain active on the Transport Team
  • This is an on-call position, therefore flexible schedules can be accommodated
  • Volunteers choose their areas willing to travel and day(s) of availability

Additional Information: 

  • Volunteers will be required to show proof of an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years
  • Wildlife Rescue issues tax receipts for mileage donations annually, since we cannot reimburse for fuel costs

*Please note that before becoming involved in Rescue activities, you will be required to complete 12 Transport duties (approx. 3 months with one duty per week) and complete an interview.

How to apply: 

Complete an application on MyImpactPage and you will be invited to the next scheduled Meet & Greet. Frequency of sessions will vary throughout the year.