Support Centre - Transport and Release Volunteer

Transport & Release Volunteers help wildlife by transporting injured wildlife and supplies to and from our facility in Burnaby. 

Responsibilities:

  • Pick up injured, orphaned or pollution-damaged wildlife and deliver to the Wildlife Rescue rehabilitation centre
  • Release rehabilitated animals back into the wild
  • Transfer animals between Wildlife Rescue and other partner wildlife rehabilitation centres
  • Minimise animal stress and suffering by reducing 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
  • Purchase, pick up and/or deliver supplies (optional)

This role is perfect for someone who:

  • Enjoys driving
  • Wants to give injured wildlife a second chance
  • Prefers a flexible on-call schedule
  • Have a valid BC Driver's license, auto insurance in good standing, and regular access to a safe, reliable vehicle (winter tyres may be required for some transports)
  • Are reliable self-starters with a passion for wildlife
  • Are comfortable around birds
  • Have respect for all species of wildlife
  • Understand the importance of following detailed instruction and protocols 
  • Have a positive attitude and great communication skills when representing Wildlife Rescue in the community

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 transport per week and 100-hours total
    • Transport requests may be less frequent in the fall and winter
  • 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
  • Volunteers are NOT required to trap or capture animals. Animals to be transported will be contained and additional training is required to become a Rescue Volunteer

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.