Endangered Wolf Center

Docent Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities: Docents are responsible for leading programs on-site. This primarily involves Private Tours and Endangered Species Tours, but additional training can be completed to also lead field trips as well as Cub Scout, Girl Scout, and Scouts BSA programs.

This position requires the ability to lead guests on a ~1 mile tour on various uneven surfaces, including pavement and gravel, while also talking and answering questions. A significant amount of information about the Endangered Wolf Center, the species cared for, and the individual animals will need to be learned in order to lead these programs. Fluency in an additional language is a bonus but is not required.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Time Commitment & Scheduling: Docents must commit to at least 12 months with a minimum of 37 hours of service per year. Docents opportunities are available year round beginning at 9am each day with the last tour usually ending around 3:30pm. Docents may sign up for one or more programs each day. (No on-site programs are run on Tuesdays.)

Volunteer Screening Process: Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. After an interview, potential volunteers must provide proof of being up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including initial doses (1- or 2-dose varieties) and all eligible boosters, and may need to pass a background check.

Volunteer Supervision: Docents report directly to the Education Manager, though other Education staff members may participate in training, supervision, and assisting with programs.

Volunteer Training Process: Those chosen to become Docents must attend one of the quarterly Volunteer Orientation Days. Upon completion, they may begin shadowing tours, during which they will observe a certified Docent or staff member lead the program, learn the general flow of tours, and hear common questions from guests. At least six hours of shadowing must be completed before beginning the co-leading process. Co-leading entails partnering with a certified Docent or staff member to lead a program, gaining experience while having someone there to assist if there are any questions or concerns. At least 10 hours of co-leading must be completed before requesting certification testing. To complete the certification process, potential Docents must pass an online exam as well as be shadowed by a staff member on a tour, who will make sure all information presented to guests is accurate and complete.

Newly certified Docents will be shadowed by a staff member at the three- and six-month points to verify consistent messaging. Afterward, these reviews will be completed yearly. A self assessment will also be completed at this time. At least two continuing training courses as well as the Docent certification test must be completed online each year to maintain Docent status. If a volunteer has limited access to the internet, printed copies of training materials can be provided upon request.

Personal Appearance/Dress Code: Docents will be provided a blue Endangered Wolf Center t-shirt and a name tag that they must wear anytime they are leading a program. Additional shirts are available for purchase. If 75 hours of volunteer service is completed during the course of one year, a blue Endangered Wolf Center polo will be available for purchase, which may be worn instead of the t-shirt Docents are also required to wear black or khaki pants and closed-toe shoes. Shorts may be worn on warm days, provided they are as long or longer than mid-thigh. Long sleeves may be worn under uniform shirts and jackets, coats, and vests may be worn as long as they are plain and do not contain wording (small, unobtrusive brand logos acceptable). Endangered Wolf Center branded jackets are acceptable. Plain or Endangered Wolf Center hats may be worn as long as they do not detract from the guests' experience.

Docents act as representatives to the public. It is the policy of the Endangered Wolf Center that Docents maintain a level of personal hygiene while performing their appointed duties. Offensive odors and disheveled appearance may lower the visitors' experience. A Docent who does not meet these requirements may be subject to disciplinary action, which may prohibit them from leading programs or attending special events and fundraisers.  

Volunteer Position Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities: Maintenance Volunteers are responsible for assisting the Maintenance Staff with work around the property, including but not limited to fence repair, car maintenance and repair, grass cutting, and weed trimming. Those with the Endangered Wolf Center for an extended period of time may be granted the opportunity to participate in additional tasks and responsibilities.

This position requires the ability to perform manual labor in a variety of weather conditions, including significant heat and cold. The ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs may be required depending on assigned tasks.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Time Commitment & Scheduling: Volunteers must commit to at least 12 months with a minimum of 30 hours of service per year, which may be split between different volunteer roles. Maintenance Volunteer opportunities are available year round.

Volunteer Screening Process: Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. After an interview, potential volunteers must provide proof of being up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including initial doses (1- or 2-dose varieties) and all eligible boosters, and may need to pass a background check. Maintenance volunteers must also provide the date of their latest Tdap vaccination.

Volunteer Supervision: Maintenance Volunteers report directly to the Education Coordinator, though other staff members may assist with training and supervision. Any concerns that cannot be addressed by the Education Coordinator should be directed to the Education Manager.

Volunteer Training Process: Those chosen to become Maintenance Volunteers are required to attend one of the quarterly Volunteer Orientation days. Upon completion, they must complete safety training online for any tools or equipment they may use prior to completing any tasks. If a volunteer has limited access to the internet, a printed copy of the training material can be provided upon request. Certain safety training tests must be completed each year to remain current while others will only need to be completed once.

Training for particular tasks may be completed on the day of volunteering. This training will be conducted by a staff member or long-time volunteer familiar with the task. If additional online training courses are required prior to the scheduled date of completion, the Education Coordinator or Education Manager will reach out to notify the volunteer.

Personal Appearance/Dress Code: Maintenance Volunteers will be provided a blue Endangered Wolf Center t-shirt to wear during their shifts. Additional t-shirts are available for purchase. Closed-toe shoes and pants or jeans are required for this position, provided they do not have significant rips or tears. Long sleeves may be worn under uniform shirts and jackets, coats, and vests may be worn as long as they are plain and do not contain wording (small, unobtrusive brand logos are acceptable). Endangered Wolf Center branded jackets are acceptable. Plain or Endangered Wolf Center hats may be worn. Work gloves are encouraged.

Volunteer Position Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities: Clerical Volunteers are responsible for helping with office work and various non-labor intensive tasks. These may include, but are not limited to, scanning documents, making copies, stuffing envelopes, completing research, and putting together packages.

This position does not require significant physical exertion or the ability to travel or talk for long periods of time. Most tasks can be completed indoors.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Time Commitment & Scheduling:  Volunteers must commit to at least 12 months with a minimum of 30 hours of service per year, which may be split between different volunteer roles. Clerical Volunteer opportunities are available year-round.

Volunteer Screening Process: Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. After an interview, potential volunteers must provide proof of being up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including initial doses (1- or 2-dose varieties) and all eligible boosters, and may need to pass a background check.

Volunteer Supervision: Clerical Volunteers report directly to the Education Manager, though other staff members may participate in training and supervision.

Volunteer Training Process: Those chosen to become Clerical Volunteers must attend one of the quarterly Volunteer Orientation Days. Upon completion, they will be given ongoing training during the course of their volunteering time, either by a staff member or a long-time volunteer familiar with the assigned task. If any training needs to be conducted prior to a particular task, the Education Manager will reach out to either schedule a training day or notify of training material available online. If a volunteer has limited access to the internet, a printed copy of training materials can be provided upon request.

Personal Appearance/Dress Code: Clerical Volunteers will be provided a blue Endangered Wolf Center t-shirt to wear during their shifts. Additional t-shirts are available for purchase. Closed-toe shoes and pants or jeans are required for this position, provided they do not have significant rips or tears. Long sleeves may be worn under uniform shirts and jackets, coats, and vests may be worn as long as they are plain and do not contain wording (small, unobtrusive brand logos are acceptable). Endangered Wolf Center branded jackets are acceptable. Plain or Endangered Wolf Center hats may be worn.

Volunteer Position Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities: Garden Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the native plant gardens on property and assisting with beautification of the grounds. Job duties include weeding, planting, watering, raking, leaf blowing, and other various tasks.

This position requires the ability to perform manual labor in a variety of weather conditions, including significant heat.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Time Commitment & Scheduling: Volunteers must commit to at least 12 months with a minimum of 30 hours of service per year, which may be split between different volunteer roles. Garden Volunteer opportunities are available year round, with a significant increase in opportunities in the spring, summer, and early fall. Garden Volunteers must commit to a consistent schedule of availability to ensure the plants on the property are properly maintained.

Volunteer Screening Process: Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. After an interview, potential volunteers must provide proof of being up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including initial doses (1- or 2-dose varieties) and all eligible boosters, and may need to pass a background check.

Volunteer Supervision: Garden Volunteers report directly to the Education Coordinator, though other staff members may assist with training and supervision. Any concerns that cannot be addressed by the Education Coordinator should be directed to the Education Manager.

Volunteer Training Process: Those chosen to become Garden Volunteers must attend one of the quarterly volunteer orientation days. Upon completion, they must schedule a time with the Education Coordinator to be trained on how to properly care for the native plant gardens and other responsibilities. If online training is required for a task, the Education Coordinator or Education Manager will reach out to notify the volunteer of this training. If a volunteer has limited access to the internet, a printed copy of all training materials can be provided upon request.

Personal Appearance/Dress Code: Garden Volunteers will be provided a blue Endangered Wolf Center t-shirt to wear during their shifts. Additional t-shirts are available for purchase. Closed-toe shoes and pants or jeans are required for this position, provided they do not have significant rips or tears. Long sleeves may be worn under uniform shirts and jackets, coats, and vests may be worn as long as they are plain and do not contain wording (small, unobtrusive brand logos are acceptable). Endangered Wolf Center branded jackets are acceptable. Plain or Endangered Wolf Center hats may be worn. Work gloves are encouraged.

Volunteer Position Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities: Outreach Volunteers are responsible for assisting staff member(s) set up and run outreach programs, including but not limited to classroom activities, assemblies, career fairs, and festival booths.

This position requires the ability to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds while at various locations, both indoor and outdoor, with limited breaks.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Time Commitment & Scheduling: Volunteers must commit to at least 12 months with a minimum of 30 hours of service per year, which may be split between various volunteer roles. Outreach Volunteer opportunities are available year round, with a significant uptick in the fall. Outreaches can be any day of the week and vary in length from two hours to multiple days. An Outreach Volunteer may sign up for an entire outreach or a single shift, depending on the length of the program.

Volunteer Screening Process: Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. After an interview, potential volunteers must provide proof of being up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including initial doses (1- or 2-dose varieties) and all eligible boosters, and may need to pass a background check.

Volunteer Supervision: Outreach Volunteers report directly to the Community Engagement Coordinator, though other staff members may assist with training, supervision, and running outreach programs. Any concerns that cannot be addressed by the Community Engagement Coordinator should be directed to the Education Manager.

Volunteer Training Process: Those chosen to become Outreach Volunteers must attend one of the quarterly Volunteer Orientation Days. Upon completion, they will be trained primarily during the course of their volunteering time, either by the Community Engagement Coordinator or a long-time volunteer familiar with outreaches. If any training needs to be conducted prior to a particular task, the Community Engagement Coordinator or the Education Manager will reach out to either schedule a training day or notify of training material available online. If a volunteer has limited access to the internet, a printed copy of training materials can be provided upon request.

Docent training is not required to be an Outreach Volunteer, but it is highly recommended as this position requires a significant interaction with guests as well as answering questions about the animals cared for at the Endangered Wolf Center. This training includes an online quiz that must be renewed yearly.

Personal Appearance/Dress Code: Outreach Volunteers will be provided a blue Endangered Wolf Center t-shirt and a name tag that they must wear anytime they are at an outreach program. Additional shirts are available for purchase. If 75 hours of volunteer service is completed during the course of one year, a blue Endangered Wolf Center polo will be available for purchase, which may be worn instead of the t-shirt. Outreach Volunteers are also required to wear black or khaki pants and closedtoe shoes. Shorts may be worn on warm days, provided they are as long or longer than mid-thigh. Long sleeves may be worn under uniform shirts and jackets, coats, and vests may be worn as long as they are plain and do not contain wording (small, unobtrusive brand logos acceptable). Endangered Wolf Center branded jackets are acceptable. Plain or Endangered Wolf Center hats may be worn as long as they do not detract from the guests' experience.

If the Community Engagement Coordinator decides to modify the dress code for a particular outreach, they will contact each volunteer scheduled to notify them of this change.

Outreach Volunteers act as representatives to the public. It is the policy of the Endangered Wolf Center that Outreach Volunteers maintain a level of personal hygiene while performing their appointed duties. Offensive odors and disheveled appearance may lower the guests' experience. An Outreach Volunteer who does not meet these requirements may be subject to disciplinary action, which may prohibit them from participating in future programs or attending special events and fundraisers. 

Volunteer Position Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities: Breeding Observers are responsible for watching a designated pair of animals for specified breeding behaviors and recording these behaviors on an ethogram.

This position requires the ability to quietly sit still in a blind for two hours in a variety of weather conditions, including but not limited to extreme cold and snow. No food, drinks, or breaks are allowed during scheduled observations.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Time Commitment & Scheduling: Breeding Observers must commit to a specified time slot of two hours every week during breeding season (typically Martin Luther King Jr. Day through Saint Patrick’s Day, though these dates will vary each year depending on animal needs). Breeding Observers must arrive on-site 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time in order to collect supplies and be at their designated blind on time. If observers are unable to make their scheduled time for any reason, they are responsible for finding a replacement from the list provided. 

Volunteer Screening Process: Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. After an interview, potential volunteers must provide proof of being up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including initial doses (1- or 2-dose varieties) and all eligible boosters, and may need to pass a background check.

Volunteer Supervision: Breeding Observers report directly to the Education Manager, though other Education or Animal Care staff members may participate in training and supervision.

Volunteer Training Process: Breeding Observers are required to attend a training session prior to the start of breeding season to go over protocols, behaviors to record, and other material as needed.

Personal Appearance/Dress Code: Breeding Observers must dress according to the weather during their scheduled observation period. This may include long sleeves, vests, jackets, coats, coveralls, boots, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves and/or blankets. Large brand names and offensive writing or images are not permitted. Dark or muted colors are encouraged to not draw the attention of the animals being observed. The Endangered Wolf Center does not supply these items - Breeding Observers are responsible for their own attire. Hand and feet warmers may be available, though volunteers are encouraged to bring their own.

Volunteer Position Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities: Howl Volunteers are responsible for assisting staff member(s) in running Campfire Howls, Evening Wolf Howls, and any other howl programs.

This position requires the ability to build and supervise a campfire, quietly lead guests ~¼ mile on an uneven gravel road in limited light while talking and answering questions, and produce a howl or howl-like sound in an attempt to get our resident animals to respond.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Time Commitment & Scheduling: Volunteers must commit to at least 12 months with a minimum of 30 hours of service per year, which may be split between different volunteer roles. Howl Volunteer opportunities are available year round, with a significant uptick in the fall and early winter. Howl program start times vary throughout the year, typically based on time of sunset, with most starting between 5:30 and 7pm. Howl programs typically last approximately two hours, and Howl Volunteers are expected to be on-site one hour prior to program start time and stay until cleanup is complete, including verifying the campfire is completely extinguished.

Volunteer Screening Process: Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. After an interview, potential volunteers must provide proof of being up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including initial doses (1- or 2-dose varieties) and all eligible boosters, and may need to pass a background check.

Volunteer Supervision: Howl Volunteers report directly to the Education Manager, though other Education staff members may assist with training, supervision, and running howl programs.

Volunteer Training Process: Those chosen to become Howl Volunteers must attend one of the quarterly Volunteer Orientation Days. Upon completion, they must complete an online fire safety training course. If a volunteer has limited access to the internet, a printed copy of training materials can be provided upon request. Once this training has been completed, Howl Volunteers must shadow staff or another volunteer during at least one howl, though additional shadowing may be required to become comfortable with the program. Once a volunteer is familiar with the Howl programs, they may assist staff in running Howls.

Docent training is not required to be a Howl Volunteer, but it is highly recommended as this position requires significant interaction with guests as well as answering questions about the animals cared for at the Endangered Wolf Center. This training includes an online quiz that must be renewed yearly.

Personal Appearance/Dress Code: Howl Volunteers will be provided a blue Endangered Wolf Center t-shirt and a name tag that they must wear anytime they are leading a program. Additional shirts are available for purchase. If 75 hours of volunteer service is completed during the course of one year, a blue Endangered Wolf Center polo will be available for purchase, which may be worn instead of the t-shirt. Howl Volunteers are also required to wear black or khaki pants and closed-toe shoes. Shorts may be worn on warm days, provided they are as long or longer than mid-thigh. Long sleeves may be worn under uniform shirts and jackets, coats, and vests may be worn as long as they are plain and do not contain wording (small, unobtrusive brand logos acceptable). Endangered Wolf Center branded jackets are acceptable. Plain or Endangered Wolf Center hats may be worn as long as they do not detract from the guests' experience.

Howl Volunteers act as representatives to the public. It is the policy of the Endangered Wolf Center that Howl Volunteers maintain a level of personal hygiene while performing their appointed duties. Offensive odors and disheveled appearance may lower the visitors' experience. A Howl Volunteer who does not meet these requirements may be subject to disciplinary action, which may prohibit them from leading programs or attending special events and fundraisers.  

Volunteer Position Qualifications, Skills, & Abilities: Special Events Volunteers are responsible for assisting with the set up, execution of, and clean up of large scale functions that take place on property. Various positions are available at these events, including but not limited to signing in guests, assisting with parking, directing guests around the event, chauffeuring guests around in a golf cart, signing guests up for memberships, assisting with a silent auction, providing drinks to guests, and teaching guests about the animals.

Depending on the position assigned to the Special Events Volunteer, the requirements may include the ability to travel on uneven surfaces such as dirt and gravel, the ability to talk with guests of various ages and backgrounds, and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

Minimum age requirement: 18 years old

Time Commitment & Scheduling: Volunteers must commit to at least 12 months with a minimum of 30 hours of service per year, which may be split between different volunteer roles. Special Events Volunteer opportunities are available at various times throughout each year and vary in length from a few hours to a full day. A Special Events Volunteer may sign up for an entire event or a single shift, depending on the length of the event.

Volunteer Screening Process: Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. After an interview, potential volunteers must provide proof of being up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including initial doses (1- or 2-dose varieties) and all eligible boosters, and may need to pass a background check.

Volunteer Supervision: Special Events Volunteers report directly to the Education Manager, though other staff members may participate in training and supervision.

Volunteer Training Process: Special Events Volunteers will primarily be trained on the day of the event for their particular roles. Training will be conducted by a staff member or long-time volunteer who is familiar with the role. If any training needs to be conducted prior to a particular event, the Education Manager will reach out to either schedule a training day or notify of training material available online. If a volunteer has limited access to the internet, a paper copy of training materials can be provided upon request.

Personal Appearance/Dress Code:  Special Events Volunteers will be provided a blue Endangered Wolf Center t-shirt and a name tag that they must wear anytime they are working an event. Additional shirts are available for purchase. If 75 hours of volunteer service is completed during the course of one year, a blue Endangered Wolf Center polo will be available for purchase, which may be worn instead. Special Events Volunteers are also required to wear black or khaki pants and closed-toe shoes. Shorts may be worn on warm days, provided they are as long or longer than mid-thigh. Long sleeves may be worn under uniform shirts and jackets, coats, and vests may be worn as long as they are plain and do not contain wording (small, unobtrusive brand logos acceptable). Endangered Wolf Center branded jackets are acceptable. Plain or Endangered Wolf Center hats may be worn as long as they do not detract from the guests' experience.

Special Events Volunteers act as representatives to the public. It is the policy of the Endangered Wolf Center that Special Events Volunteers maintain a level of personal hygiene while performing their appointed duties. Offensive odors and disheveled appearance may lower the visitors' experience. A Special Events Volunteer who does not meet these requirements may be subject to disciplinary action, which may prohibit them from leading programs or attending special events and fundraisers.