Endangered Wolf Center

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.