VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Needed: Rescue Volunteers
Organization: Wildlife Rescue Association of BC
Location: Glencarin Dr., Burnaby / Metro Vancouver BC

Purpose of Position

The vision of Wildlife Rescue Association of British Columbia is to continually improve the welfare of urban wildlife. Our mission is to provide leadership in rehabilitating wildlife and in promoting the welfare of wild animals in the urban environment.

We run a wildlife hospital and Support Centre located on a single site at the edge of Burnaby Lake. We treat over 5,000 wild birds and bats each year and provide public education through 30,000 calls to our Wildlife Helpline. Our Business Operations department plans, coordinates and oversees all our programs including development, communications, resources and volunteering.

Each year, 250 volunteers participate in a range of positions both on and off site. We are currently seeking a volunteer to perform field assessments of potentially injured/ill birds and perform capture and transport duties when necessary.

All volunteers must be 19 years or older and provide a Criminal Record Check, proof of up-to-date Tetanus vaccination and full Covid-19 vaccination.

Qualifications

We are looking for:

• 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 with handling wildlife is an asset.

*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.

Deliverables

The Rescue Volunteer is accountable to the Support Centre staff for following direction, Health & Safety protocols, assisting with capture and safely executing the rescue plan as it is communicated to them. They are expected to ensure the highest standards of practice are achieved and maintained in accordance with the mission, vision and values of WRA, and to ensure adherence to all policies and legal requirements. All data and information will remain the property of Wildlife Rescue and be treated confidentially.

While transporting patients, Rescue Volunteers are expected to place the welfare and safety of themselves first, followed closely by that of the patient in their care. This means minimising handling to reduce stress while capturing the patient (training will be provided), driving in a defensive manner, keeping noise in the vehicle to a minimum, and following any patient-specific instructions from Support Centre staff or volunteers.

• 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
• Act as an ambassador for WRA when performing assessments and rescues in the field, responding to the public’s questions when needed
• Educate the public on the challenges faced by urban wildlife, and advocating for the importance of wildlife in the urban environment, and to educate on the work of Wildlife Rescue
• Offsite job responsibilities include transporting wildlife or supplies/necessities to or from our site and collecting information from members of the public regarding animals being transported
• Onsite job responsibilities include assisting Admissions staff or volunteers in completing wildlife admission forms
• Record and log all hours on MyImpactPage.

Time Commitment

All Wildlife Rescue volunteers start with a minimum commitment of 100 hours. Typically, volunteers are assigned specific on-call shifts based on their availability and the needs of the organization. Volunteers are assigned designated shifts during which they are expected to be on call and ready to go on Rescues. Two transports per month must be completed to remain active on the Transport Team. Most requests will be sent during Wildlife Rescue’s operational hours, with the odd out-of-hours transport requested.

Recognition & Benefits

We will discuss your specific motivations and learning objectives, and keep those in mind throughout your engagement. You will have the opportunity to:

• Make a difference for wildlife
• Learn a lot about local wildlife and the impact we humans have on local species
• Contribute to the development and efficient running of our organization and its volunteers
• Work as part of an emergency response team for injured or orphaned wildlife
• Gain useful wildlife rescue skills
• Learn about the non-profit sector and the enormous value of volunteerism
• Use and build upon your outreach, communication and interpersonal skills
• Meet and work with new people
• Receive an annual tax receipt for kilometres driven at the current rate specified by the Canada Revenue Agency

Upon successful completion of the minimum commitment and at the volunteer’s request, the Volunteer Program team will provide references.

Rescue Volunteers who have completed a minimum number of shifts are eligible to train in new roles, including:

• Bat Rescue (requires additional training and Rabies vaccination)
• Waterfowl Rescue (seasonal)

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We welcome and support the treatment of all patients regardless of species, background or malady, and take a similar approach to the people involved with our organisation. We welcome eager volunteers regardless of race, colour, religion or creed, gender, age (providing they meet the minimum requirement of 16 years due to health risks), disability, national origin, language, political belief, criminal record, pregnancy, marital status or sexual orientation. The only requirement – that you care about helping wildlife as much as we do!

Reasonable accommodation will be made for persons with disabilities. Wildlife Rescue is not wheelchair accessible at this time.

If you need individualised support in the application process or to conduct the volunteer role, you may contact us at volunteer@wildliferescue.ca in confidence.

How to Apply

Please fill out an application form and watch the Information Session video that is sent to you. Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

More information can be found on our website at Wildlife Rescue Association of BC | Volunteering.