SEASONAL NESTLING AND FLEDGLING VOLUNTEER

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 located on a single site at the edge of Burnaby Lake. We treat over 6,000 wild birds and bats each year and provide public education through our Wildlife Helpline. Our Business Operations department plans, coordinates and oversees all our programs including development, communications, resources and volunteering.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers participate in a range of positions both on and off site. We are currently seeking Nestling and Fledgling Volunteers who perform much of the essential daily care for our Nestling and Fledglings, including preparing diets and cleaning enclosures, that occur in Wildlife Rescue’s nursery.

All volunteers must provide a Criminal Record Check, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have proof of up-to-date tetanus vaccination

Qualifications

We are looking for:

• 16 years of age or older 

• Patience for patients who may be fussy or reluctant to feed 
• Carefully attuned to detail
• Meticulous about patient cleanliness
• Strong communicators
• Able to closely follow written and verbal directions
• Strong comprehension of the English language 
• Can attend all onboarding training and participate in additional workshops
• Proof of up-to-date Tetanus and Covid-19 vaccination is required 
• Criminal Record Check is required 
• Animal handling experience is preferred  
• Please send in a cover letter with your experience to  

Deliverables

Each year WRA admits hundreds of nestlings and fledgling songbirds, crows, and woodpeckers during the summer baby bird season. These babies are unable to care for themselves and require hand-feeding several times a day. As a Nestling and Fledgling Volunteer, you will be responsible for providing these babies the specialized care they need to grow and become self-dependent.  

• Hand feed orphaned nestling and fledglings (e.g. Songbirds, American Crows, Northern Flickers, and Swallows) 

• Clean and set-up enclosures to provide safe and clean housing 

• Provide care, including feeding, diet preparation, and monitoring, to patients in care 

• Help maintain wildlife rehabilitation facilities 

Time Commitment

Nestling and Fledgling volunteers must commit to a minimum of at lease one scheduled 4-5 hour shift each week for the duration of the baby season (April- mid-to-late September), and, if interested, we invite you to join us for more than one shift! 

Shift times: TBD, however they may tentatively look like:

7:00am-11:00am
11:00am-3:00pm
3:00pm-7:30pm

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

•        Learn about the non-profit sector and the enormous value of volunteerism

•        Work as part of a diverse team assisting local wildlife

•        Contribute to the development and efficient running of our organization

•        Increased knowledge of local species identification and ecology

•        Expand knowledge and skills in animal care

•        Familiarize yourself with other wildlife-related organizations in the area

•        Use and build on your knowledge, skills and experience

•        Meet and work with new people

Upon successful completion of the minimum commitment and at your request, the Volunteer Program team will provide a certificate of completion.

How to Apply

Please fill out an application form and join the next available information session. More information can be found on our website at Wildlife Rescue Association of BC | Volunteering.