Project Wildlife - San Diego Campus
Recruitment Temporarily Suspended
In response to the current state of affairs regarding COVID-19 and its prevention, we are temporarily suspending all large gatherings in accordance to statewide policies. Unfortunately, this does include any new volunteer information sessions, and therefore our volunteer recruitment and onboarding are suspended. We hope to launch recruitment for new volunteers in early 2021.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
The goal of Project Wildlife’s rehabilitation efforts is to restore our sick and injured wild patients to full health so that they may be released safely back into their natural habitats. With over 12,000 animals cared for annually at our Bahde Wldlife Center, volunteers play a crucial role in these efforts year-round, seven days a week! We are grateful for the enthusiasm, dedication and love they share with us every day. Project Wildlife is very much at the whim of Mother Nature. During the wildlife baby season, typically April through September, we are caring for our highest volume of wildlife patients at the Bahde Wildlife Center, some days up to 400 patients at a time.
Please review the information below if interested in joining our team! New volunteers are typically recruited seasonally, on an as needed basis. During open recruitment periods, application links are available at the bottom of this page!
BAHDE WILDLIFE CENTER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Positions on this San Diego team include Bahde Wildlife Center Foundation Assistants, Animal Assistants and Transporters. Animals cared for at this location are primarily a variety of small to medium-sized bird species. Each volunteer will contribute 200 hours a year or more, accumulated on a weekly basis, interacting with staff, other volunteers and members of the public. Volunteers must commit to one shift per week. Shifts lengths vary seasonally between 3-4 hours, with shifts offered daily.
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Bahde Wildlife Center Foundation Assistants
- Assist with essential tasks including sanitizing animal enclosures and cleaning routines including dishes, laundry and stocking supplies.
- Complete daily wildlife diet preparation duties and ensure all areas are clean and organized.
- Be prepared to get dirty, follow staff instruction for safe and effective animal care and have fun!
- Foundation Assistants have the opportunity to Step Up into a Bahde Wildlife Center Animal Assistant (hands on with animals) or Transporter role after one wildlife season. Step up positions are recruited for on an as needed basis.
REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE PROJECT WILDLIFE PROGRAM:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must complete entire recruitment process and training series prior to independent volunteer service.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time (up to three hours) and complete a variety of physically demanding tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Must make a minimum commitment of one full wildllife season. Due to the amount of time and resources that we invest in our volunteers, we are unable to offer one-time or short-term community service projects with the Project Wildlife team.
HOW TO BECOME A WILDLIFE CENTER VOLUNTEER:
- Complete our online application and online Orientation: Learn more about our organization and how volunteers help support our community and wildlife in need. (Application link available on this site during recruitment periods).
- Attend a virtual Meet and Greet: Meet the Volunteer Engagement team, learn more about the volunteer work at the San Diego Campus and ask questions.
- Complete an in person Volunteer Service Interview: This small group session includes a walking tour of the facility, initial training and an opportunity to practice the volunteer duties to determine if our opportunities are the right fit for you. Based upon information provided during the interview process, the Volunteer Manager will select those whose skills, experience and availability best meet the needs of our San Diego Campus.
- Training: Once accepted onto the team, you will complete a fun and thorough training series. This includes both online and hands-on instruction.
Other Ways to Get Involved:
- Create animal enrichment items from our Do-It-Yourself Packet.
- Visit our Amazon wishlist to support Project Wildlife directly from your own home! All items will be shipped straight to Project Wildlife.
- Make a donation to support the Project Wildlife program which will support saving wildlife and educating the public about how they can protect native animal species in our communities. Your generosity not only improves the quality of life for animals, but also improves life for people who enjoy the beauty and diversity of our natural world.
- Follow us on Facebook and spread the message to your community. We often post education information related to domestic and wild animals which you can share with your friends and family!
