Project Wildlife - San Diego Campus
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 Wildlife 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.
Check out this virtual tour of our Bahde Widllife Center!
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!
Each volunteer will contribute one 4-hour shift a week, interacting with staff, other volunteers and animals in care.
Volunteer activities include:
- Assisting with essential tasks including sanitizing animal enclosures and cleaning routines including dishes, laundry and stocking supplies.
- Completing daily wildlife diet preparation duties and ensure all areas are clean and organized.
- Being prepared to get dirty, follow staff instructions for safe and effective animal care and have fun!
Volunteer Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age. Under 18 but want to get involved? Check out our DIY page or Youth Services page!
- Must complete the 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 wildlife season (about 1 year). 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.
Application Process
Volunteer Recruitment - Currently closed
Volunteer selection, placement and training is typically completed in a few weeks after attending the Online Orientation.
- Online application - Available on this webpage during open recruitment periods. We recruit new volunteers throughout the year, on an as-needed basis. Applications are not currently being accepted.
- Online Learning - Complete your online eLearnings from home and then schedule your interview.
- Onsite Interview - Our onsite small group session includes a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the multi-building campus and an opportunity to practice the volunteer duties to determine if our activities are the right fit for you.
- In-person training - new volunteers complete online and in-person training, a self-guided series based on the interest of each individual volunteer.