Volunteers At Native Arc
What do Volunteers do?
Volunteers at Native ARC do a variety of tasks which need to be carried out every day. All new volunteers will be assigned a mentor who will teach them important skills. Volunteers work with other volunteers and are given duties a shift supervisor (senior volunteers who see out the general management of shifts and volunteers). Below are some duties which a supervisor may assign to you.
- Preparing food for a variety of animals.
- Cleaning cages, vivariums, aviaries or other housing facilities.
- Washing up of dishes, laundry, perches and equipment.
- Sweeping, mopping of centre facilities.
- Assistance with catches and releases.
- Assistance with handling large animals.
- Assistance with administering treatments by an experienced volunteer.
- Transporting animals to and from vets, zoos or other wildlife shelters.
Who can Volunteer?
All volunteers must be over 16 years of age and have a current tetanus vaccination. If you have a disibility or work injury and would like to volunteer, please contact the manager during office hours to discuss volunteering options.
How often do I have to Volunteer?
As you are a volunteer, you have the option to chose your hours. However, we do expect all volunteers to communicate with their supervisors and the manager as to which days they will be attending and for how long so that a roster can be implemented.
What do I have to wear?
Native ARC is surrounded by bushland and all volunteers will come into contact with animals at some stage. For these reasons, long pants and closed in shoes are a requirement for every shift. A plain, collared T-Shirt/jumper is a requirement also.
Do I have to work with animals if I Volunteer?
Even though we are an Animal Rehabilitation Centre, not all volunteers have physical interaction with animals. We require volunteers for maintenance and handy work, administration assistance and cleaning.
How do I become a Volunteer?
In order to become a Volunteer at Native ARC, you must first complete the online application process (Go to the 'Join Us' Page) which will enable us to contact you and give you details regarding volunteering.
Once we have reviewed your application, we will contact you and ask you to attend an Induction course. This course covers Native ARC's guidelines, regulations and other important information covered by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Once you have completed the week 1 induction, you will be given the chance to attend the week 2 induction process which gives you a tour of the centre, demonstration of the duties carried out and basic training in areas such as feeding, handling and cleaning. Inductions are held on two consecutive Sundays each month and both inductions must be completed before you can start volunteering.
Once both inductions are completed, you will become a volunteer at Native ARC.
