Volunteer

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are the life-blood of Eastern Sierra Wildlife Care. They help with animal care, administrative work, publicity, fundraising, transport, building and maintenance. Some volunteers work at the Center; others care for patients at home or work.

ESWC receives animals from a large geographical area (a 100-mile-wide corridor about 200 miles in length that runs along Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra). Because of these distances, ESWC has adopted a structure used by many rehabilitation facilities. Supporting the central facility is a foster-care system in which trained volunteers care for many of the animals in their homes. Some volunteers have pens or aviaries on their own premises, while others care mostly for baby animals who need no more than an incubator or small cage.

Volunteers Needed: The organization depends upon its volunteers to provide care for injured, sick and orphaned native wildlife. Currently, there is a group of about 40 volunteers with varying amounts of experience. (About 18 volunteers do animal care, while others help with transport, education, fundraising, rescue and return, and maintenance.) More volunteers are needed as patient numbers continue to rise.

Internships: ESWC offers paid, part-time Wildlife Tech (intern) positions during the busy baby season (approx late April through August). Preference may be given to those who are interested in pursuing careers in animal/wildlife related fields. Coupled with the vital contributions of time and energy by our animal care volunteers, we can insure that our wild patients receive the best possible care.

If you are interested in becoming an ESWC intern or Volunteer, contact Cindy or Kelly at (760) 872-1487

Training:

Since 2000, ESWC has offered annual orientation and training for new people interested in wildlife rehabilitation. From this class come most of the new volunteers who will help with both direct and supportive care. Active, senior volunteers receive advanced, continuing education training in wildlife rehabilitation techniques such as fracture and wound management, initial care and treatment, zoonoses, physical therapy, and more. (Animal care volunteers are required by CDFG to have four hours of continuing education yearly.) At least two advanced classes per year are offered, and are taught by the director.

ANNUAL TRAINING CLASSES
Volunteer Training I
Time: Sunday April 7, 2013 from 1 - 4 PM
Location: ESWC Center at Keough's Hot Springs

Volunteer Training II
Time: Sunday April 21, 2013 from 10 - 2 PM
Location: ESWC Center at Keough's Hot Springs

Would you like to help give injured, orphaned or ill wild animals in Inyo and Mono counties a second chance in life? Even if you have only a few hours a month to spare, you can make a difference for local wildlife by becoming part of Eastern Sierra Wildlife Care.

You, too, can become an animal care volunteer for Eastern Sierra Wildlife Care. Not sure if it is for you? Learn more about the job and the animals we help.