FWC volunteers vary in all respects except in their commitment to preserving Florida wildlife and habitat. More than anything else, it is the hard work and dedication of our volunteers that keeps Florida Wildlife Care going.
As a FWC volunteer, you'll receive several orientation and specialized training programs to ensure that you feel comfortable with whatever job or jobs you choose. Because animals require frequent, cyclical attention, we ask that volunteers commit to four-hour shifts, but within that general framework, you are welcomed to individualize your volunteer position to suit your particular needs.
If you're interested in becoming an FWC volunteer go to 1-800-Volunteer to see what openings we have and register online. Once you are registered, go to the FWC ANNOUNCEMENTS page to sign up for an orientation. If you have additional questions, contact FWC's Volunteer Training Coordinator. We hope to hear from you soon.
Requirements for Volunteering at the Center
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide proof of a current tetanus booster.
- Have a driver's license and your own transportation (for rescue and transport jobs)
- Volunteer for at least one four-hour shift per week. (Shifts run from 8 a.m.-Noon; Noon-4 p.m.; and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.) Some flexibility is possible.
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Community Service Volunteering
We also offer several positions for those who need community service hours whether for school requirements or County Court Services. Work is done at the Center and is restricted to the following areas:
FWC needs volunteers
At the Center
The center must be staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. It takes a lot of people to perform the many jobs that go into treating injured and orphaned animals, liaising with the public, and keeping the center clean and well organized. Each job is essential to FWC's survival.
The care of orphaned and injured wildlife is our priority at FWC, and it involves many discreet tasks. Volunteers are needed to feed animals on a regular cycle throughout the day and to provide for them whatever treatment center coordinators have prescribed. Volunteers also do animal food preparation and keep animal cages and other enclosures clean.
If you prefer not to come in direct contact with the animals there are many other important jobs. FWC functions as a clinic and must be kept clean and organized, inside and out. House maintenance involves basic light housecleaning: washing dishes, doing laundry, sweeping and dusting, removing garbage, and putting things away into their proper places. Yard maintenance involves keeping the grass cut, clearing yard debris, hosing down cages, and doing light light carpentry and cage repairs. Someone needs to maintain our front flower garden, also.
Rescue and Transport
If an animal is injured in Archer, someone needs to get it to the center in Gainesville. The person who reports the emergency can't always provide transportation, and our staff is needed on-site to do animal intake and care. For these reasons, we always need a special group of people who are free and flexible enough to perform the important job of carrying animals to and from the center as the situation demands.
Office Assistance
FWC generates paper-based and electronic records that have to be maintained. This is a great job for people who want to do service. Office assistance includes tracking and updating animal intake and release records; maintaining and updating membership and volunteer databases.
After Hours Helpline Assistance
After-hours, between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., we also need volunteers to man the emergency pager. Emergency hot-line service is asked of volunteers only one week per month.
Animal Fostering
For people who love animals and need to work at home, FWC offers several fostering programs, accompanied by training and easy access to necessary supplies and information. We have a strong squirrel fostering program with many participants.
Educational Development
FWC benefits from community recognition and support. We are planning to expand our educational outreach and needs volunteers to design new programs, establish community venues, and oversee public activites. This is a great job for people with backgrounds in public relations and education.
Special Projects
FWC has special needs that come up and is looking for volunteers to participate in these various special projects. Please contact FWC's Volunteer Coordinator if you would like to sign up to help.
Scout Troop Projects - coming soon
