Operation WildLife
Positions
The descriptions on
this page are by no means a complete listing of all areas of the OWL
rehabilitation program. If you have a unique idea or special skill to offer,
please let us know. Also, feel free to combine any area of interest!
Wildlife
rehabilitators provide daily feeding, cleaning and health care for the
hundreds of animals received by the program. Most of our volunteers get
involved with OWL primarily for the hands-on care of wild animals. Be aware,
however, that OWL does not exist for the amusement of people who would like
to "play with the animals." Wild
animals are not meant to be pets!
Be prepared to
follow non-negotiable guidelines and rules. They are in place to insure
consistent, ethical, quality rehabilitation and to further demonstrate to the
public the ideals we wish to emphasize through education. Rehabbers go
through various levels of training and can specialize in a number of areas
depending on such things as personal preference, time restrictions and
housing capabilities. Volunteers can care for large predatory mammals and
raptors at the Main Facility. This location is also where OWL volunteers may
assist with medical treatments and surgeries. Some people rear orphaned
songbirds and small mammals in their homes.
Advanced volunteers
cover the phone and perform triage at the receiving center and novice volunteers
may provide transportation to the main facility.
OWL offers classes
to orient new volunteers and periodically holds continuing education seminars
to keep volunteers up to date on current methods for successful
rehabilitation. Apply Online.
Facility Center
Staff
...provide rehab
assistance at the Main Facility: a 4,000 square foot veterinary clinic
located at 23375 Guthrie Road
in Linwood. Volunteers are responsible for cage cleaning, dietary
preparation, physical therapy, administering medications, habitat setup and
general housekeeping duties. OWL has approximately 22 resident animals that
are used for public education and foster parent duties. The peak months are April
- September. Training is provided.
Minimum Time Requirement: 4-8 hours/week
Receiving Center
Staff
...provide the point
of initial intake and evaluation for injured and orphaned wildlife in the
metropolitan area. The Receiving Center is located at 11218 W 75"' St in Shawnee. Volunteers
handle telephone calls from the general public, providing species-specific
information as well as general wildlife information. Provide initial
treatment and stabilization of animals; contact other rehabbers for orphan placement
and work on administrative tasks as time permits. Work is busiest
April-September. The peak months are May, June, July & August. Training
is provided.
Minimum Time Requirement: 4-8 hours/week
Home Rehabilitation
Staff
...provide rehab
assistance at your home: Volunteers are responsible for rearing of orphaned
wild babies utilizing OWL principals and manuals. Babies are returned to the
main facility when they are weaned for hack out and further training
(hunting, foraging skills). Work is busiest April- September. Training is
provided.
Minimum Time Requirement: Daily in your home
Transport Staff
...are responsible
for transporting wildlife from the Receiving
Center to the Main
Facility the same day each week after the center closes (5:00 pm). At present
the center is open Monday through Saturday. Emergency transport staff are
responsible for transport of injured or orphaned wildlife to various
locations, which might include veterinarians, other volunteers or release
sites.
Minimum Time Requirement: 2-3 hours/week
Internship
... Each year we
search for twelve interns to work in our main facility. Our requirements:
1. Fill out an
application
2. A willingness to learn
3. The ability to follow directions
4. A minimum of 480 hours (for college credit you must find an advisor or
professor to sponsor you)
5. Flexibility (our patients don’t make appointments)
6. An article for our fall newsletter depicting your experiences and what you
learned
Minimum Time Requirement: 480 hours over several months
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