Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world
– Desmond TutuAt WRCNEF there are many opportunities for volunteers to learn about the urban wildlife found in Northeast Florida, while helping them recover from injuries, illnesses, and the trauma of being orphaned.
We rescue between 1,500 and 2,000 animals per year, and we depend on large numbers of reliable volunteers to keep the organization running.
We cannot continue in our life-saving work without YOU!
Our facility is in operation 7 days a week, with a variety of shifts to choose from, depending on the volunteer position. With so many diverse opportunities, you can find the right job for you!
We require a serious commitment in all the jobs, to make sure that these animals survive. The work is hard, but rewarding. The experience is one most people will never have and one that our volunteers will never forget!
Please Note: You must be at least 17 years old to volunteer with us.
Volunteer Opportunities
Working at our Wildlife Center in Jacksonville, caretakers are busiest in spring and summer when we receive thousands of orphaned animals as well as injured adults.
Caretakers are responsible for feeding, cleaning, and general care of the wildlife such as food preparation, hand feeding, cleaning cages, maintaining a clean hospital environment, refreshing food and water in outdoor enclosures, and other duties as specified by staff supervisors.
Animal experience not required, we provide on-the-job training on a daily basis. This is an immensely rewarding position - you can watch the babies go from infancy to release and know that you, personally, made it possible!
You may visit schools, events, and other organizations to teach ways to coexist with our wildlife neighbors and what to do when dealing with wild animals.
It's a fun opportunity, and you're directly helping raise funds for WRCNEF, and awareness of its mission!
WRCNEF receives calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day concerning wild animals in need of help. You would help us respond to those calls by picking up contained animals and transporting them to the drop-off point or Wildlife Center.
These animals may be sick, injured, or displaced. This is a critical position; if we cannot get the animals, we cannot help them.
These special volunteers take small animals such as squirrels or opossums home to care for them when they are very young.
We also have a program for students in both college and high school who need to obtain hours. If you need service hours, please let us know during your interview. You must be at least 17 years old to volunteer with us.
WRCNEF relies on donations of goods such as produce, feed, hay, and pet food. You would pick up the items from the vendors and transport them to the Wildlife Center.
Get Started!
- 1. Schedule an orientation session by leaving a message at (904) 779-5569.
- 2. Complete our ONLINE APPLICATION by clicking here, and download and sign the Volunteer Agreement.
- 3. When scheduled, take a tour of our facility and get more information about your area of interest (Be sure to bring your signed Volunteer Agreement)
- 4. All active volunteers require organization membership ($25 annual fee, includes periodic Center updates & a WRCNEF T-shirt.)