Sierra Wildlife Rescue








Volunteer Opportunities

Sierra Wildlife Rescue is a volunteer-based non-profit organization. We take in injured and
orphaned wild animals for care and release back into the wild. SWR also educates the public
about El Dorado County wildlife.

ANIMAL CARE

  • Baby Bird Nursery, May 1 – Aug 15, Annually
    SWR operates three shifts daily at the Center of 4 hours each, from 7AM to 7 PM. A trained, experienced Shift Leader is in charge of the Nursery for each shift, and works with 2-4 volunteers. Volunteers choose their schedules. Requirements: Training class. Age 18 and up. Ages 12-17 may work if trained with and accompanied by an adult. Several training classes are offered each Spring. Description: Feeding and caring for baby birds.

  • Home Rehabbing, Year Around
    SWR is licensed under the Department of Fish & Game to treat and care for injured and orphaned wild animals. Experienced, trained home-rehabbers care for wild animals at their approved home facilities. SWR offers training, mentoring, and support to those who want to participate in animal care at this level. Classes are year-round; tapes and individual training are available. We work with songbirds, water birds, game birds, raptors, squirrels, rabbits, fawns, opossums, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, etc. Requirements: Age 18 and up. Training classes approved by SWR, mentoring with an experienced SWR home-rehabber, plus 4 hours of additional training yearly.

  • Transport
    SWR accepts calls daily from 7AM to 7PM, and takes in wildlife found on the western slope of El Dorado County. A volunteer is often needed to take possession of the injured or orphaned wild animal and to transport it to the Center or to an experienced home-rehabber. Requirements: One training class in Transporting and safety regulations when dealing with wildlife. Protective gloves, carriers, nets (some supplied by SWR), a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance. Age 18 and up.

  • Med Team
    SWR has a team of trained rehabbers and vet techs who can provide examination, first-aid, and stabilization of injured wildlife. This group works at the Center throughout Baby Bird season to determine the medical needs of the babies.
    During the year, team members are available to rehabbers for help and advice. Requirements: Home-rehabber training, plus Assessment Techniques, First Aid, Wound Management, Hydration.

  • Caging
    Help build flight and release cages for final “testing” before an animal is returned to the wild.

  • Internships
    Open to Vet, Vet Tech, and biology, and animal-care students. Internships are volunteer positions, and may provide work-credits acceptable in most training programs.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

  • Exhibits & Presentations
    SWR gives many presentations and sets up many exhibits each year. Assist in producing exhibits and putting on programs—an excellent way to begin work with wildlife. Age 18 and up.

FUNDRAISING

  • Event Coordinator
    Help plan, set up, and staff events. SWR is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which is supported almost entirely by membership dues, private donations, and fundraising efforts.
  • Grants Writer
    Write grants to help secure funding from private and public foundations for capacity grants, capital equipment, or long-term special projects.

MEDIA/PUBLICITY

  • Publicity
    Help us get the word out about SWR and its activities. Prepare Press Releases. Work on our newsletter, The Paw Print.

  • Photographer/Videographer/Production
    Document SWR events, activities, and education and training classes.

  • Internships
    Open to student or class to produce high-quality video productions, print media and marketing materials.

OFFICE ASSISTANCE

  • Phone Volunteer
    SWR covers the phones daily from 7AM to 7PM. During the Fall and Winter, one volunteer is needed each day to answer the public’s questions about wildlife and help people who find injured animals to connect with a SWR rehabber. Requirements: Age 18 and up. SWR offers a training class and ongoing support.

  • Center Volunteer
    Prepare animal food and nest baskets; help with mailings, copying, computer input; help maintain the Center; run errands and pick up supplies. Age 18 and up.

Call 530-621-4661 or email info@sierrawildliferescue.com for additional information on volunteer opportunities!

© 2004-2005 Sierra Wildlife Rescue — All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.

Website Design by Lorenzi Web Design