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Volunteer Needed to Lead Junior Volunteer Program

South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is in need of a volunteer to lead our Junior Volunteer Program.  Since the pandemic, we have not had sufficient volunteers to conduct this vital program. This is an opportunity to teach young people ages 12 to 17 about native wildlife, conservation, and provide the opportunity for them to experience wildlife in a safe, non-threatening environment. The individual filling this position will need to enjoy working with young people, and be available to work a split-schedule, Monday-Friday, during the summer months. Training is required.​

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If you are interested in helping the next generation learn about native wildlife, increase their awareness of community involvement, encourage volunteering, and gain valuable experience in being good stewards of the environment, this may be the place for you.  

 

Please contact Gail Barnes at (806) 799-2142, or mail your resumé to:

 

South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

3308 95th Street

Lubbock, TX 79423

SPWRC’s Junior Volunteer (JV) program was launched in 2003 after Founder Carol Lee visited the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Concord, California, where they had a thriving and successful JV program.

 

The purpose for starting this program was to teach appreciation and understanding of our native wildlife species to young people ages 12-17, since they will become our future conservationists, good stewards of the environment, and perhaps have careers working with wildlife. Additionally, it allows young people the opportunity to become exposed to wildlife in a safe, non-threatening way. 

The JV Program provides practical experience, increased awareness of community needs and helps encourage the spirit of volunteerism in a non-profit agency. This program also provides an opportunity for young people to learn about wildlife and help with our overall mission of raising, caring for, treating and releasing as many of our wildlife orphans and casualties as possible. We want the “JV” to be a part of our volunteer staff, and not simply sign up because “the parent thinks it would be a good way for the child to spend his/her summer.”

 

We ask both the “JV” and a parent to sign a waiver, have it notarized, and bring it with you on the first day you volunteer. We don’t allow JVs to wait out front for their parents - a parent must park and come to the barn to pick up their child.

 

Due to the nature of our work it’s important to recognize that hazards exist, and our patients may bite, scratch, poke, kick or otherwise injure you. It is for that reason JV’s will have limited contact with our wildlife.

 

Sample duties are listed, but others may be added. We hope this program will inspire young people as they work side by side with experienced volunteers.

 

Junior Volunteer duties will include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Washing, cutting up produce and other foods

  • Delivering food, produce, and water throughout the grounds

  • Cage and pet taxi cleaning (not rabies vector or raptor species)

  • Changing, cleaning and refilling water bowls

  • Cleaning waterfowl area including pond

  • Washing, drying and putting away dishes

  • Straightening shelves in laundry and kitchen areas

  • Sweeping, mopping

  • Taking trash to the dumpster

  • Picking up litter

  • Watering trees and plants, raking leaves

  • Cleaning the refrigerators and getting rid of spoiled produce

  • Dusting

  • Keeping cabinets clean and straight

  • Tenured, mature, self-motivated JVs may have special privileges to feed baby birds and squirrels.


 

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