VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Position: Transport Volunteer
Organization: Wildlife Rescue Association
Location: Burnaby, BC

Purpose of Position
The vision of Wildlife Rescue Association of British Columbia is to continually improve the welfare of urban wildlife. Our mission is to provide leadership in rehabilitating wildlife and in promoting the welfare of wild animals in the urban environment.

We run a wildlife hospital located on a single site at the edge of Burnaby Lake. We treat over 5,000 wild birds and bats each year and provide public education through 30,000 calls to our Wildlife Helpline. Our Business Operations department plans, coordinates and oversees all our programs including development, communications, resources and volunteering.

Each year, 250 volunteers participate in a range of positions both on and off site. We are currently seeking volunteers to transport wildlife patients and supplies to and from the hospital.

Transport Drivers are accountable to the Support Centre’s staff and volunteers for responding to transport requests within their indicated availability and representing Wildlife Rescue to partners and the public in a positive and professional way.

All volunteers must be 16 years or older and provide a Criminal Record Check, proof of up-to-date Tetanus vaccination and full Covid-19 vaccination.

Qualifications

We are looking for:
• Comfortable having basic conversations with members of the public
• Vehicle access:
o Valid Driver’s License
o Regular access to own vehicle
o Insurance coverage (check with your insurance broker to be sure your insurance covers volunteer driving)
o Winter tires may be required for some transports

Deliverables

Transport Drivers are expected to ensure the highest standards of practice are achieved and maintained in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of Wildlife Rescue and to ensure adherence to all policies and legal requirements. All data and information will remain the property of Wildlife Rescue and be treated confidentially.
While transporting patients, Transport Drivers are expected to place patient welfare and safety first. This means driving in a defensive manner, keeping noise in the vehicle to a minimum, and following any patient-specific instructions from Support Centre staff or volunteers.
• Offsite job responsibilities include transporting wildlife or supplies/necessities to or from our site and collecting information from members of the public regarding animals being transported
• Onsite job responsibilities include assisting Admissions staff or volunteers in completing wildlife admission forms
• Assisting in minimizing animal stress and suffering by minimizing noise and other stressors during transport
• Recording and logging all trips on MyImpactPage
• Transport Drivers may also be requested to pick up pre-purchased supplies (food, medications, etc.) from local suppliers or donors. Transport Drivers may also opt-in to purchasing certain supplies and being reimbursed by Wildlife Rescue, although this is not a requirement of the position
Please note there is no animal handling expected of Transport Drivers. Transport Drivers may receive further training to assist with handling during animal rescues or in conducting animal releases.

Time Commitment

All Wildlife Rescue volunteers start with a minimum commitment of 100 hours. Most Transport Drivers volunteer on an on-call basis and must be available for at least 1 transport a week. Two transports per month must be completed to remain active on the Transport Team.

Recognition & Benefits

We will discuss your specific motivations and learning objectives and keep those in mind throughout your engagement. You will have the opportunity to:
• Make a difference for wildlife
• Contribute to the development and efficient running of our organization and its volunteers
• Work as part of an emergency response team for injured or orphaned wildlife
• Use and build upon your outreach, communication and interpersonal skills
• Learn about the non-profit sector and the enormous value of volunteerism
• Learn a lot about local wildlife and the impact we humans have on local species
• Meet and work with a positive, values-driven team
• Annual tax receipt for kilometres driven at the current rate specified by the Canada Revenue Agency
Upon successful completion of the minimum commitment and at the volunteer’s request, the Volunteer Program team will provide references.

Transport Drivers who have completed a minimum number of shifts are eligible to train in new roles, including:
• Release Drivers (taking healthy patients back to nature)
• Rescue Team Members (safely capturing animals in distress for transport to Wildlife Rescue)

How to Apply

Please fill out an application form and watch the recorded Information Session. More information can be found on our website at Wildlife Rescue Association of BC | Volunteering or by emailing volunteer@wildliferescue.ca with any questions.

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