Eumundi Wildlife Centre
What to expect
This position would suit any applicants that have an interest in our native wildlife and have a commitment to learn about the daily care required for them; are dedicated to improving their welfare and would like to gain exposure to a native animal rehabilitation centre environment. Applicants will be involved with the cleaning and daily care of native wildlife (e.g. birds, possums, lizards) that are currently in care. However applicants will also understand that unnecessary handling of wildlife will be minimal in line with wild animal rehabilitation practices.
These can be challenging roles as you may be faced with situations where animals are sick, uncomfortable or in pain. You might feel emotional about the animals you’re working with and may find this difficult, but ultimately the reward is that you’re making a huge, positive difference to their lives – and yours!
Please note: we are unable to offer placements for Vet nursing students; please contact your course provider.
What are the benefits?
Close encounters with native Australian wildlife!
Learn about native wildlife care and husbandry
Opportunity to gain new skills and learn about the vet care industry
Becoming part of a friendly new community
What are the tasks?
Tasks may include:
Food preparation and providing enrichment
The daily cleaning of the animals’ enclosures which involves removing dirty bedding, cleaning pens, and providing clean bedding and browse
Sweeping and mopping floors, removing rubbish, washing animals’ water and food bowls, replacing food and water.
Hygiene control; this includes ensuring appropriate sanitisation and hand-washing after handling individual animals or enclosures, use of appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons, etc., to prevent disease and avoid cross contamination.
Assistance with ensuring the clinic environment and reception area is presentable, and general tidying up
Taking bins full of soiled linen/towels/bedding to the laundry and collecting clean bedding/towels
Undertake general laundry duties as part of each shift, including loading dirty laundry into the machines, loading and/or taking clean washing out of the dryers, and folding clean items
Assist with stock control and re-stocking of supplies where appropriate.
At times some minor animal handling involved
What skills and characteristics do I need?
Confidence in working with native wildlife animals and/or willingness to learn more about how to work with animals in a rehabilitation centre environment
Be able to work independently
Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and able to stand for long periods
Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions
Enjoy working in a team environment
Excellent communication skills
Hard working and committed to the RSPCA
When can I volunteer?
A variety of shifts are available, with shifts available across the week, Monday – Sunday:
Dawn Shift (6:30am – 10:30am)
This shift includes assisting with food preparation and feeds in the bird and mammal rooms, along with general cleaning and sterilization tasks
Morning Shift (8:30am – 12:30pm)
This shift includes assisting with the cleaning of the outdoor enclosures, as well as food preparation and other cleaning duties
Midday Shift (10:00am – 2:00pm)
This shift includes assisting with the cleaning of the outdoor enclosures; we recommend that applicants interested in this shift are physically fit and comfortable working outdoors.
Afternoon Shift (1:30pm – 5:30pm)
This shift includes food preparation and browse/enrichment preparation, general cleaning and assisting with collection of food bowls
Urgent Shifts:
Morning Shift: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Afternoon Shift: Saturday
We request a minimum commitment of 1 x four hour shift per week for a minimum of 3 months to ensure consistency and continuity with the animals. Orientation and training in relation to animal interaction, training and husbandry will be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: As part of volunteering with us you will be required to purchase an RSPCA Volunteer T-shirt for $25. It is also a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.
For further information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator on 3426 9903 or volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au, or click “Fill in an application“.
