Volunteer Opportunities
Have a Howlin’ good time as a Volunteer at the Wildlife Science Center!
The Wildlife Science Center exists to increase the awareness of ecosystem conservation through focused, well conceived scientific education and research of, on and about predators and we need your help! Short term or long term volunteer and internship positions are always available. Whatever your interest and talents the Wildlife Science Center has an opportunity for you!
As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy learning, sharing and growing with us in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. Our volunteers are young, old and in-between with a wide variety of backgrounds and schedules. Whatever your interests, we’ll help you find a place to belong. Feel good about the volunteer work you do while supporting this important non-profit!
This is your opportunity to be a part of a research and education team, helping to inspire relationships with the wild!
Why become a Wildlife Science Center Volunteer?
People just like you volunteer at the Wildlife Science Center for many different reasons. Common responses to this question include:
love of animals and/or the environment
concerned about environmental issues and want to do my part to help animals and the world in which we live
new to the area and looking to make new friends who have similar interests
expand my knowledge and looking to be challenged by learning new things
the need to share one’s time, talents and energy with others
the list goes on and on
Who is Eligible?
Anyone who shares a passion for wildlife and has the desire to help, learn & have fun! We will train and teach you, and provide ample opportunities for you to pursue your passion, whether it is wildlife, sales, public relations, or teaching!
Do I need training to volunteer?
Yes, and we provide the training that you will need in order to be successful in your volunteer role at the Wildlife Science Center. Every position has different requirements. Training to volunteer in the gift shop starts with an orientation and then on-the-job training. Other positions, like our adult interpretive volunteer or animal care volunteer, require a longer training period.
When can I volunteer?
We have volunteers assisting our staff and our guests throughout the week. Most opportunities are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, there are limited occasions when we need volunteer support in the evenings.
Commitment? What’s that all about?
Every year, volunteers donate about 12,000 hours of service. This commitment is HUGE and allows the Wildlife Science Center to expand our programming to better serve our guests, the people of Minnesota and beyond. The commitment requirement is determined by the volunteer opportunity that you choose. Some opportunities require a summer-only commitment for four hours a week. Some opportunities require a one-year commitment of two to four days a month. Some opportunities require a 6 month commitment of one day a week. We will talk more about this in interview and orientation sessions.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available?
This question has many answers. Opportunities might include but are not limited to:
Teaching education programs
Assisting guests in our gift shops, replenishing merchandise on shelves, and bagging purchases
Handling mailing and filing projects and data input
Interpreting with artifacts at events
Assisting with our Summer Camp Program that provides unique week-long experiences for campers each summer.
Animal Care
Are there benefits for volunteering at the Wildlife Science Center ?
Volunteers are offered many incentives in exchange for sharing their time, talents and energy. Examples include:
Free Admission at tours and events
Discounts at the gift shop
Behind the scene tours and observation opportunities
Continued training opportunities in the form of seminars, workshops and lectures
Invitations to special events
Adult Volunteering
Volunteers will be recruited and trained to provide information and experiences for young and old alike creating memories for a lifetime.
Come see what we’re all about.
Volunteer Candidates Must be…
18 years of age or older
Able to make a one-year commitment to volunteer two to four times a month.
Enjoy working with people and around animals
Enjoy working outdoors
Candidates must complete an application form with references
Gift Shop Volunteers
Calling all you shoppers out there…go wild and volunteer one day a week for a four-hour shift at The Raven. Gift Shop Volunteers help to keep shelves neat and fully stocked, mark merchandise, and assist guests with their shopping experience.
General Support Volunteer
If you would prefer to volunteer away from the busy guest interaction areas, perhaps our General Support Volunteer position is for you. Opportunities include data entry, filing, phone work and mailing projects as well as collating and compilation projects. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and available to volunteer on average one weekday a month for four hours.
Education Volunteer – assist staff with education programs including Saturday tours, wolf howl bonfires, school and other educational group programs, overnight wolf programs and public events.
Animal Care Volunteer – assist staff with daily animal maintenance chores including feeding, watering, cleaning enclosures and processing road-killed deer, maintaining daily records, assist with the construction of any new enclosures or other projects, and assist with general maintenance of WSC and the security of facility and grounds.
Event Volunteer – assist staff during our seasonal events including Canine Carnival, Harvest Howl, Howl-oween, Winter Festival and others!
Saturday Tour Volunteer – assist staff with Saturday general public tours by greeting the public, taking admission fees, selling WSC product in our gift store (The Raven) and possibly leading the tour group.
Volunteer Application Form
Your application packet MUST include:
Completed application form (online form below or PDF)
Two completed reference forms from a supervisor or current employer using either of the forms below:
Please email megan@wildlifesciencecenter with questions or completed application materials.