Education

Lindsay Wildlife Experience Volunteer Opportunities

Education Volunteering at Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Our mission at Lindsay Wildlife Experience is to connect people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share. If you share an interest in California's wildlife and a passion to be a part of preserving it's future then consider joining our team of Wildlife Educators today! Wildlife Educators at Lindsay Wildlife Experience take part in educational programs and interpretive education designed to inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates and give community members practical solutions for living alongside wildlife. Lindsay Wildlife Experience started as an education organization and it continues to be at the heart of everything that we do.

Wildlife Educators are adult volunteers that help Lindsay fulfill it's mission of connecting people with wildlife in many ways. From informal interpretation in our Exhibit Hall, school programs both onsite and in the classroom, to community events and hikes in the Bay Area, Wildlife Educators work with our Animal Ambassadors and Natural History collection to reach visitors of all ages. We support life-long learning of our volunteers by providing ongoing training on a variety of topics from wildlife and conservation issues to interpretation training. Whether you are looking to join a community of like-minded wildlife nerds, become more involved with your local community, or gain valuable experience in the world of wildlife conservation education, our education team is excited to share that with you!

Your passion for wildlife is an asset that can make a real difference! We could not do what we do without our Wildlife Educators.

Get Started Here!

Being a Wildlife Educator

Duties of a Wildlife Educator

Wildlife Educators are responsible for engaging with the public to spread local wildlife knowledge and inspire conservation initiatives to visitors of all ages.
Wildlife Educators often work with animal ambassadors that can not be returned to the wild, as well as natural history specimens with the mission to engage the public about wildlife conservation of their specific species.
Each position can include handling and transporting of live animal ambassadors.
This work involves public speaking, actively engaging with the public, and being on your feet for continuous periods of time.

Qualifications

Excellent visitor engagement and public speaking skills, or willingness to learn
Attention to detail and ability to follow departmental directions
Patience and excellent written and verbal communication skills
Flexibility in working effectively with other volunteers, guests, and staff
Interest in connecting students, members, and guests with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share
Ability to:
- safely handle & present program animals of various species as well as Natural History specimens with attention to proper handling procedures
- to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, including materials posted online.

Requirements

Must be 18 or older.
Abililty to:
- bend & kneel, stand for extended periods of time on cement floors, and occasionally lift up to 15 pounds
- to communicate clearly and effectively (verbally and in writing)
- collaborate and assist with staff and fellow volunteers across departments
Must provide proof of COVID vaccination or medical exemption
Pass an initial background check (renewed every 2 years)

Wildlife Educator Commitment

We ask our that our volunteers are able to commit to Lindsay Wildlife Experience and its Animal Ambassadors for at least one year of service.
Wildlife Educators are required to serve a minimum of 9 hours per month through various opportunities including:

- attending either one 3.5 hour regularly scheduled Exhibit Hall or Natural History shift per week
- attending 3 or more School Programs per month
- other opportunities may be available

Wildlife Educators: Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall Wildlife Educators engage with visitors of all ages, sharing the stories of our Animal Ambassadors, leading daily programs, leading exploration stations, answering questions, sparking interest and directing visitors to Exhibit Hall activities.

Exhibit Hall Wildlife Educators either serve during a morning shift or an afternoon shift and shifts are available Wednesday - Sunday

Morning Exhibit hall shifts
- 9:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Afternoon Exhibit Hall shifts
- 1:00 p.m. until 4:15 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Volunteers must be 18+ and are required to maintain a minimum monthly attendance of 75% (i.e. attend 3 out of the 4 weekly shifts per month, ~9 hours a month at minimum)

Wildlife Educators: School Programs

School Programs Wildlife Educators engage school-age children in educational programs either onsite or in the classroom.

School Programs occur during the school year from September - May and are scheduled on an as needed basis.

Onsite Field Trips

Wildlife Educators work together to give an 80-minute educational program to a group of students ranging from Pre-K through 5th Grade
Available Tuesday - Friday mornings
- - Early morning: 9:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
  - Late morning: 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Lindsay in the Classroom

Wildlife Educators work with a Lindsay Wildlife staff member to deliver a 60-minute educational program in a local classroom to a group of students ranging from Pre-K through 5th Grade
Available Monday - Thursday
- - Schedule varies but classes can be scheduled anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00p.m.

School Programs Wildlife Educator Volunteers must be 18+ and are required to attend at least 3 School Programs per month (i.e. ~9 hours a month at minimum)

Interested in applying to become a Wildlife Educator?

Please click the button to fill out the interest form:

Lindsay Volunteer Interest Form

Questions? Need more information?

Please contact the Education Volunteer Coordinator, Sierra Dillard at educationvolunteercoordinator@lindsaywildlife.org

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