Education
Lindsay Wildlife Experience Volunteer Opportunities
Education at Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Do you love to talk about nature, wildlife, and the world we share? Do you love continuously learning about animals and how to help them in our local area? Do you like working hands on with animals and teaching the public about them? If you like to do any of these things, volunteering as a Wildlife Educator might be the right fit for you!
Lindsay Wildlife Experience started as an educational organization and it continues to be at the heart of everything we do! Wildlife Educators 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.
Our Wildlife Educators are a fun group whose dedication to protecting wildlife and the environment makes a real difference, and we'd love to have you join us!
Apply below
Click here to read about the role of a Wildlife Educator Volunteer!
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
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.
The Exhibit Hall is open Wednesday - Sundays from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Exhibit Hall shifts are weekly and at a set time:
AM: 9:45 am - 1:00 pm or PM: 1:00 pm - 4:15 pm.
As an Exhibit Hall Volunteer you 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 run from September - May on Tuesday - Friday from 10AM - 2PM and are scheduled on an as needed basis. We offer a variety of School Programs including Onsite Field Trips and Lindsay in the Classrooms.
Onsite Field Trips
Available: Tuesday - Friday mornings at 10AM & 11:40AM
WEs work in groups of 2-4 to deliver 80 minute educational programs at the LWE facility to a classroom Pre-K - 5th.
Lindsay in the Classroom
Available: Monday- Thursday from 10AM - 2PM
WEs work with a staff member to deliver 60 minute educational programs offsite at the schools location to students, Pre-K - 5th.
As a School Programs Wildlife Educator Volunteer you are required to attend at least 3 School Programs per month (i.e. ~9 hours a month at minimum)
Wildlife Educators: Natural History
Wildlife Educators assist with managing the museum's Natural History Collection. This can include inventorying specimens, pulling specimens to be used in educational programs, and general collections upkeep.
Available: Sunday – Thursday between 10 AM – 5 PM.
Set time for shifts preferred, but times can be flexible.
WEs will predominantly work solo or with a staff member.
The Natural History space is kept at cooler temperatures (65°-68°) where WEs will be working for an extended periods of time.
As a Natural History Volunteer, you are required to be present at least three out of the four weeks in a month (i.e. ~9 hours a month at minimum)
Questions? Need more information?
Please contact the Education Volunteer Coordinator, Erica @ edeluca@lindsaywildlife.org