Volunteer

Docents

For those individuals looking to volunteer with the AWCC on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, our Docent Program is for you! Rooted in education, our Docent Program seeks dedicated volunteers interested in learning about our organization, mission, and resident wildlife. Docents support the AWCC by helping visitors develop an understanding and appreciation of the wildlife we care for, their wild counterparts, and the awe-inspiring environment surrounding the sanctuary. To meet this goal, docents engage with guests by offering educational opportunities and answering questions as guests view wildlife. All experience necessary to become a successful docent at AWCC is provided through our Docent Training Program and corresponding Education Department staff members.

Those individuals interested in volunteering with the Animal Care department must first successfully complete our Docent Training Program and be able to speak about AWCC’s core functions and mission to guests for consideration as an Animal Care volunteer candidate.

Our volunteer needs vary throughout the year due to fluctuating visitor numbers and seasonal changes on site. Our highest volunteer need corresponds to our highest visitation during the summer months.

We are currently accepting applications for docent volunteers year-round. To apply to be a docent, fill out the application and email it along with your resume to volunteer@alaskawildlife.org. Please title the subject line of your email with “Volunteer Application_Docent.”

Fellowship

Our Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for individuals seeking a temporary, full-time volunteer experience at the AWCC. With a minimum commitment requirement of two months, working a minimum of 32 hours per week, participants are given the short term and rigorous opportunity to live on site, join our team, learn about AWCC operations, and gain valuable career skills. These dedicated volunteers are interested in learning about our organization, mission, and wildlife and desire to share their knowledge with others. Fellowship candidates may secure funding through their university, a grant, scholarship, or similar and work as sponsored volunteers. While preference is given to applicants being sponsored for a fellowship, we will accept volunteer applications without sponsorship. Applicants should indicate their sponsorship status in the Fellowship application form and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While applicants can indicate departmental preference in their application, participants will have duties in both our Education and Animal Care departments, with tasks such as presenting daily talks and tours, assisting with school programs, preparing animal diets, and cleaning habitats. Tasks in this program are given on a scale of earned responsibility, starting with a training and orientation that includes learning about the animals in our care and shadowing staff.

Our volunteer needs vary through the year due to fluctuating visitor numbers and seasonal changes. There are no specific start and end dates for this program, but availability is limited based on the terms of consecutive volunteer programs. Please include your preferred start and end dates in your application. Ideal participants for this program are in a phase of career exploration.

We are currently accepting applications for extended stay volunteers year-round. To apply to be an extended stay volunteer, fill out the application and email it along with a 1-page resume to volunteer@alaskawildlife.org. Please title the subject line “Volunteer Application_Fellowship.”

One-Time Groups

Our One Time Group Volunteer Program is an opportunity for those looking to engage their team in volunteerism at our sanctuary. Some projects occur annually while others vary year to year based on the needs of the sanctuary. Some projects require no special gear or materials, and team members can simply show up to participate. Other projects may be seeking donation of materials or sponsors to help complete them.

If you are looking to take your group out of the office and outdoors for a volunteer project, whether your group is new to volunteering or regularly serve your community, AWCC has a variety of exciting projects to help you build a stronger team invested in community service.

Benefits:

• Have an engaging team building opportunity for your company or organization
• Perfect for team building with new staff or completing annual community service goals
• Have a fun and rewarding group experience with stories to bring back to the office
• Create a deeper connection to our environment and community
• Enjoy visiting AWCC after your volunteer project is complete

Requirements:

• Group is represented by a program lead to coordinate details with AWCC staff and disperse details to participants
• Participants at least 18 years of age
• Program availability based on AWCC’s project needs

To inquire, please email volunteer@alaskawildlife.org with details about your group and project ideas or requirements.

Scouts

The AWCC is happy to work with scouts completing service projects for badges and awards.

In the past, scouts have furthered AWCC’s mission by completing projects such as building hutches and shelters for animals in our care. We have capacity for similar building projects as well as opportunities to facilitate activities, events, and temporary exhibits.

Scouts and participants in other youth serving organizations working to earn badges and awards including Gold Award, WoHeLo, Eagle Scouts, are encouraged to reach out to us regarding service project opportunities.