ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Volunteer Wildlife Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Internships | Texas A&M University Kingsville

$106K/yr

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager for the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Midway ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

US Department of the Interior

$106K/yr

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager for the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Midway ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience JobsVolunteer Wildlife Jobs

Volunteer Wildlife information

See salary details

$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer wildlife jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer wildlife in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer wildlife worker?

Volunteer Wildlife workers are individuals who dedicate their time and effort to support wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and education efforts without financial compensation. They may assist with tasks such as caring for injured or orphaned animals, maintaining habitats, conducting research, or helping with public outreach programs. These volunteers can work with wildlife organizations, rehabilitation centers, or nature reserves and often gain valuable hands-on experience in animal care and conservation. Volunteering in this field is a meaningful way to contribute to protecting wildlife and learning more about environmental issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer wildlife worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Wildlife Worker, you typically need a basic understanding of animal behavior, conservation principles, and sometimes relevant coursework or field experience. Familiarity with data collection tools, GPS devices, and animal care protocols is often required, and some organizations value certifications in wildlife handling or first aid. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help volunteers effectively support conservation goals and collaborate with diverse teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring animal welfare, safety, and the successful execution of conservation projects.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteer wildlife workers, and how can they be addressed?

Volunteer Wildlife workers often face challenges such as adapting to unpredictable outdoor environments, handling injured or distressed animals, and managing emotionally demanding situations. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as volunteers frequently collaborate with staff, veterinarians, and fellow volunteers. Building resilience, staying informed about safety protocols, and seeking support from experienced team members can help overcome these challenges while ensuring both personal well-being and the best outcomes for wildlife.

What is the difference between Volunteer Wildlife vs Volunteer Conservationist?

AspectVolunteer WildlifeVolunteer Conservationist
Required CredentialsNone or basic knowledge, sometimes certifications in animal careOften similar, may include environmental or conservation certifications
Work EnvironmentWildlife reserves, parks, rehabilitation centersConservation projects, fieldwork, community outreach
Employer & Industry UsageWildlife organizations, parks, NGOs focused on animal welfareEnvironmental NGOs, conservation agencies, research projects
Search & Comparison IntentPeople interested in hands-on animal care and wildlife activitiesIndividuals seeking broader conservation efforts and environmental impact

Volunteer Wildlife roles focus on direct animal care and wildlife habitat work, often in parks or rehab centers. Volunteer Conservationist positions encompass broader environmental efforts, including habitat preservation and community outreach. Both roles support conservation but differ in scope and activities.

More about Volunteer Wildlife jobs

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Wildlife jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Wildlife job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wildlife jobs?

The most popular types of Wildlife jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Wildlife jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Wildlife jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Wildlife jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Wildlife jobs are:

Volunteer Wildlife jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Wildlife job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician

Second Chance Wildlife Center

Clarksburg, MD • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Second Chance Wildlife Center, a 501(c)3 Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Veterinary Hospital in Clarksburg, Maryland – located on our brand new, fully specialized and customized campus – has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician. This is a 40 hour per week position for which SCWC offering competitive pay, extensive training in wildlife rehabilitation, Master Wildlife Rehabilitator apprenticeships to qualified and selected individuals, continuing education and paid conferences, and more.

The selected candidate’s duties will include:

  • A commitment to 40 hours per week of service, including one weekend day (specific work schedule and shifts are to be determined and are subject to change), and possible overtime during the busy season;
  • Providing basic first aid, medical, and rehabilitative care to injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals;
  • Daily cleaning and upkeep of patient enclosures and the facility;
  • Assisting our Director of Veterinary Medicine and Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation with medical procedures and husbandry responsibilities as assigned;
  • Preparing and administering oral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications, among other daily treatments;
  • Performing intake exams and routine evaluations of patients (with provided training and oversight);
  • Evaluating the ability of an animal to live a healthy, high-quality life in the wild after treatment;
  • Performing and assisting in humane euthanasia when necessary;
  • Training and supervising the Interns and Volunteers working during your shifts;
  • Maintaining prescribed diets for patients and tracking weight and appetite, and tube or force feeding as needed;
  • Performing daily care, observation, and assessments of patients in indoor and outdoor enclosures;
  • Updating patient health records and databases (including WRMD);
  • Releasing healthy animals back to the wild; 
  • Performing other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife science, or a related field is highly preferred;
  • At least one (1) year of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and the desire to grow long-term in the field
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment;
  • Ability to work collaboratively and successfully with people across a wide array of personalities and roles (leadership, staff, volunteers, interns, animal services officers, and members of the public);
  • Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and excellent communication;
  • A strong desire to learn and develop skills as a wildlife rehabilitator, as well as teach interns, volunteers, and other staff as assigned;
  • Ability to follow written and oral instruction to the letter;
  • Willingness and ability to perform physically demanding tasks (walking/standing for extended periods of time, lifting up to 50lbs, bending, crouching, etc.).

This position also requires professionalism, empathy, and tremendous dedication in order to maintain our organization’s stellar reputation for quality animal care. If this applies to you, please inquire below!

To apply, email your cover letter, resume, and 3 references (all in one document) to careers@scwc.org with REHAB TECH in the subject line. In order to keep our phones open for animal rescue emergencies, telephone inquiries about these positions will not be accepted. We look forward to hearing from you!