Volunteer at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
As a nonprofit, our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Volunteers help in a multitude of areas, including education, rehabilitation, wildlife transportation, construction and maintenance, and more! We wouldn't be able to take in the 3,400+ animals we do each year, educate the 10,000+ people we see for programs, or care for our 20 permanent ambassadors without the committed people who give their time each week.
Animal Care Volunteer
We wouldn’t be able to take in the 3,400+ patients we do each year if it weren’t for our Animal Care volunteers!
The Center's veterinary and rehabilitation teams provide on-the-job training. Due to the amount of training, we ask that you be able to commit to at least six months of volunteering. Up-to-date rabies vaccination is required to work with rabies-vector species (fox, skunk, groundhog, raccoon, bat, etc.)
Wildlife Hospital : Patient Transporter
Sometimes just getting the animal to us is half the battle.
As a patient transporter, we will contact you whenever we have a patient that needs transport to or from the hospital, in your area. You do not need any special training, skills or equipment to do this—just a vehicle!
Wildlife Education Volunteer
Our Wildlife Education Center is a place for inspiration and education! As an Education Volunteer, you will work directly with some Ambassadors in our indoor classroom, outdoor wildlife walk, and at programs.
To start, you will help with feeding, cleaning, and diet prep, then continuously graduate up to bigger responsibilities.
Building & Grounds : Maintenance Volunteer
BRWC operates in an 8,000 sq ft building on 15 acres of land— which means our honey-do list is always long!
Our maintenance volunteers help with repairs and new builds for our patients and ambassadors, and general maintenance around the Center.
Welcome Desk Volunteer
Our Wildlife Education Center provides weekly programs, self-guided tours, field trips, and more! This position is great for any wildlife appreciator who doesn’t want to directly interact with the animals.
As a Welcome Desk Volunteer, you will greet visitors, sell tickets and retail items, make sure the area is tidy and well stocked, and answer questions about the Center, our animal ambassadors, and upcoming programs.
Annual Gala & Benefit Auction
Help make BRWC’s Annual Gala a success! It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year and proceeds go directly to support our mission.
Gala volunteers help in all different ways: finding sponsors, auction items, setup/takedown, décor, and more!
Opportunities for Youth
Every year we interact with many children and young adults through our educational programs and other events. Unfortunately, our policy does not allow for volunteers under the age of 18 to work with the wildlife patients.
There are many other ways for young wildlife enthusiasts to support us and help native wildlife. Here are some examples that you can do to help the Center fulfill its mission (parental supervision may be required).
Not all volunteer applicants are guaranteed an immediate position. Orientation and training is required and provided by BRWC. A minimum time commitment may be necessary. Rabies vaccination is required to work with high-risk rabies species: (Fox, skunk, groundhog, bats, raccoons). Educational Ambassador Raptors are exclusive to staff for consistent training. COVID vaccination is required for all staff and volunteers. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age (click here for youth opportunities). Email info@blueridgewildlifectr.org with questions regarding volunteering—no phone calls, please!