Volunteering

WA Wildlife has volunteering programs to suit everyone.

WA Wildlife has volunteering programs to suit everyone. Image
Volunteer at WA Wildlife

Join our team of volunteers

Looking for a volunteer experience that will make a real difference? Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help to conserve Western Australia’s unique wildlife!

Our many programs  offer incredible opportunities to gain skills and work with wildlife. From kangaroos and cockatoos to wallabies and wombats, our volunteers get to care for some of the most iconic species in Australia.

Its not just about working with wildlife, there are many other tasks  required to keep our organisation running including, reception, education, gardening, maintenance, customer service and enrichment activities.

By working alongside other skilled volunteers, you’ll help with the recovery and survival of precious wildlife.  By joining the team you will connect with a diverse range of likeminded people. 

Sign up today and experience satisfaction of volunteering with wildlife!

Join our team of volunteers image

How do I get started?

There are some requirements you must meet before you can apply to volunteer at WA Wildlife. If you meet the requirements below, check out the different volunteer roles currently available and apply via the application form at the bottom of this page.

  • Volunteers must be 18 and over

    You need to be at least 18 years old before applying to volunteer with us.

  • Vaccinations

    Volunteers at WA Wildlife do not need proof of Covid-19 vaccination. However, a current tetanus vaccination is recommended.

  • Registration and uniform fee

    If your application is accepted, a $22.00 volunteer registration fee (GST Inc) is required in addition to a $35.00 uniform fee (GST Inc). Unform fee is not payable until after your first shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before applying, check out these FAQs to make sure volunteering at WA Wildlife is right for you!

  • Fortnight volunteer positions are available for our Op Shop stores and our gardening/maintenance positions.

    Volunteers working in the Hospital must commit to a weekly shift until their basic training is completed. This varies from 8 weeks to 20 weeks (depending on the volunteer role). Volunteers may volunteer fortnightly once they have completed their competency assessment/basic training.

  • Unfortunately, volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer (regardless if a parent/guardian attends) due to insurance/liability reasons.

  • Most of our volunteer positions at the WA Wildlife Hospital require weekly training (1 shift per week) for 8 – 16 weeks (depending on the volunteer role) and a competency assessment on completion of a skills log book.

  • Due to our large volunteer roster and demanding nature of a wildlife veterinary hospital, FIFO rotations are not accepted at this time.

  • Provided volunteers communicate their roster in advance with the Volunteer Coordinator, this is acceptable.

  • Provided volunteers communicate their roster in advance with the Volunteer Coordinator, this is acceptable.

  • This largely depends on how many shifts volunteers plan to take off. As a general rule, we expect volunteers to commit to approximately 40 shifts per year. There is flexibility if sufficient notice is provided.

  • If you require additional support to volunteer, we can work with you and a support worker to determine what volunteering options are suitable.

  • As a general rule, we require a minimum of 12 months commitment due to the nature of our volunteer training processes. On average, volunteers take 4-6 months to complete basic training and can take a further 4-6 months to progress to advanced competencies. We offer short term volunteering (3-6 months) for our gardening and maintenance positions.

  • We don’t offer tours or trials but during your induction, we will provide more information on each role. However, it’s good to have a basic understanding of our volunteer positions (listed above) prior to attending an induction.

  • We offer work experience placements for veterinary science students and long term internships (3-6 months) with accredited education providers.

  • We offer a limited number of placements for secondary school students. However, our placements for 2024 are fully booked.

  • Yes. However, all veterinary nurses/veterinarians must be registered with the Veterinary Practice Board of WA and complete basic training (8-12 shifts depending on your existing experience with wildlife).

  • There are many visa types and not all allow you to volunteer. We recommend contacting Volunteering WA for all visa related questions.

  • There are no prior animal care related qualifications / experience required for our volunteering positions (excluding our veterinary nurse and veterinarian volunteer positions). All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and we recommend all volunteers stay up to date with their tetanus vaccinations.

Apply Now

Submit your volunteer application

If you’re interested in applying to be a volunteer, please fill in the form below and we will be in touch.

Volunteer application

If you’re interested in applying to be a volunteer, please fill in the form below and we will be in touch.