Volunteer
The Wilds values the time and talents of volunteers in a wide variety of roles.
Whether helping set up for special events, greeting visitors during the busy
tour season or collecting seed for restoration ecology projects, volunteers
are an important and valued part of the Wilds' operations.
We encourage those
that have not yet visited us to do so in advance of applying to be a volunteer
at the Wilds. This way, you can gain a better understanding of our beautiful
location, the size and scope of our operation, and witness the importance of
our work first hand. Click
here for approximate mileages from regional locations
to help you plan your trip.
Below are some of the volunteer opportunities available at the Wilds:
VISITOR CENTER
GREETERS: Meet
people from all over Ohio, the U.S., and even the world! Welcome
visitors as they arrive at the Johnson Visitor Center. Answer questions
and provide information
to enhance the enjoyment of visitors.
CARNIVORE GREETERS: Hang out with the cheetahs! Welcome visitors
to the new beautiful Carnivore Center. Share information about cheetahs
and
African wild dogs while keeping alert to safety issues.
SUNSET SAFARI GREETERS: Meet people from all over Ohio, the U.S., and
even the world! Welcome visitors to Sunset Safaris at the Overlook Cafe,
and provide information to guests.
COORDINATOR FOR VISITOR SERVICES: Act as a liason for the Visitor
Services Department. Schedule and coordinate greeters and Sunset Safari volunteers
May through October.
SURVEYOR: Assist visitor research at the Wilds while working within
your schedule. Hand out surveys to visitors. Surveys give Wilds
staff members valuable feedback about the visitor experience.
DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS: Support the conservation work
of the program departments. Assist program directors by doing various
word processing, spreadsheet, database and other computer tasks as well
as
filing, organizing, mailing, phone calls, clerical work and otherwise
being a "right hand."
RESTORATION ECOLOGY AIDE: Help Wilds staff repair the ecological
diversity to damaged landscapes. Each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m., assist restoration ecology staff in beautifying and diversifying
the Wilds Butterfly
Habitat
and other projects through planting, weeding, seed collecting and other
outdoor activities; and supporting important native planting efforts
and research.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES are available based on your skills and the needs
of the Wilds.
Some requirements for volunteering at the Wilds:
* Minimum of 18 years old
* Attend volunteer training sessions
* Be a Wilds member
Minors may volunteer by special arrangement as part of an organized
group chaperoned by adults who accept responsibility for their welfare;
or
if they are
accompanied
by a parent/legal
guardian
at all times.
Volunteers who work 20 or more hours a year are considered "active"
and are eligible to participate in the annual Volunteer Recognition
Event.
Additional benefits are based on annual hours contributed and years of
service.
The
best reward for being a Wilds volunteer is the knowledge that you are
helping to promote the mission of the Wilds, one of the premiere wildlife
conservation programs in the world.
To begin the process of becoming a Wilds volunteer, print out both of
the forms below, fill them out and return them to the address at the
bottom of the interest form. Once we have received your forms, we will
be contacting you to begin your active volunteering.
WILDS VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
WILDS VOLUNTEER RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORM
Contact us at volunteer@thewilds.org
or 740-638-5030 ext. 2424 to learn more about volunteering at the Wilds.