Volunteer

Volunteers at the Wilds

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.

Below are some of the volunteer opportunities available at the Wilds:

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.

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 AID: 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

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.

Contact us at volunteer@thewilds.org or 740-638-5030 to learn more about volunteering at the Wilds.