Animal Care—Rescue and Research Volunteer

About the Program

*Rescue and Research Internships are currently not available*

Wildlife Rescue and Research Volunteers work with our Animal Welfare and Research staff in saving wildlife through rescue, recovery, and research programs both on site and in the field. Programs primarily include Oakland Zoo’s Amphibian Recovery, Urban Wildlife, Heron Rescue, and Animal Welfare Research programs, as well as special and short-term projects with Brush Rabbis, Bison, Mt Lion, Condor, Pond Turtle, or partners in welfare and research.

All R&R Volunteers are initially assigned to core projects within the first 6-months of their volunteering. Following this introductory period and when they have developed solid understanding of the project and proficient skills, volunteers can join secondary project within AWR. Please note, most projects are seasonal or of short to moderate duration, and so all R&R Volunteers are expected to have broad interest and be flexible to the needs of the animals and programs.

Responsibilities

Volunteers perform duties based on individual AWR programs that are hands-on and inquiry-based. Training is provided. Examples can include:

• Clean yellow-legged frog tanks, or conduct water quality tests
• Observe and record wildlife camera footage, or set camera traps in East Bay Parks and golf courses
• Assist with heron rescue sweeps downtown, or transport birds to rehab facility
• Collect data for research projects, or manage and analyze data

*To maintain biosecurity, some programs may require a change in clothes and footwear prior to other activities on-site or arrive/leaving the Zoo

Please note: We aim to accommodate a variety of volunteer needs, interests, and capabilities. However, participation in some field and on-site programs require volunteers to be physically able to perform all duties assigned, which may include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and pull/push 120 pounds, walk long distances on uneven or wet surfaces, crouch, stoop, crawl, scale hurtles up to 2.5-ft tall, be able to see and hear environmental hazards, focus on search parameters for up to 1.5-hours, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, and have a valid California drivers license. Volunteers not able to meet the above expectations are welcome to volunteer in R&R volunteer opportunities which better meet their capabilities and interests.

Requirements

Requirements for all Rescue and Research Volunteers:

• Age 18 or older. Those interested under 18 years of age are encourage to joining our Teen Wild Guides.
• Commit to volunteering for at least six months
• Pay the program fee which includes a uniform t-shirt, Rescue and Research Volunteer Handbook, and other training and informational materials.
• Abide by the procedures and expectations outlined in the Oakland Zoo Volunteer Manual including those set by the Animal Care, Conservation, and Research Department (AACR).
• All volunteers are required to enter their volunteer hours in our volunteer tracking system within a few days of your shift.

‍Location

On Oakland Zoo grounds or multiple off-site locations in the East Bay.

Supervision

Provided by Animal Welfare and Research or Animal Care staff member responsible for area/program of assignment.

‍On the job training provided!

Five Steps to Becoming a rescue and Research Volunteer

Ensure you meet all of the requirements of becoming a R&R Volunteer and can commit to regular attendance for a minimum of 6 months. Download and complete the Oakland Zoo Rescue and Research Volunteer Application.

Step 1—Apply

• Applications are accepted throughout the year.
• Submit your completed applications via email or mail to: Oakland Zoo Volunteer Program, P.O. Box 5238, Oakland, Ca 94605.

Step 2—Process

After we receive your application, you will be sent "Next Steps" information. This will consist of a link to review a PowerPoint presentation, complete a couple of forms to be returned to us along with some medical information (proof of Tetanus vaccination in last 10 years, proof of Covid vaccination and first booster). When all of this is received, your application will then go to Animal Welfare and Research section for review.

Step 3—Conservation Interview

You will be contacted for an interview. If we are match for your interests and our program needs, you will be accepted as a new volunteer and invited to a Rescue and Research Volunteer Orientation.  

Step 4—Rescue and Research Volunteer Orientation

Rescue and Research Volunteer Orientations are typically one hour.  During the Orientation you will learn about the Animal Welfare and Research section within the Animal Care, Conservation, and Research Department, volunteer policies and procedures, and then be given time for a self-guided tour of the Zoo. Your $20 non-refundable volunteer fee is collected and at-shirt is provided.

Step 5—Volunteer!

Once you have attended the Conservation Volunteer Orientation, you begin training for assigned program. Additional information regarding AWR program expectations will be given during Orientation.

Questions

Email us if you have additional questions regarding our Rescue and Research Volunteer Program.