Volunteer Opportunities

Click any of the volunteer opportunities listed here to learn more about that role. To apply for the role, please use the link provided in the role’s “Directions”. Please note that applications will only be accepted if you are able to volunteer weekly at one of the specified times, unless otherwise stated. Please note that in general, the morning shift runs 8am-1pm and the afternoon shift runs 12pm-5pm.

All applications will be assessed within 5 business days by the volunteer coordinator. If for some reason your application cannot be accepted, the coordinator will be in touch. If your application is accepted, you will be required to undergo health and safety prior to commencing the role.

If there are no opportunities that suit you at this time, please check back as we are constantly updating this list.

Please note: If you would like to volunteer in more than one role, please fill out the General Ward application. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@birdcareaotearoa.org.nz

General Ward

Duties:
This role involves working with the hospital team in the general ward, sea/shorebird clinic, and ICU. It is one of the most hands-on areas to work with the birds; however, with that means it is also one of the most chore-intensive, ie, cleaning, laundry, and making sure we maintain a sanitary environment for the birds. It involves the feeding, medicating, and weighing of the birds daily, as well as making sure their enclosures are kept clean and tidy. You will have to work closely with the staff and other volunteers to maintain the welfare and health of the birds in care.

Qualifications:

All volunteers must be 18+. No prior qualifications are necessary for this role as training is provided. However, all volunteers must be available weekly, communicate well with others, and be able to learn on the job. Prior experience with birds is a bonus.

NOTE: We are currently only accepting volunteer applications for individuals who would be able to commit weekly to one of the dates and times listed below for a minimum of six months.

Available Shifts:

  • Monday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Tuesday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Wednesday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Thursday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Friday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm

Application Instructions:
To apply for this role, please use the application form at the following link:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/337848482

Outdoor Aviaries

Duties:
The outdoor avian assistant will assist the outside birds staff member with the completion of their duties. This includes medicating and preparing foods for birds in the outside aviaries, cleaning and setting up the aviaries, preparing birds for release, and monitoring the health and wellbeing of outside birds, as well as grounds maintenance, insect husbandry, and general duties around the centre. Please note that while this role does involve direct interaction with birds, there is much less hands-on time with our patients.

Qualifications:

All volunteers must be 18+. No prior qualifications are needed for this role as training is provided. However, the applicant must be available weekly at one of the times listed below. The applicant must also be prepared to work outside regardless of the weather.

NOTE: We are currently only accepting volunteer applications for individuals who would be able to commit weekly to one of the dates and times listed below for a minimum of six months.

Available Shifts:

  • Sunday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Monday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Tuesday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Wednesday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Thursday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Friday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm
  • Saturday 8am-1pm; 12pm-5pm

Application Instructions:
To apply for this role, please use the application form at the following link:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/337848482

Insect Husbandry

Duties:
This role is for helping in raise various insects (crickets, mealworms, and fruit flies) that will be used as dietary supplement to the birds in care. Duties will involve cleaning, feeding, raising, and generally caring for our insect population.

Qualifications:

No prior experience is necessary. A willingness to learn is a must, and the applicant must be able to come in regularly (ie, at least once a week) to assist with insect husbandry.

Volunteers under 18 may be suitable for this role, but must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian.

Available Shifts:

  • Flexible scheduling available

Application Instructions:

If you would like to apply for this role, please fill out the application below:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/476464841

Reception

Duties:
The receptionist is in charge of admitting birds brought to our centre. This is a public-facing role, and the receptionist will greet members of the public, admit their bird, answer questions regarding the centre, answer the phone, take messages for the centre and organise paperwork for each admitted bird, using both physical forms and the online WRMD system. Some minimal amount of bird handling is required in order to admit the patients, but training for this is provided.

Qualifications:

All volunteers must be 18+. Prior experience in a receptionist or administrative role is preferred but not required. The applicant must be able to follow instructions, have basic computer skills, and communicate effectively with members of the public. Prior knowledge in birds is not required and training will be provided for answering public queries and using the WRMD system.

Please note this role generally runs from 9am-3pm, although hours can be flexible.

NOTE: We are currently only accepting volunteer applications for individuals who would be able to commit weekly to one of the dates and times listed below for a minimum of six months.

Available Shifts:

  • Sunday-Friday

Application Instructions:
To apply for this role, please use the application form at the following link:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1336845117

Administration

Duties:
This role is to assist our accountant, fundraiser, volunteer coordinator or general manager with the day-to-day running of the centre. This role can be catered to your specific skills/interests, but may include helping to run campaigns, attending fairs/markets on behalf of BirdCare Aotearoa, assisting with accounting, creating social media content, organising our patient database, and other similar duties.

Qualifications:

Basic computer and internet use is a must. A background in the area of interest, professionally or as a hobby, is helpful.

Available Shifts:

  • Flexible scheduling available

Application Instructions:

If you are interested in volunteering as an administrative assistant, please email volunteer@birdcareaotearoa.org.nz with your background, qualifications, and area of interest.

Building and Maintenance

Duties:
This role involves the maintenance of the grounds, structures, and building of BirdCare Aotearoa. Depending on your skill, it can involve general handiworks, construction projects, gardening, lawn maintenance, cleaning, plumbing, or any other general maintenance. Basic tools and PPE are provided. Please note that this role does not involve any direct interaction with birds.

Qualifications:

Prior skills in one of the areas listed above, or a similar area, is a must. Our needs are constantly changing depending on the projects at hand, but we are always in need of lawn/grounds maintenance care. For trade-based skills (electrician, plumber, etc), prior qualification is preferred.

Available Shifts:

  • Hours for this role are flexible, although we do ask for a weekly or fortnightly commitment to the day you choose.

Application Instructions:

If you would like to apply for this role, please fill out the application form at the following link:

https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1288390639

Internships and Clinical Placements

Internships are generally only offered through an animal-related course for clinical placement or work experience. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer in-house internships at this time.

Qualifications:

You must currently be enrolled in an animal-related course.

Available Shifts:

  • Hours for this role are flexible, although we do ask for a weekly or fortnightly commitment to the day you choose.

Application Instructions:

If you would like to complete your required course hours at BirdCare Aotearoa, please discuss this with your course supervisor, and fill out the following form: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1877119282

Note that for this form you will need:

  • Your course
  • A description of the placement requirements/conditions
  • Hours needed to complete placement
  • Preferred dates/times for placement
  • Any relevant paperwork required for the placement

Please note that we are not always able to accommodate last-minute placements, so please contact us well in advance of desired placement dates. Last-minute placements will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.