Volunteer Program:

One of the keys to running Hawk Creek Wildlife Center is the dedication of our volunteer staff. Our center relies on the time, talents, and of course, the elbow grease of our volunteers and interns. Our volunteers help staff care for and feed our resident animals, and tend to our patients. Endless opportunities await!

Volunteer Opportunities:

Animal Husbandry:

For those who want to work around the animals and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty! Basic responsibilities include preparing food for and feeding our resident animals and rehab patients, and providing them with basic care.

Education:

This is your opportunity to take our message of caring and conservation to the public! Programs are presented as exhibits at malls, events, and private functions.

Marketing and Public Relations:

Maintaining a wildlife center without federal funding can propose some challenges when it comes time to pay the bills, so marketing becomes a big part of keeping the dream alive. From marketing our educational programs to selling our merchandise and even getting our animals “adopted,” it takes a certain know-how to appeal to the public to encourage them to help out. Duties may include coming up with slogans to sell merchandise and programs, and suggesting ideas to increase fundraising-revenues.

Horticulture:

At Hawk Creek we take pride in our gardens, but they don’t maintain themselves! We’re always looking for people that have an interest in horticulture to help maintain our grounds throughout the season. We have a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees on the grounds and bring in a new assortment of annuals to be planted every year. Individuals will have the opportunity to hone their landscaping skills and are encouraged to share their ideas on designing new gardens!

Graphic Design:

Our facility is open to the public only a few times a year, so we try to make each event special! Volunteers can let their creativity take flight by aiding in designing brochures for our events, signs for our center and programs, posters, and updating images on our website.

Computer Technology:

In this fast-paced day and age it is vital that our computers are kept up-to-date and our records maintained. Additionally, our website requires periodic maintenance and there’s always the unforeseeable issues that occur with technological devices. This opportunity is for those prepared to take on the task and increase their knowledge in working with databases and our website. New ideas for web design are strongly encouraged. A working knowledge of computers is required.

Journalism/Writing:

Aspiring journalists and writers of all kinds have their place in the sun here as well! Develop your skills writing articles or anecdotes for our newsletter, The Talon, updating information on our website for our animals and events!

How to Apply:

In return for their efforts, Hawk Creek hopes it provides our volunteers with unique opportunities and challenges in their lives. The volunteers donate their time, and in return, they are given the rare chance of seeing and learning first-hand about the animals that reside and pass through Hawk Creek. Many of the volunteers take their wealth of knowledge to the public, and share their information via education programs. We have been proud to have thousands of volunteers donating their efforts over the years. We congratulate every individual! Without them none of our recent achievements would be possible. If you would like to be a part of this, please e-mail [email protected] or call us at (716) 652-8646.

Volunteers can apply for a variety of opportunities depending on their interests and skills!

Internship Program:

Experience the unique and challenging opportunity of working at a wildlife center. Internships are designed to provide hands-on experience for those who are interested in environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation. Learn more about our internships below: