WILVOS runs a 24 hr hotline that members of the public can call in the event they need assistance with an injured or distressed native animal.  As our hotline operates 365 days a year, we are always looking for volunteers to assist.  Each shift is only 4 hours and you simply advise us your availability of when you are able to assist.  Hotline rosters are made a month in advance, so volunteers have plenty of time to advise their availability.

The hotline operators play a pivotal role in the organization.  If it wasn’t for our operators, WILVOS wouldn’t be able to attend and rescue the animals needing assistance that we do.  It provides the link between members of the public and our carers.  The role of the hotline operator is to receive the calls from the public, record information about the situation, provide advice and contact our wildlife carers or transporters to attend.  This role is perfect for anyone that may not have access to a vehicle or is unable to care for wildlife.  To be a hotline operator you must have internet access, access to a computer and a phone (landline or mobile) with good coverage.

Rescues and transportation for our wildlife is crucial.  Time is of the essence when it comes to an animal found, therefore these volunteer roles play an integral part in ensuring that injured, distressed or orphaned animals gets the quickest care possible.  Rescuers and Transporters are contacted by our hotline operators within their specified availability times.  Further information regarding the animal will be provided to you if you are able to assist.  From there you will attend the scene and assess the situation before deciding on the best course of action to take.  This may include animals being rescued and contained, being taken to either one of our wildlife carers, a local vet, Eumundi Rehabilitation Centre or Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. 

You will need to be comfortable in handling wildlife and liaising with members of the public.  Sadly some animals can be very injured therefore an understanding of how to deal with and approach both animal and member of the public is a must.  For this role you must have access to a car.  Availability is crucial, therefore we do need volunteers that can be available at certain times throughout the month.  Please note that all fuel and costs are covered by yourself.  

Volunteer wildlife caring is an amazing and rewarding role.  You may have the opportunity to care for a variety of our beautiful bird species or perhaps one of our wonderful possum species.  Wildlife caring can be very demanding and can require a lot of time.  Various costs are involved in becoming a carer from purchasing cages and aviaries to purchasing food.  Collecting fresh foliage on a daily basis is a mandatory requirement when caring for marsupials.

If you feel that you can provide the time and are able to care, then we would love to have you!

You will require a permit to become a WILVOS wildlife carer and mandatory training requirements must be met.  There are numerous training opportunties provided throughout the year to assist  you in your journey as a wildlife carer.  We encourage a mentoring program where you will be partnered up with a more senior carer whilst you are learning.  You are never alone. 

WILVOS participates in many markets and events that occur throughout the Sunshine Coast throughout the year.  We always need volunteers to assist in helping out at the events.  In this role you will assist in setting up a stand, attending the event, giving out flyers and information to the public and assisting in gaining new members.

It’s a great role if you love getting out for a few hours, chatting to people about what you love, animals!  You will require your own transport to and from the events you would like to assist on.