Volunteer
Alaska Raptor Center depends on the generous time of our volunteers.Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Alaska Raptor Center (ARC)! We currently have openings in all of our volunteer programs. Please read through the general requirements before applying to see if we would be a good fit for you as a volunteer. Once you have looked over the general requirements, contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteers@alaskaraptor.org with your area of interest, availability, and any applicable experience. We receive a high volume of inquiries, and we will respond as soon as possible.
General Requirements
- minimum 18 years old
- Up to date vaccinations, including tetanus
- Able to lift 30lbs
- Willing to commit to a regular schedule for a 3-month period
- Able to work independently and cooperatively with diverse groups of people
- Demonstrate professional behavior and respect towards the birds as wild animals
- Must be comfortable around birds
- No prior bird experience is needed but volunteers are not able to interact with or around birds until training has been completed
Volunteer Career Tracks
Maintenance
Maintenance volunteers assist with general repairs around the Alaska Raptor Center as directed by our maintenance staff. Hours for maintenance volunteers are flexible within the workday, preference for predetermined times each week.
Clinic & Rehab
Clinic & Rehab volunteers work with our avian team, other volunteers, and our veterinarian to assist in the handling, feeding, and treatment of our injured/orphaned avian patients. Tasks can include working with avian staff to prepare food (skinning, gutting, and cutting up rats, mice, quail, fish, and various large and small game), handling rehabilitation patients, cleaning enclosures/kennels, sweeping/mopping, and laundry.
Education
Education volunteers play a vital role in representing our mission here at ARC. In the Education track, volunteers will utilize bio-facts, and partner with our educational ambassadors, to present accurate information and engage the public with the goal of promoting avian conservation. Bird-handling is not guaranteed. It is based on the number of birds we have available and program needs.
Gift Shop
The main role of this position is to assist our gift shop department in general tasks around the ARC gift shop. This can include price tagging items, organizing inventory, restocking shelves, engaging with the public, and more. The daily needs of the ARC gift shop are decided and overseen by our Operations Manager.
Rescue & Transportation
The main role of this position is to capture and transfer injured, orphaned, or sick birds from a variety of places throughout Alaska to our facility in Sitka for medical treatment. Volunteers will use their own car/gas to transport patients. Hours are flexible and based on need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have volunteer housing?
Is there any bird interaction within volunteering?
Can I come to volunteer at ARC for a day?
Our lowest time commitment for volunteers is 3 months, with other tracks requiring more time. This is due to the training regime that is required for each department and our staffing availability to train our volunteers.