The Wildlife Center of Virginia relies on hundreds of volunteers to help us help wildlife return to the wild. While many of our volunteers live nearby, WCV offers learning opportunities for everyone. One of the most popular volunteer experiences is our preceptor program.

The preceptor program offers 8-12 week internships to students and other people interested in wildlife rehabilitation and education. Preceptorships are available with two areas of emphasis: Animal Caretaker/Orphan Raiser and Environmental Education. Preceptors receive no salary, however, housing is provided when available.

Animal Caretaker/Orphan Raiser Preceptorships (Summer)
This program gives hands-on experience in the field of wildlife rehabilitation. Lasting eight weeks, the preceptorship focuses on orphan raising, wildlife nutrition, animal housing, physical therapy, capture and restraint, and safety techniques. A large amount of responsibility will include preparing diets, feeding orphans, and monitoring their progress. Most of the teaching will be hands-on. Preceptors are also encouraged to develop a topic of research related to patients at the Center, and upon completion of the preceptorship, share findings with the staff. Application deadline is March 1st.

Animal Caretaker Preceptorships (Fall/Spring)
Much like the animal caretaker preceptorships offered during the summer, the animal caretaker preceptorship also focuses on wildlife nutrition, husbandry, capture and restraint skills, safety techniques and orphan raising as needed. Because the WCV's case load is lower in the Fall/Spring, there is also a significant research component to the preceptorship. Preceptors are expected to fully develop an area of research related to the field of wildlife rehabilitation, present findings to staff, and write a paper upon completion of the preceptorship. Fall/spring preceptors can commit to a full-time eight week period, or may also complete a part-time twelve week preceptorship (ideal for local students or those who are working). Application deadlines are as follows: Fall preceptorships, July 1st; Spring preceptorships, December 1st.

Please contact the Outreach Coordinator at outreach@wildlifecenter.org or phone (540) 942-9453 for more information and an application for Animal Caretaker/Orphan Raiser opportunities.

Environmental Education Preceptorship (Summer)
This position is designed to give the preceptor an opportunity to acquire new skills, enhance their knowledge of wildlife conservation and environmental education, and gain experience working in a professional environment. The preceptor will assist with program development which includes designing new environmental education programs, improving existing ones, creating activities for all programs, and incorporating Standards of Learning into the curriculum. Other responsibilities include marketing environmental education programs, designing and creating educational materials, assisting with environmental education programs and hikes, and handling and caring for education animals. Participation in all office duties including data entry, scheduling programs, maintaining records, answering phones, replenishing supplies, making copies, and other duties is also required. A full-time commitment of 8 to12 weeks is ideal for this position. Application deadline for this Preceptorship is April 15th.

Please contact the Director of Environmental Education at educationhr@wildlifecenter.org or phone (540) 942-9453 for more information and an application.

Requirements
All applicants must be self-motivated individuals with a sincere interest in working with wildlife and the ability to enthusiastically work long hours. Attention to detail, punctuality, initiative and a strong desire to learn are required, as well as at least two years of college with related degree or experience.

Questions about other volunteer opportunities can be directed to outreach@wildlifecenter.org.

Join us in making a real difference in wildlife conservation and the environment.