Main Office: 541-230-1220 | Wildlife Hotline: 541-745-5324 | Intake Hours: 9:00 am - 4:oo pm Please call Wildlife Hotline before bringing in an animal
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are an important part of Chintimini’s infrastructure. Every week, more than 100 volunteers come to the Center to assist with the care of wildlife (both patients and ambassadors), education, maintenance and landscaping, or fundraising and administrative activities. Volunteers in these positions must be 18 or older.
Read more about the process of becoming an ongoing volunteer below.
One-time Volunteer Opportunities
While most of our volunteers take on weekly shifts, there are also short-term projects that add valuable pieces to the Center’s big picture. These opportunities are separate from our animal care, however they are vital to the continued operations of Chintimini Wildlife Center. Volunteers can gain valuable work and life experiences while helping wildlife, and are great for youth, families, or company service projects.
To inquire about short-term projects, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator by emailing volunteer@chintiminiwildlife.org.
HOW TO BECOME AN ONGOING VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Recruitment Process
Application
First, you’ll apply via the form on our website. This is your chance to introduce yourself to us: your skills, experience, and anything else you think we should know.
Interview
Prospective volunteers will meet individually by phone or virtually with staff to identify a position that would be a good fit for them, discuss schedules, and details regarding Chintimini’s volunteer program.
Orientation
Each prospective volunteer attends an onsite orientation with staff to learn about our organization’s history, mission, and current volunteer opportunities.
Training
Volunteers will be introduced to their shift, staff, fellow volunteers, and volunteer duties. Training for all positions is ongoing and feedback is given regularly to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can volunteer?
You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer at Chintimini. No experience is required – staff and senior volunteers will train you on how to do all of the necessary volunteer functions.
What are the expectations of ongoing volunteers?
Because of the extensive amount of training that goes into becoming a volunteer with us, we ask that you volunteer at Chintimini only when you know you can commit at least 6 months to volunteering on a weekly basis. We ask that each volunteer pick a regular shift that they will come to every week at the same day/time.
What days/times are shifts available?
There are shifts 7 days a week, three times per day
Shift availability and capacity change frequently, so don’t be discouraged if all shifts are full when you apply. Prospective volunteers can be kept on a waiting list until their availability can be matched to an open shift position.
Can I volunteer or intern for college credit?
We have carefully crafted an internship program for both students and emerging professionals looking to gain hands-on experience with wildlife. These internships follow the Oregon State University’s academic calendar and include summer, fall, winter, and spring internship sessions.
Students pursuing internships for college credit are responsible for completing their college’s required paperwork. Please see the internships page for more details.
Have more questions?
Please contact us if you have specific questions that were not answered above.