The Center relies on the generous support of more than 300 volunteers who, through the generous gift of their time and talent, make our work possible. Orientation sessions are offered several times a year for those interested in becoming a part of our incredible volunteer team.
Volunteer Staff Program
Since its beginning, the Avian Conservation Center and The Center for Birds of Prey has relied on Volunteer Staff members to carry out its mission of providing medical treatment for injured birds of prey and shorebirds, presenting educational programs to thousands of people throughout the state, and conducting avian research and field studies that benefit South Carolina and the entire nation.
Whether working with injured wild birds of prey in the Avian Medical Clinic or with resident birds in the Education Department, extensive training and experience are critical to your success. A progressive training program, including educational workshops, hands-on experience and one-on-one mentor shadowing enable Volunteer Staff members to increase their knowledge and expand skills on a continuing basis.
There are many different areas in which you can serve, whether you like to work with the public or prefer to work behind the scenes. You will be able to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors, school groups and community organizations. You will also have the opportunity to participate in continuing education programs about our collection and exhibits. We encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity.
Yes, in advance of attending any orientation session, we will email all pre-registered attendees several documents that will need to be completed before they can be considered for a volunteer placement. These documents include an application, liability waiver, social media agreement, and volunteer commitment agreement.
You must be 18 years or older to volunteer in the Avian Medical Clinic and 16 years or older to volunteer in all other departments. However, seasonal internships and service-learning opportunities may be arranged for students under the age of 16. For more information about internships and service-learning opportunities, send us an email with your questions info@thecenterforbirdsofprey.org
We require all on-campus volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift each week for a minimum of six months.
Consider joining us as a Transport Volunteer. These volunteers work within their own geographic area and, after receiving instruction in the principles and techniques essential to the safe capture and transport of injured birds of prey and some shorebirds, they are responsible for bringing injured birds to the Avian Medical Clinic from throughout the state. We host separate training sessions for new Transport Volunteers each year, so if you decide that your preference would be to assist the Center in this manner, please email info@thecenterforbirdsofprey.org so we can give you information about the next training session.
No, but you will learn a lot while working with us! All we require from you is a desire to make a difference through your committed volunteer service.
Next Upcoming New Volunteer Staff Orientation will be held in July 2023. Date and time will be updated once finalized.
Avian Medical Clinic & Injured Bird Dispatch Hotline
Medical clinic Volunteer Staff work hands-on with our avian patients doing tasks that include, but are not limited to; general enclosure cleaning, general clinic cleaning, diet preparations, medication administration, safely restraining medical patients for medical treatments, and more.
Available Medical Clinic Volunteer Staff shifts in the Avian Medical Clinic:
- Sunday: 9am -1pm and 1pm – 5pm
- Monday: 1pm – 5pm
- Thursday: 1pm – 5pm
- Saturday: 1pm – 5pm
Injured Bird Dispatch Volunteer staff will answer and respond to injured bird calls. Additional tasks include data entry and organizational projects as the need arises. This role is ideal for those who may not be interested in or physically capable of performing the duties of a general clinic volunteer but would still like to play an integral role in the Avian Medical Clinic in saving birds’ lives. Once trained, this role can also be done remotely!
Available Dispatch Volunteer Staff shifts in the Avian Medical Clinic:
- Sunday: 9am – 1pm and 1pm – 5pm
- Monday: 1pm – 5pm
- Wednesday: 1pm – 5pm
- Saturday: 9am – 1pm and 1pm – 5pm
Education & Husbandry
The Education and Husbandry Department is recruiting Volunteer Staff to assist with the care and training of our resident collection as well as providing educational support during programs.
Available Volunteer Staff shifts with the Education and Husbandry Department:
- Monday: 9:30am – 12:30pm and 11am-2pm
- Tuesday: 11am – 2pm and 1pm – 4pm
- Wednesday: 9:30am – 12:30pm and 1pm – 4pm
Guest Services/Office Administration
Guest Services/Office Administration:
The Guest Services and Office Administration Department is recruiting Volunteer Staff to assist with guest interaction, ticketing, check in, merchandise sales, answering center phone calls and general office assistance.
Available Volunteer Staff shifts with the Guest Service/Office Department:
- Tuesday 9am – 1pm
- Wednesday 9am – 1pm
- Friday: 9am – 1pm
- Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Grounds & Maintenance
The grounds and maintenance volunteer staff help with landscaping, mowing and other campus maintenance projects.
Available Volunteer Staff shifts with the Grounds and Maintenance Department:
- Monday-Wednesdays (flexible scheduling)
Please note – since there are limited spaces available for this orientation session, if you are not able to commit to one of these priority shifts due to scheduling conflicts, we ask that you consider attending a future orientation session so that we can make space for those who have availability to work these shifts.
Transport Volunteer Staff are trained to respond to injured bird calls and work in their region or area when assistance is needed in the capture and transport of an injured bird. Training and support is provided by the Center. Because of the size of the Center’s Transport Network, we are able to provide professional medical care for birds from the I-20 corridor east to the coast.
Please email us if you are interested in participating in our Transport Network.
We offer internship opportunites with our Education & Husbandry department and our Avian Medical Clinic department. Please read below for more information about our programs, age requirements, scheduling, how to apply, deadlines and other important details.
