Get Involved
Q: Looking for a meaningful way to support Maine’s wildlife?
A: Become a volunteer!
Whether you're working directly with our wild patients or supporting us behind the scenes, your time and compassion help give injured, orphaned, and sick animals a second chance at life in the wild.
Volunteer
So You’re Interested in Volunteering?
We’re so glad to hear it! Saco River Wildlife Center relies on a passionate, dedicated team of volunteers to carry out our mission. To begin, we ask new volunteers to commit to at least one 4.5-hour shift per week.
As a Wildlife Care Volunteer, You'll Learn How To:
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You'll learn about many the amazing creatures that live around us.
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Feed animals of all ages, from orphaned babies to adult patients
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Provide species-appropriate enrichment to prevent stress and boredom
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Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safety protocols
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Safely and thoroughly clean enclosures (indoor and outdoor)
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Sterilize equipment, toys, laundry, and feeding supplies
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Assess incoming animals for signs of injury or illness
You'll also work with some of the most amazing, gentle people you will ever meet.
You’ll be paired with an experienced team member and receive training to ensure you feel confident and supported in your role.
Questions are always encouraged during your shifts—we don’t expect you to memorize everything from day one. Volunteers build skills and confidence over time and we’re here to support you.
Want to Help, But Can’t Commit Weekly?
We understand that life gets busy. If you’re not able to volunteer regularly or physically be on-site, there are still plenty of meaningful ways to support us!
We always need volunteers who can:
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Pick up or deliver donations and supplies
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Help plan and staff fundraisers and community events
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Transport wildlife to and from our facility
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Spread the word about our work and mission
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Provide administrative support
Sometimes, something as simple as driving an orphaned or injured animal to our center can be life-saving.
For other questions about volunteer opportunities, contact us via our Facebook or send us an email at sacoriverwildlifecenter@gmail.com
Don’t worry if you don’t hear back right away- SRWC is a private facility run by a small number of volunteers, and we can’t always respond as quickly as we’d like.
Volunteer Documents
Click on the name to download!
Internships
Internship Opportunities at Saco River Wildlife Center
Interns provide valuable support to clinic staff while working alongside our team of wildlife rehabilitation staff, sub-permittees, and volunteers. This teamwork allows us to provide our sick, injured, and orphaned wild animal patients with the highest quality care. Individuals selected will be encouraged to participate in many aspects of wildlife rehabilitation from cleaning, feeding, cage set-up and maintenance to close observation, treatment, and release of animals. Summer intern daily responsibilities are primarily focused on care of orphans and general husbandry, and facilities upkeep (including cleaning indoor and outdoor cages, sweeping, mopping, laundry, etc.). Interns will have the opportunity to observe physical examinations and diagnostics, as well as take part in releasing animals back into the wild. Interns also receive valuable experience in learning how to safely handle wild animals, the importance of nutrition and husbandry in raising orphaned mammals and understanding the current challenges wildlife in our community face.
Interns are expected to work alongside our clinic staff, sub-permittees, and volunteers. Volunteers and interns work together during shifts to help support staff in animal care and daily operations. Many of our volunteers have been with us for a long time and have a diverse background of experience and knowledge.
Eligibility:
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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College degree or current college student is not required. We welcome non-traditional interns! Students may be eligible to receive academic credit for this internship.
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Highly self-motivated
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Attention to detail, punctuality, initiative and a strong desire to learn are required
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Personal transportation is required
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Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
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Positive attitude and strong work ethic
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Tetanus and COVID vaccinations are required
Compensation and Hours:
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Internships are unpaid
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Full-time interns are required to work 40 hours per week
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Part-time interns are required to work a minimum of 24 hours per week
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Interns will be required to work some early morning, late evening, and weekend shifts.
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There is mandatory training the first few shifts of each internship session and we ask that schedules remain open during this time.
Volunteer/staff/intern shifts are typically scheduled as 8:30am-1pm or 12:30pm-5pm, and 4:30-9pm. We are flexible with shifts.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a brief statement of interest to sacoriverwildlifecenter@gmail.com.
We offer seasonal internships with flexible start dates and hours.