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Volunteers
Volunteers
Volunteers are the most integral part of carrying out our mission. Without our volunteer support, our organization would not be able to conserve rattlesnakes. Our volunteers assist our staff in a variety of different ways from all over the nation. From outreach events to animal care and social media, our volunteers are a part of it all. If you believe in our mission and want to be more involved in conserving rattlesnakes, please fill out our volunteer application so we can connect with you. Learn more about our current opportunities below.
As a representative of our mission and our organization, our volunteer team is expected to always provide a high quality experience that leaves others eager to learn more. Through various trainings, our volunteers are given knowledge and skills to help them better present our mission to the public and interact with others in a positive, respectful, and professional way. See our Volunteer Manual for more information about volunteer conduct and benefits.
Volunteer Manual
Expectations
Advocacy Volunteer
Our Advocacy Volunteers are local or remote volunteers that are able to help with the political side of pursuing our mission. These volunteers should have a background in political science and/or have experience working with legislation at a state or federal level.
Some responsibilities of Advocacy Volunteers include the following:
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Assist with identifying state/federal partners for developing legislation related to our organization's mission and goals
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Assist in writing advocacy letters
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Promote advocacy positions through social media, email, and paper mail
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Assist in-person and virtual lobbying efforts
Animal Encounter Volunteer
Our Animal Encounter Volunteers are local volunteers that are able to help with our animal encounter programs at our Tree Hill Nature Center location. These volunteers should be comfortable handing a variety of ambassador animals as well as talking to the public.
Some responsibilities of Animal Encounter Volunteers include the following:
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Assist staff with animal handling during our animal encounter programming
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Assist with set up and tear down of equipment needed for animal encounter programming
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Talking to guests of the nature center
about our organization, our educational programs, and our ambassador animals of the day -
Help with animal encounters for school field trips
Animal Husbandry Volunteer
Our Animal Husbandry Volunteers are local volunteers that are able to help with animal care at our Tree Hill Nature Center location. These volunteers should be comfortable handing a variety of ambassador animals as well as talking to the public. Previous husbandry experienced preferred.
Some responsibilities of Animal Husbandry Volunteers include the following:
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Help with daily/weekly care of ambassador animals (including spot cleaning cages and filling/cleaning water bowls)
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Assist with animal enclosure deep cleanings every two months
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Educate guests of the nature center about our animals, our programs, and our organization
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Assist with feedings (with experience)
Education Volunteer
Our Education Volunteers are local or remote volunteers that are able to help with a variety of education related tasks. These volunteers should be comfortable talking to groups of people and working outdoors. Previous experience working with children is recommended for this position.
Some responsibilities of Education Volunteers include the following:
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Assist staff with weekly summer camps
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Attend STEM Station programs at various natural locations around Jacksonville
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Help staff at outreach events (helping to run our education booth and educate the public)
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Assist with both on-site and off-site school groups
Event Volunteer
Our Event Volunteers are local or remote volunteers that are able to help with the logistics of running an event. These volunteers should be outgoing and comfortable with jumping in where needed.
Some responsibilities of Event Volunteers include the following:
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Assist staff with set up and break down of equipment/tables before and after events
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Greet and check in guests of an event
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Sell tickets
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Assist with silent auction
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Serve food to guests
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Assist with vendor communication and needs throughout an event
Event Planning Volunteer
Our Event Planning Volunteers are local or remote volunteers that are able to help with the behind the scenes work of planning an event. These volunteers should be organized, outgoing, and comfortable talking with the public in-person and over the phone.
Some responsibilities of Event Planning Volunteers include the following:
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Soliciting auction item donations
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Filing necessary permits and forms with state organizations
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Sourcing event supplies and equipment
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Contacting vendors
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Assist with planning details (such as catering, venue, music, etc.)
Fundraising Volunteers
Our Fundraising Volunteers are local or remote volunteers that are able to help with activities related to raising money for the organization. Remote volunteers will be required to have access to the internet during volunteer times.
Some responsibilities of Fundraising Volunteers include the following:
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Soliciting sponsorships
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Assisting with grant applications
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Soliciting donors
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Assist with putting together membership packets and sending membership welcome letters
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Assist with finding new sources of funding
Social Media
Volunteer
Our Animal Encounter Volunteers are local or remote volunteers that are able to help with activities related to promoting the organization, its activities, and its mission virtually. All volunteers are required to have access to the internet as well as at least one of the following social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Some responsibilities of Social Media Volunteers include the following:
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Updating staff with questions and concerns posted to our social media pages
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Responding to social media questions with direction from staff
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Assist with designing and posting weekly educational posts and blogs
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Create posts to advertise events and programs