Join our community of volunteers

At Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, we rely on passionate volunteers to help us rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife. With your support, we can continue our essential work and care for thousands of animals each year. No matter your skill set or interest, there’s a place for you in our community!

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Make a Real Impact: Your time and effort directly contribute to the future of our native wildlife and ecosystem! Whether it’s as obvious as feeding an injured bird or as subtle as making a spreadsheet, every volunteer hour improves our ability to serve wildlife and the community.

• Mental Health Benefits: State of the world got you down? Volunteering can reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and increase feelings of fulfillment - nothing beats making a direct impact!

• Make Friends, Build Community: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for wildlife and conservation. We may be biased, but we think our volunteers are the best people in town!

• Grow and Get Involved: Many of our volunteers move into leadership roles, engage in special projects, and gain valuable experience. Animals aren’t the only ones having life changing experiences at Pelican Harbor!

Read on for volunteer roles, our volunteer application, and to pay volunteer fees.

Volunteer Roles

Outdoor Rehabilitation

Volunteers in Outdoor Rehabilitation are critical to the function of our hospital! These volunters maintain animal enclosures, prepare and serve animal diets, and help with the cleaning and upkeep of our outdoor facilities. This is the heart of our day-to-day operations, ensuring animals have the best possible environment to recover.

• Skills Needed: Physical stamina, attention to detail, and an ability to work outdoors in varying conditions.

• Time Commitment: 3-hour shifts run from 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm, most volunteers do one recurring shift per week, but there is no limit.

Operation Rescue & Release (ORR)

As part of this team, you’ll assist in rescuing injured or orphaned wildlife and helping release rehabilitated animals back into their natural environment. This role is hands-on and requires volunteers to respond to rescue calls and transport animals. ORR volunteers will receive a kit of equipment to safely rescue and release wildlife.

• Skills Needed: Ability to handle challenging situations, average mobility

• Time Commitment: Flexible; rescue calls happen all the time and volunteers respond whenever available.

Education & Outreach

If you enjoy interacting with the public, this is the perfect role for you! Volunteers engage visitors, lead educational tours, table at community events and school or library programs, and assist with outreach to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.

• Skills Needed: Strong communication skills, enthusiasm for educating others, and a friendly demeanor.

• Time Commitment: Varies according to need and availability; includes community events, public talks, tours, and school programs.

Maintenance & Fabrication

We rely on volunteers with handy skills to assist with facility maintenance and fabrication. Whether you’re repairing enclosures, building new structures, or maintaining equipment, your contributions ensure that our facility operates smoothly and that our patients are comfortable and safe.

• Skills Needed: Experience with general maintenance, carpentry, plumbing, or landscaping.

• Time Commitment: Flexible; based on project needs.

Baby Feeding

During baby season (spring/fall), we see a big influx of orphaned and injured young animals. Volunteers assist with feeding and caring for these babies, learning specific care techniques under the guidance of our clinic team.

• Skills Needed: Patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn about different species’ needs.

• Time Commitment: 2+ hours per shift with flexible in/out times. Seasonal (spring and fall).

Ready to Volunteer?

We’d love to have you join us! Click the button below to start your volunteer application. It’s a simple process, and we’ll guide you every step of the way. After applying, you’ll receive an email with next steps and a link to schedule your volunteer orientation!

Application requirements

All volunteers must be at least 18 years old and carry their own medical insurance. After submitting your application, you’ll attend an orientation session where we’ll introduce you to our work and provide the necessary training. There is a non-refundable $40 fee for a volunteer shirt and mandatory background check. Additional equipment, if required, will be supplied as needed.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or need more information about specific roles or the application process, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help!