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GIVE/VOLUNTEER > Animal Care Internship Animal Care Internship Join The Team Fun! Exciting! Rewarding! Animal Care Internship (Full-time, Spring & Summer unpaid position) The Organization: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, a world-class wildlife rehabilitation centre, located in Errington, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, cares for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife, and educates the public on wildlife and environmental issues. The Position: The North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) Intern will enjoy a unique opportunity to be part of a team supporting the work of a world class wildlife rehabilitation and education facility. The NIWRA intern will further their own growth by learning, sharing and applying new skills that enhance daily operations at the Centre. Open to both international and local applicants Position requires an eight-week minimum work period Accommodation is a large RV onsite with kitchen, shower and access to laundry Duties: Volunteers and interns are the backbone of our organization. The position works under the direction and support of the Animal Care staff. It includes enclosure cleaning, food preparation (raw meat is processed and fed so no weak stomachs allowed!), feeding, laundry, participating in maintenance projects and interacting and educating visitors. There is no standard workday in wildlife rehabilitation, which creates a stimulating and interesting opportunity. Provide excellent care to all non-releasable and rehabilitation animals Assist with evaluating patient progress and release eligibility Assist with restraint, exams and treatment of animals Admit patients and accurately complete associated paperwork Occasionally assist with euthanasia Maintain high standards of cleanliness in hospital, kitchen and animal housing areas Requirements: This rewarding position requires a mature person that works well within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances. It is physically demanding and requires attention to detail. Must be able to communicate fluently in English Must be at least 19 years of age Must have medical insurance Must have a Tetanus vaccination Must be able to work in all weather conditions Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs (work is quite physical and moderately labour intensive) Must be able to work 5 days a week, days off may or may not be consecutive Must be willing to work flexible shifts depending on needs Must be reliable and dependable Previous wildlife rehabilitation or animal handling experience is an asset, but not strictly required INTERNSHIPS ARE STRICTLY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS. YOU WILL NOT BE PAID ANY MONIES OR EXPENSES, BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE ACCOMMODATIONS IF YOU ARE FROM OUT-OF-TOWN. (You may have to share accommodations with another intern.) Extra days off: We are willing to be flexible to work with your schedule, however your commitment is to volunteer your time 5 days a week with 2 days off. Requesting extra days off puts a strain on our schedule. Shifts are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. You must supply your own food. If you are NOT a Canadian Citizen, you must have financial means/credit card/cash in case you need to go to a medical clinic. North Island Wildlife Recovery Association will not be responsible for medical expenses. Internships are a minimum eight weeks or more in length. View Printable Format To apply: Please email cover letter, availability dates, resume, 2 references and at least one letter of recommendation to wildlife@niwra.org Attention Joyce Lee . Please write Animal Care Intern Position in the subject line. We appreciate all applications, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We reserve the right to close the vacancies early depending on the number of applications received, so encourage you to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.

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North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a non-profit facility that cares for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife, and educates the public about wildlife and environmental issues. Visitors can see non-releasable Vancouver Island wildlife in peaceful and rustic surroundings. Take a walk on the wildside in Parksville Owls • Bears • Eagels • Hawks • Falcons • Ravens Turkey Vultures • Wildlife Garden & More! Hours Open 9am-4:30 Daily Admission Adult $15+tax Children 4–16 $6+tax Children 3 & under FREE Veterans and Military FREE Location 5 Minutes from Parksville! 1240 Leffler Road, Errington, BC Locate Us on Google Maps They depend on us. We depend on you! Donate Now Stay Connected View our latest Facebook posts Read our Tripadvisor reviews See the latest on Twitter Watch our Youtube videos Visit us on Instagram Subscribe to our newsletter Adopt an Animal View Adoption Animals in Shop

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We have an active Facebook page that tracks the activities at the Centre. We also host public events throughout the year and fundraisers. What's Happening Our Latest News How do wild animals survive in winter? Helping wildlife that needs assistance > View all NIWRA news stories Facebook Facebook Facebook Youtube > Go to our Youtube channel Holiday Gifts That Help Wildlife | Shop at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre Play Video Sounds of the Nighthawk #rarebirds #coolsounds #birdsounds #nighthawk #wildliferescue Play Video Beautiful releases #wildliferescue #flyfree #freeagain #rehabilitation #wildanimals #vancouverisland Play Video Watch Now Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close

Animal Care & Facility Technician Are you passionate about wildlife? Are you looking for your "Dream-Come-True" Job? Join Our Team! Animal Care & Facility Technician (full-time ) The Organization: North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, a world-class wildlife rehabilitation centre, located in Errington, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, cares for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife, and educates the public on wildlife and environmental issues. The Position: The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is accepting applications for full-time Animal Care & Facility Technician(s) to join our team and support the maintenance and operation of the Centre. The position works under the direction, support and supervision of the Operations Manager and Animal Care Supervisor. Summary of Role: As an Animal Care Technician, you will be responsible for: communicating with the public about wildlife in need of rescuing; ensuring safe wildlife intake and transportation to the facility, assessment of the animals needs during intake and throughout its care; daily food preparation and nourishment of all animals in care; providing daily medical care and administering medications; and cleaning all animal enclosures. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position requires a mature and responsible person that works well within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances. It is physically demanding and requires attention to detail. Animal Care: below are examples of Animal Care duties Follow feeding protocols and diet formulas for birds and other animals in rehabilitation. Move injured animals in and out of the enclosures for cleaning or according to the needs of the animal. Clean all enclosures each day and ensure the facility is hygienic for birds, animals, staff and public. Assess the birds and animals in care each day and report any changes to the supervisor and obtain instructions for change in medical care/ medications. Euthanize animals when required under the direction of the Wildlife Veterinarian and/or Animal Care Supervisor. Follow treatment protocols for all birds and animals in rehabilitation. Adherence to all safety protocols in the administration of medications and medical care to birds and animals. Adherence to all safety protocols when carrying out any required medical procedures in the care of the birds and animals (ie: radiographs, cleaning of wounds & enclosures). Cleaning, mopping and preparing for the next day. Animal Care Safety Protocols You are required to follow the below safety protocols: When in an animal / bird enclosure you must wear: a HARD HAT and PROTECTIVE GLOVES. Masks are optional but are available. Animal Intake: below are examples of Animal Intake duties Each morning when you arrive you will be responsible for checking the phones and determine if there are any messages from the public with respect to injured wildlife. You will call them back and retrieve/ provide information about rescue. When obtaining information from the public about injured animals you will inquire about: the location, description of bird/animal, potential risks/hazards, if there will be a helper available on site). Rescue of injured and wounded wildlife (assessment of any dangers prior to rescue, minimizing stressors to animal, securing the animal in crate, securing the crate for transportation). Providing instruction to any helper at the rescue site of the safety procedures and limited role they have in supporting the Animal Care & Facility Technician during the rescue. Adherence to all safety protocols prior to and during transportation (following speed limits, safe driving practices, securing crate to avoid shifting). Collaboration with and cooperative/respectful attitude when working with animal rescue/transport volunteers. Must be able to work on short notice and in emergency situations. Help ensure safety of the public and of resident animals. Upon arrival at the centre – assessment of the injured bird/ animal. Ensure that after each intake the recovery rooms are ready for the next bird/animal. Animal rescue and Transportation Safety Protocols You are required to follow the below safety protocols: When participating in a bird/ animal rescue you must have and wear: a net, protective gloves as well as protective eye-wear and masks when necessary. Care of Facility: below are examples of Facility duties As part of the Animal Care team, maintain washrooms, museum, Learning Centre, Treatment Centre, Recovery Room and Eco Centre. Assist Yard Foreman with site maintenance duties as required. Open/Close the Gift Shop and Eco Centre, turn off alarms for volunteers in the absence of Executive Director. Participation in Education Programs: Work alongside Education Volunteers with educational birds and programs. Provide information to the public. QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Must have a valid BC Driver’s license with clean driving abstract (proof required) and reliable transportation. Must be able to fluently speak and write English. Must be willing to get a Police Information Check as a condition of employment. Must be in excellent physical health. Must have WHMIS or be willing to obtain certification as condition of employment. Excellent “people skills” and communication capabilities. Must be able to follow direction well. Excellent time management. Willingness to learn and grow into roles with more responsibilities. Willingness to follow strict protocols and procedures. Excellent teamwork skills and good work ethic. Ability to be flexible to meet the needs of the organization HOURS, WAGES AND BENEFITS Full Time Hours: 40 hours per week - working weekends Wage: $19.00 per hour to start with raise to $24.00 per hour and health benefit package upon successful completion of probation period. To apply: Please email cover letter, resume and 2 references (at least one from a workplace) to wildlife@niwra.org Attention Joyce Lee . Please write Animal Care & Facility Technician in the subject line. We appreciate all applications, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We reserve the right to close the vacancies early depending on the number of applications received, so encourage you to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.

COVID-19 Update As of September 13th, 2021, NIWRA is not requiring proof of vaccination to visit our facility. To protect everyone, all NIWRA visitors must wear a face-mask that covers the mouth and nose when in the Gift Shop and other buildings. High contact touch-points are cleaned and sanitized regularly. Hand sanitizer is available in the gift shop. Regrettably, we are not offering guided tours until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. We encourage guests to pay for admissions and purchases in our gift shop with cards or tapping devices, however we are accepting cash payments.

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EDUCATION > School Visits Plan Your School Visit Step 1: Choose Your Tour Type General Guided 1 hr 30 min I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Self-Guided 1 hr 30 min I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Discover Bear 2 hr 30 min I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Discover Owl 2 hr 30 min I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Proceed to Step 2

Privacy Policy Our Privacy Commitment North Island Wildlife Recovery Association is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information of its employees, volunteers, donors and patrons. Protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information is fundamental to our relationship with you. At no time will any personal information or contact information be passed from this website to a third party. We do not disclose any information about our supporters to anyone else. The data that we collect from you is used solely for Order notifications, Delivery, or if you have signed up to receive our newsletters and periodic notifications. This information is kept for that purpose ONLY and is confidentially destroyed/deleted from our system periodically when the data is no longer required, or you choose to Unsubscribe from the newsletter or delete your account. Cookie Policy What are Cookies? – A cookie is a text file that is stored on your computer or mobile device by a website's server. It allows a website to remember things like what is in your shopping cart. Without cookies, a web server cannot distinguish between different users or determine any relationship between page visits made by the same user. What Cookies do we use and why? Session Cookies – Without Session Cookies most sites won’t work. They allow you to add things to the shopping cart and to remember where you are on a website. They also help the webserver to distinguish between different users. Google Analytics – This cookie tells us how you got to our website, for example, Google search, etc. It helps us analyze how visitors to our site are using the site and the number of visitors. This cookie also helps us analyze the performance of our website. Please note that our cookies do not collect any personal information that could identify visitors and is therefore anonymous. How to restrict Cookies – If you wish to restrict or block web browser cookies which are sent to your device, you can do this in your browser settings. The Help function in your browser should tell you how. You may also wish to visit www.aboutcookies.org which contains comprehensive information about how to do this on a variety of browsers. External Links This website contains links to other websites. NIWRA is not responsible for the privacy policies, practices, or content of those websites. Other Information All rights, including copyright, of the content found on this website are owned by NIWRA. Any use of the site or its contents, including copying or storing in whole or in part, other than for your own personal, non-commercial use is prohibited without the permission of NIWRA. Contact Information Questions or concerns relating to North Island Wildlife Recovery Association’s privacy policy on the treatment of personal information should be directed to: Privacy Officer – Office Administrator North Island Wildlife Recovery Association wildlife@niwra.org

Emergency Info Wildlife Emergencies Direct Line for ANIMALS IN DISTRESS | 250-927-6025 Wildlife drop-off is available on-site every day, year-round. Staff are on-site from 9am – 4:30pm. After hours, place wildlife in the red animal admissions drop-off building (east end of parking lot). Please DO NOT use email or Facebook message to send wildlife emergency information. Circumstances regarding injured bears or suspected orphan bear cubs : Please report to the Ministry/Conservation Officer service at: 1-877-952-7277 Also report to NIWRA at: 250-927-6025 or animalcare@niwra.org What to do if you encounter injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife Once you have determined an animal is orphaned or injured … If it is safe to do so, capture the animal using a towel or blanket. You may wish to wear gloves as well. If you need assistance or advice (e.g. handling raptors), call the Emergency number. Transport the animal to the Centre in a well-ventilated box that is lined with a towel. Keep contact with wildlife to a minimum to eliminate stress. Do not give the animal any food or water. Do not place the box in your vehicle trunk or leave in a vehicle with the windows closed. If you come across an injured seal, the first thing to do is call for help. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Pacific Region), seal pups should be left alone unless intervention is necessary. Please call their “Observe, Report and Record” line at 1-800-465-4336 if you need help. NOTE: The Centre is not permitted to admit domestic or farm animals, including rabbits. Leave fawns where they are unless they are injured or you know their mother is dead. If you find a baby bird that has fallen from its nest, you can return it to the nest unless it is injured, cold or wet. After returning it to the nest, watch from a discreet distance to be sure the parent accepts it. Don’t alarm the parent more than necessary. IMPORTANT : Wildlife rescue is ONLY NECESSARY when an animal is clearly orphaned or injured . In many cases, baby animals appear to be alone but the parents are nearby — just not visible.

We Need a New Building for Our Songbirds! Each year, we admit hundreds of ill, injured or orphaned birds. Although our current building has served us for many years, it had become dilapidated and must be torn down and replaced. With only a few months until the busy baby bird season, we must build soon. WE NEED YOUR HELP to build a new centre with improvements that will enable us to care for our little birds from nestling to fledgling to release. Help us make sure every little bird gets the expert care it needs from rescue to release. Songbird Rehabilitation Centre Fundraiser Ways to Help Build Our New Songbird Rehabilitation Centre Bid on This Painting Click above image to enlarge Guardian of Time is a Gallery Wrapped Canvas Long time NIWRA supporter and international artist, Michael Schutte, donated a special painting for our fundraiser. Michael spent years developing his style of Romantic Realism by studying famous Dutch artists. We are accepting donation bids on this painting until Tuesday, December 15th at 12:00 noon. Painting can be viewed at Bear Den Gift Shop at NIWRA (open daily 9am - 4:30pm) Value: $2500.00 Starting Bid: $1000.00 Bidding Increments: $500 Email Joyce: wildlife@niwra.org to place your bid. Check our Homepage for current highest bid. The winning donor will be notified and arrangements for payment and pickup can be made once bidding ends. "Guardian of Time" | Depicts an owl and Medieval Dutch Sun Clock (Zonnewijzer) Rich, warm palette | 24" wide by 36" high Guardian Painting Other Ways to Donate * All Donations Welcome * All Donors of $500 or more will have their name engraved on our Songbird Rehabilitation Centre plaque In Person You can come to the Gift Shop desk at NIWRA and make your donation in person. Let us know it is for the songbirds. Online You can make an online donation directly to NIWRA at CanadaHelps. Donate at CanadaHelps Over the Phone If you prefer not to make payments online, we will happily take donations over the phone by credit card. 250-248-8534 ext 3. Please let staff know your donation is for the songbirds. By Mail Or you could send a cheque to: NIWRA Box 364 1240 Leffler Rd. Errington, BC V0R 1V0 Please write 'Songbird' on bottom of the cheque.