EDUCATION > Wild 'n Free (Articles) Wild 'n Free Articles about animal behaviour, habitat, adaptations, and more! By Sylvia Campbell Avian Pox 2 min read Alien Bullfrog 3 min read Brant Goose 2 min read Anna's Hummingbirds 2 min read Blue Herons 2 min read Birds Hitting Windows 2 min read Belted Kingfisher 2 min read Bears are Hungry 2 min read Baby Bald Eagle 2 min read The American Robin 2 min read The Downy Woodpecker 2 min read Animal Adaptations 2 min read Deer Affected by Hair Loss Syndrome 2 min read

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 wild side 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 Latest on Facebook Photos on Instagram Tripadvisor reviews Watch us on Youtube Get our newsletter Adopt an Animal View Adoption Animals in Shop

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

Do you enjoy wildlife education? Join our team. Apply today. Wildlife Education Program Coordinator - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Join Our Team! Wildlife Education Program Coordinator - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator The Organization: The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is a well-established wildlife rehabilitation and education facility in Errington, BC, on beautiful Vancouver Island. Founded in 1984 and overseen by a Board of Directors, Senior Director of Operations and Executive Director, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) has continued to grow due to the dedication of staff, fantastic volunteers and incredible community support. NIWRA is a not-for-profit registered charity that advocates for the well-being of Vancouver Island wildlife and strives to educate the public about wildlife and related issues. The Position: The Wildlife Education Program Coordinator - Assistant Volunteer Coordinator will work under the direction of the Executive Director. The incumbent must be professional in appearance and in all aspects of his/her work to emulate the high standards NIWRA sets. The Education Program is integral to NIWRA's mission to educate the public on wildlife and nature issues. The Wildlife Education Program Coordinator provides leadership and guidance to the education program volunteers (adult and youth) and will also assist the Volunteer Coordinator. Responsibilities are performed with considerable independence and reviewed periodically. This full-time position has three components that support NIWRA's established programs. Responsibilities: Wildlife Education Program Coordinator Become certified as a NIWRA tour guide Train education volunteers Work collaboratively with the NIWRA education volunteers Display proficiency in the NIWRA narrative Play a significant role in all NIWRA tours Represent and reinforce/enforce the NIWRA narrative and expected conduct Monitor progress and organize training opportunities through shadowing, training tours, and extra engagement events (on and offsite). Biofacts: Responsible for maintenance, storage and inventory (including taxidermy mounts/displays) and ordering, developing and/or procuring new (and replacement) items. Manage in-house communications platform: post shifts for tours and pair shadows with appropriately trained guides. Answer questions. Provide animal care updates. Schedule orientation and training sessions Develop and update educational manuals as necessary Microscopes: Train volunteers to use the microscopes with the public and organize various education opportunities (for volunteers and visitors). Other duties as required. Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Assists the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and onboard volunteers Receive volunteer applications Conduct reference checks and handle follow-up calls Send RCMP Police Information Check package Schedule meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator and Department Heads Arrange and provide orientation tours for new volunteers Create name tags for volunteers Promote NIWRA’s volunteer program to community groups Green Teen Coordinator The Green Teen Coordinator is responsible for the safety and support of our youth docents, whether onsite or offsite. Proficient in all things Green Teen (youth docents) Lead trainer of Green Teens, coordinating and providing support to volunteers. Communications: Applications. Intake/orientation in spring. Maintain the current active wait list of youth volunteers. Onboard youth to in-house communications platform and train on use. Organize pre-season training (with the help of returning members) and prepare for the annual Eagle Release event in April. Post shifts throughout summer. Ensure opportunities and engagement for Green Teens. Plan for appropriate adult support. Coordinate Green Teens to assist Animal handler presentations in the Learning Centre and at occasional offsite events. Handle end-of-season arrangements (letters/gifts, certificates, celebration). Address issues regarding appropriate behaviour as warranted. Research various forms of education and engagement techniques Other duties as required Qualifications: This rewarding position requires a mature person who works well within a team and independently and can readily adapt to changing circumstances. It requires attention to detail. One year experience in administration Completed High School diploma Strong knowledge of Vancouver Island wildlife and nature Must be able to work weekends and evenings when required Must be willing to get an RCMP Police Information Check as a condition of employment Must have a valid BC Driver’s license with a clean driving abstract Must be able to speak and write English fluently. Preferred Skills and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal, communication and public relations skills Background in education an asset Experience working with volunteers Experience in public speaking and leading groups Knowledge or experience with educational programming Ability to follow directions Strong leadership skills Attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills Excellent teamwork skills and a strong work ethic Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs Highly organized with the ability to multi-task Willingness to learn. Compensation & Work Schedule: $21.00/hour to start and $23.00/hour upon successful completion of the probation period. Benefits: Extended health benefits upon successful completion of the probation period. Full-time position FORTY (40) hours per week. Must be flexible to meet the needs of the organization. Some weekends and evenings required. To apply: Please email a cover letter, your resume and two professional references via email to wildlife@niwra.org Attention: Joyce Lee . Please write "Education Program Coordinator" 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 you are encouraged to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.

Thank You! Your request has been successfully submitted. It will be reviewed and our tour visit coordinator will contact you shortly. If you have any questions or would like to check on the status of your request, please email the NIWRA office at tours@niwra.org.

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Summer Educational Assistant Position Join Our Team! Education Program Assistant (full-time, eight weeks ) 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 a full-time summer Education Program Assistant staff (8 weeks) to work in our education program, providing educational presentations and opportunities to visitors and assist the Animal Care team as needed. The position works under the direction, support and supervision of the Education Program Coordinator and the Executive Director. Responsibilities: all training provided Guide diverse groups through the wildlife centre Deliver Bear Aware programs Support youth docents onsite Manage microscope stations and wildlife biofacts during educational activities Other duties as needed Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Requirements: This rewarding position requires a mature person who 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 able to work 5 days a week with 2 consecutive days off Must be reliable and dependable Self motivated, demonstrates initiative, ability to work alone and in teams Flexibility to work weekends, weekdays and holidays Strong time management skills Eligibility: This position is funded through the Government of Canada Summer Jobs Grant. Must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment Must be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada Number of Weeks: 8 weeks (May & June OR July & August) Hours: 35 hours per week Wage: $22.60 per hour North Island Wildlife Recovery Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences. To apply: Please email a cover letter, your resume and two references (one must be a work reference, with contact information) to wildlife@niwra.org Please write "Educational Assistant Summer 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 you are encouraged to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.

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.

Wildlife Garden Caretaker and Host Join Our Team! Front Desk Gift Shop staff (part-time, seasonal ) 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 summer Front Desk staff to work in our gift shop, meeting and greeting visitors and offering outstanding customer service and sales to visitors. Successful applicants should possess previous experience in customer service and retail sales. The position works under the direction, support and supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer. Responsibilities: Welcome visitors to the Centre, presenting a positive, professional deportment as a first point of contact Sell admission tickets, annual passes, animal adoptions and process donations Stock and sell merchandise, handling cash, credit and debit transactions on a Point of Sales system Answering phones and performing other administrative tasks as required Perform duties in other departments as needed Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and 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 able to work 5 days a week with 2 consecutive days off Must be reliable and dependable Previous retail and merchandising experience preferred Self motivated, demonstrates initiative, ability to work alone and in teams Flexibility to work weekends, weekdays and holidays Strong time management skills Seasonal 2024 Hours: 24 hours per week Wage: $18.00 per hour To apply: Please email cover letter, availability dates, resume and 2 references to wildlife@niwra.org Attention Joyce Lee . Please write Front Desk Summer 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.

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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Summer Front Desk Position Join Our Team! Front Desk Gift Shop staff (full-time, eight weeks ) 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 summer Front Desk staff to work in our gift shop, meeting and greeting visitors and offering outstanding customer service and sales to visitors. Successful applicants should possess previous experience in customer service and retail sales. The position works under the direction, support and supervision of the Gift Shop Manager and the executive Director. Responsibilities: Welcome visitors to the Centre, presenting a positive, professional deportment as a first point of contact Sell admission tickets, annual passes, animal adoptions and process donations Stock and sell merchandise, handling cash, credit and debit transactions on a Point of Sales system Answer phones and perform other administrative tasks as required Perform duties in other departments as needed Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Requirements: This rewarding position requires a mature person who 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 able to work 5 days a week with 2 consecutive days off Must be reliable and dependable Previous retail and merchandising experience preferred Self motivated, demonstrates initiative, ability to work alone and in teams Flexibility to work weekends, weekdays and holidays Strong time management skills Eligibility: These positions are funded through the Government of Canada Summer Jobs Grant. Must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment Must be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada Number of Weeks: 8 weeks (May & June OR July & August) Hours: 35 hours per week Wage: $22.60 per hour To apply: Please email a cover letter stating availability dates, your resume and 2 references to wildlife@niwra.org Attention: Joyce Lee . Please write "Front Desk Summer 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 you are encouraged to submit your details as soon as possible if you are interested.

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Find out all that goes on behind the scenes and in the news here at NIWRA. NIWRA News Stories Find out what goes on behind the scenes and in the news here at NIWRA! Filter by Story Category