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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.

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Terms & Conditions By using this website and/or placing an order you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set out below. At NIWRA, we want our supporters to feel happy and satisfied with their purchases. Therefore, each product offered for sale has a detailed description so that you know exactly what you are purchasing. Please ensure that you thoroughly check the item description before you buy it. If you have any questions or queries regarding an item, please contact us at 250-248-8534 or wildlife@niwra.org . Order Information To order, please read through each item description carefully before adding it to the shopping cart by using the “Add to Cart” button. When you have finished shopping, you can review and/or modify your purchases in the Cart on the top of the Checkout page. If you are happy with the contents of your Cart, you can then proceed further down the Checkout page where you will be asked for the Donor's Address, Recipient's Address (if different from Donor's Address), adoption certificate information and whether or not you would like to subscribe to our newsletter. Continue further down the Checkout page to view your 'Final Order Confirmation,' which reflects the order that will be sent to both NIWRA and PayPal. (If you wish to modify your purchases at this point, you must return to the top of the page and make changes to the Cart.) Please remember to check the "Terms and Conditions" box on the Checkout page before clicking the “Proceed to PayPal” button. You will then be taken to the PayPal secure site to make the payment. Please note that NIWRA does not have any access to your bank or card details. These are held solely at the PayPal secure payment site. Therefore, any trouble with PayPal payments will need to be resolved through PayPal. The only details we request are those appearing on the Checkout page. If you select the option to 'Create an account,' these details will be stored securely on our server using Secure Socket Layer protocol (SSL). This will allow you to return to our site, log in, then access past Orders as well as modify Addresses and Account Details on the My Account page. All prices stated on this website are in Canadian dollars. We only ship to addresses in Canada. You will receive a confirmation e-mail from NIWRA outlining your purchase details and from PayPal about your payment once you have completed your transaction. Payment NIWRA uses PayPal for all its ordering and online payments. PayPal is a safe and secure payment gateway that accepts credit and debit card payments. PayPal no longer requires you to have an account with them to use their services, which means you can use them like any other secure payment gateway using your credit or debit cards. PayPal handles all of NIWRA's payments and is secure and safe. They use 128-bit encryption which is the highest level commercially available. What is PayPal? PayPal is a third-party payment processor that enables online credit and debit card payments over a secure system. PayPal automatically encrypts your confidential information in transit from your computer to theirs using Secure Socket Layer protocol (SSL) with an encryption length of 128-bits (the highest level commercially available). Once your information reaches PayPal, it resides on a server that is heavily guarded. PayPal servers are not directly connected to the internet in order to protect your details. Only PayPal has access to your confidential credit/debit card details. No credit or debit card details are ever seen by NIWRA. For more information regarding payments via PayPal, please read PayPal's security information . Presentation Each product purchased will be presented as outlined on the product description page. Shipping and Handling charges are added to the purchase price if the purchase is being mailed. Delivery Purchases are usually dispatched within 7 working days from receipt of Paypal payment or sooner if we are able. Any inquiries regarding the shipping of your package may be made by contacting NIWRA directly at 250-248-8534. Delivery/handling charges will be added to the purchase of the adoption package. Local pickup is free. Please call NIWRA (250-248-8534) to arrange a pickup time.

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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. Hours Open Daily 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Admission Adult $15+tax Children 4–16 $6+tax Children 3 & under FREE Veterans and Military FREE Location 1240 Leffler Road, Errington, BC Locate Us on Google Maps Join Our Team Volunteer They Need Us. We Need 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

VISIT > Group Visit Request So much to see and learn! Bring your group for a day of discovery, connection, and shared experiences. Whether you’re visiting with a school, organization, or team, we’ll help you plan a smooth and memorable group visit tailored to your interests. Begin by downloading the Group Visit Trip Planner . (It is required reading for your Group Visit Request below.) Group Visit Request Type of Tour Requested* Guided Self-Guided Name of Group and Location* Name of Trip Organizer* Trip Organizer's Email* Name of Leader in Charge* Phone Number of Leader in Charge* Total Number of Adults/Seniors* Minimum 15 to maximum 45 Total Number of Children* Children 12 &under require one adult for every 5 students. Children 13+ require one adult for every 10-15 students. Age(s) of visiting children* Will you need bus parking?* Yes No Requested Tour Date* Second Choice for Tour Date* Preferred Tour Start Time* Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your start time. Departure Time from NIWRA* Your Payment Type* Cheque Debit Credit Card Please notify us of any special needs your participants have and how you will support them while onsite.* Mark n/a if this does not apply. Do you have any additional questions or information to share with us? REQUIRED: Read and check the following statements to acknowledge roles and responsibilities. I UNDERSTAND that my tour is not confirmed but has been submitted as a request. NIWRA administration will contact me with confirmation that my tour is scheduled and any required volunteer tour guides have been requested. * I UNDERSTAND that Adults and Parents are responsible for the supervision of children/students before, during and after the tour. * I UNDERSTAND that it is my responsibility to call NIWRA if we are going to arrive more than 10 minutes late. * I have read and agree to the terms above. * I have read and agree to the terms detailed in the Group Visit Trip Planner. * Submit Your Group Visit Request

One of NIWRA’s main goal is to educate the public about wildlife and environmental issues. Discover & Learn Immerse your class in an environment that promotes observation, inquiry, and critical thinking. School Visits Request Your School Visit See our work in action! Video Archive Videos Youtube Channel Use our free K-12 classroom video, "Animals Among Us" to learn about Invasive Species and more! Watch the Free Video Free Resource Wildlife FAQs Animal in distress Litter kills wildlife Avoid rat poison Found a baby animal Unwanted pet turtles Click the bullet points below to find out some interesting information about wildlife: Birds attacked by cats Invasive species Responsible Sportsperson Wild 'n Free Articles BY SYLVIA CAMPBELL Learn about animal behaviour, habitat, adaptations, and more from local wildlife expert, Sylvia Campbell. Go to articles Black Bear Rehabilitation In 1997, NIWRA made the decision to construct and manage a bear program for Vancouver Island bears. A captive-bred bear named Knut came to the centre and helped us perfect the design and operation of our facility by teaching us about: the care and feeding of bears bears' hibernation habits how to mimic an environment in which bears can thrive the influence of human contact, known as imprinting, on animals Read More black-bear-programs Bear Cub Program When a bear arrives at our recovery centre it means something has gone terribly wrong in the wild. Each year, orphaned babies are brought to us, and although we are completely captivated by these adorable, helpless, little creatures, we also feel sadness at the death of their mother. Without its mother, a baby cub has no chance of survival in the wild. Read More Raptor Rehabilitation Thanks to our salmon streams and forests, BC's west coast is one of the few remaining strongholds for bald eagles since they provide good breeding grounds and a place to spend the winter. One of the greatest threats to the survival of BC eagles involves human activity, which can include: gunshot wounds collision with vehicles electrocution lead poisoning from ingesting lead pellets We are happy to report that NIWRA is able to rescue, rehabilitate, and release most of the 50 - 60 eagles brought to us each year. Read More

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EDUCATION > Animals Among Us Animals Among Us Use Our FREE Classroom Resource Today! (If you are unable to view the videos below, please visit Animals Among Us on Youtube ) This 21-minute video can be presented in its entirety or shown in 4 parts: What to do when you find a fawn (at 0:40) What to do when you find a baby bird on the ground (at 3:30) Invasive Species – Leave Bullfrogs where they are (at 7:13) What makes a good pet? (at 18:03)

Robin & Sylvia Campbell Scholarship to Benefit Wildlife 2025 Recipients Announced The Robin & Sylvia Campbell Scholarship to Benefit Wildlife is awarded annually to five university students pursuing careers in wildlife conservation and environmental conservation. These recipients exemplify passion, excellence, and dedication in their studies and future goals. The scholarship is designed to support and recognize emerging leaders who are committed to preserving our planet’s wildlife and natural ecosystems. Meet The 2025 Recipients Meghan MacIsaac Meghan currently works as NIWRA’s summer wildlife garden caretaker and has been a volunteer in NIWRA’s wildlife garden since 2018. She has over a decade of experience within the biotechnology and manufacturing fields. Since moving to the Island from the mainland in 2017, Meghan has set her focus on the environmental field and furthering her education in Environmental Practice, where she is now halfway through working towards her Master’s. Meghan holds a BSc in biology and certified in environmental monitoring from the University of Northern British Columbia. She also volunteers for Save Estuary Land Society and loves to garden and learning about plants! Jayden Emery Wildlife conservation has been a lifelong passion for Jayden, beginning in childhood as she explored the creek behind her home in the Comox Valley and participated in programs like Earth Rangers and Scouts. After moving to Nanoose Bay, her dedication to the environment led her to begin volunteering with the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in 2019, where she has since grown into the role of a youth mentor in the Green Teen program. She has also brought her environmental values into her current workplace, contributing to sustainability efforts through their programs. Currently, she is employed by RLC Park Services at Englishman River Falls and Little Qualicum Falls, where she conducts park patrols. At the same time, she is studying in the Resource Management Officer Technology diploma program at Vancouver Island University, with plans to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Protection by 2027. As she builds her career in environmental conservation, her focus remains on giving back to the Oceanside community that has supported her along the way. She looks forward to the opportunities the future holds. Laura Kennedy Laura has harbored a deep love for animals since childhood, having grown up surrounded by dogs and cats and frequently watching documentaries about large carnivores such as wolves and lions. Her fascination with wild animals was sparked during a visit to Toronto, where she observed a raccoon family on a rooftop—an experience that left a lasting impression. This passion for nature led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Geography at the University of Calgary. Driven by a desire to support local wildlife, she later enrolled in a Master’s program at Royal Roads University, where she is currently conducting a post-release monitoring study of rehabilitation-reared raccoons. Her research focuses on collecting preliminary data regarding the survival, movement patterns, and causes of mortality among orphaned raccoons. The goal is to inform best practices that improve the survival rates of juveniles released back into the wild. As urbanization, habitat loss, and climate change continue to increase the frequency and complexity of human-wildlife interactions, the field of wildlife rehabilitation is gaining importance. Grounded in the welfare of individual animals—caring for the sick, orphaned, and injured—it also emphasizes education and advocacy, providing broader benefits for animal ecology, conservation, and human-wildlife coexistence. Laura remains committed to promoting urban wildlife coexistence and conflict mitigation, as well as fostering public support for wild animal welfare and urban conservation initiatives. She also intends to continue volunteering or working in wildlife rehabilitation and to stay actively involved in local habitat restoration projects. Carys E. Hughes Carys is entering her second year as a student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. She hopes to find opportunities as a future vet to work in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation with a focus on veterinary medicine and education. Raised in Nova Scotia, Carys relocated to Vancouver Island in 2019 with her family to pursue university studies. Naturally falling in love with this beautiful island, she now calls Nanaimo home. While studying at the University of Victoria, she participated in a practicum at the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre, earning a certificate from the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in 2023, she travelled to Australia to gain further experience in wildlife rehabilitation, working on an island in Queensland caring for and releasing injured sea turtles. Carys has benefited from opportunities over the past five years to study, work and volunteer in marine science research and in aquaculture in British Columbia and Alberta. Carys is a member of several clubs at vet school in Saskatchewan, including the Wildlife Disease Association and the Wild and Exotic Animal Medicine Club. One of her favourite activities last year was capturing, banding and releasing Saw-Whet Owls. She is currently working at a local vet clinic in Nanaimo for the summer, learning about small animal veterinary practices. These varied experiences have cemented Carys’s passion to build a career and volunteer path in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, both on Vancouver Island and internationally. Donald Miller Donald Miller is a recent graduate of the Resource Management Officer Technology diploma program at Vancouver Island University and is continuing his education by pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Protection at the same institution. He is sincerely grateful for this award, which will greatly support his efforts and passion for conservation. He is currently working in Valemount, BC as an Aquatic Invasive Species Inspector with the Conservation Officer Service of BC , where he helps ensure that all watercraft entering BC are thoroughly inspected to prevent the spread of invasive species by both commercial and recreational vessels.

The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre would not be possible without the generous support of donors, volunteers, and a small staff of animal care workers and office personnel. Give & Volunteer Make a Gift to Wildlife Today Your donation helps us care for ill, injured and orphaned wildlife. Send an e-Transfer Make a General Donation Donate Securities Donate Online CanadaHelps allows small charities like us to accept secure donations online. Donate instantly. Send an e-Transfer to: wildlife@niwra.org Download Form (PDF) Please download, print and complete our donation form. Then mail it, along with your payment, to us at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Tax receipts will be provided for donations of $10 or more. Donate by Mail Leave Your Wildlife Legacy A charitable bequest is a form of planned giving: a deferred or future gift described in a donor’s will. Such gifts allow us to initiate projects otherwise beyond our reach while providing you with immediate and long-term tax advantages. Learn More View Our Amazon Wishlist View Our Wishlist We gratefully accept non-cash donations as well as Amazon purchases of our Wishlist items. Please contact NIWRA administration prior to donating if you would like a tax receipt to see if your donation qualifies. Our Wishlist Donors wishing to see a copy of our financial statements are asked to contact our office. Volunteer at the Centre At North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, we couldn’t operate without our amazing volunteers. We’d love to welcome you to the team! Contact us if your passions include: working at a gift shop education (being a tour guide, 'Ask Me' Ambassador) wildlife gardens grounds and yard maintenance animal care Learn More Green Teen Youth Docent Program Our Green Teens are passionate about wildlife and want to inspire others to learn about wild animals and their environments. Are you between 12 & 18? Are you looking for a great summer experience? Do you want to meet people from all over the world? Learn More Become a Student Intern (Spring & Summer) Interns receive hands-on training and experience at a wild animal rehabilitation and education centre and provide support to staff. We are on the lookout for individuals interested in an internship involving animal rehabilitation and care Learn More Adopt an Animal Your 'symbolic' adoption of an animal that is unable to return to the wild provides: food medical care & annual check-ups “toys” to enrich and stimulate natural behaviours Give the gift of a symbolic adoption to the animal lover in your life: birthday or Christmas gifts any special occasion View Adoption Animals in Shop NOTE: No government funding is available, so your support is critical. Purchase "Bear Shares" Bear Shares are important to us because: ~$40 per day is needed to meet the needs of one bear that arrives at the centre bears usually spend several months with us until they can be released we’ve had as many as 22 bears in one season! donations are our sole source of funding to care for the bears Purchase Bear Shares in Shop Live Nearby? Purchase an Annual Pass Adult | $45 Purchase in Shop Child | $18 Purchase in Shop Mail Order Download Form

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