Animal Care Team

Thank you for your interest in our animal ambassador species and resident birds of prey! Our resident animals thrive off of consistency. Because of this, it is rare for new volunteer opportunities to open up in our animal care team. We have found it healthiest for our animals when we have the same familiar faces giving the same high level of animal care every week.  On occasion, though, volunteer opportunities do open up. You are welcome to reach out to the Volunteer Manager (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to ask about available positions, or for details about the in-depth volunteer application for animal care volunteers.

If you are interested in adopting one of our resident animals, we welcome donations. Thank you to all who help care for these animals so we can give them the highest quality of life!

Purpose

Animal Care Team members care for and feed the ambassador animals that live at the Ogden Nature Center. This includes domestic rabbits, non-venomous snakes, birds of prey, amphibians, and more. By caring for these animals, you are helping to support the Ogden Nature Center’s mission to unite people with nature and nurture appreciation and stewardship of the environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Feed and care for your assigned ambassador animal resident on your assigned day. As assigned to you by your supervisor. This includes handling meat such as quail, rats, and mice.
• Record food intake
• Clean mews (cage) and change water
• Pull food to thaw for the next day
• Wash any dishes used
• Report when low on food or if there is malfunctioning equipment
• Report any health issues that the animals may develop
• Return keys and equipment to the appropriate places
• Notify supervisor if you will miss a day (at least one day in advance)

Direct supervisor

Volunteer Manager; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 801-621-7595

Length of Appointment

Due to the level of training required, you must be able to commit to a period of at least six months.

Time Commitment

One day per week; between 8 – 9 am. You can expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour on your assigned day

Qualifications

• Must be over the age of 14 OR younger than 14 must be able to have parental supervision at all times. 
• To work with the birds of prey you must be over the age of 18.
• Must pass a background check.
• Must be dependable—you are working with live animals and it is important to make sure they are cared for on your assigned day
• Must be respectful to animals, staff, visitors and other volunteers
• Willing to get dirty and have fun!

Support

Volunteers will undergo an orientation and receive a volunteer handbook. In addition, feeders will receive job-specific training with their direct supervisor.

Benefits

• Invitation to volunteer recognition events
• Invitation to activities just for volunteers
• Rewards for number of hours of service completed (see volunteer handbook)
• Gain new skills and work with a great team of staff and volunteers
• Make a difference and have a positive impact on the community!