Volunteer Application Form for Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre

Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre

Volunteer Application Form
Thank you for your interest in joining Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre as a volunteer. Below, you can learn more about volunteering with us. Please take the time to read through and then complete this application in its entirety and submit to us.

What does a typical volunteer shift look like?

You will attend to tasks such as cleaning animal cages according to our procedures, preparing food for animals, cleaning vacated enclosures, and performing general Centre cleaning tasks such as tidying up, vacuuming and mopping, laundry, and dishes. Volunteering in a vet clinic means that cleaning and hygiene is high priority, so please be willing to do a lot of this. Somedays you may be doing outdoor garden maintenance. We aim to keep a very tidy and professional vet clinic and our volunteers play a major part in making this happen.

What do we look for in a volunteer?

At AKAWC, we value flexibility and willingness to assist with whatever is asked, whether it is an exciting task or a more mundane one! We are looking for volunteers who can communicate well, work collaboratively with a team of other volunteers as well as being independent when needed, and are respectful and kind, with an ability to follow our policies and procedures (written and verbal). As the work here can be quite physical, it is recommended that you have a level of fitness and ability to work in outside enclosures – there is climbing into enclosures and working on uneven ground. Working in rain, hail or shine is a requirement too.

Are volunteers always kept busy?

We have busy times of year and slower times of year. Our busy period is October through to February. When the weather cools, wildlife are less likely to be injured, so the workload eases up in cool weather. Hopefully you are a self-starter who can find things to do (there is always something to clean).

Can I pat/hold the wildlife you have in the clinic?

It is important to note that since the animals we treat are wild, the direct contact you have with them will be minimal to ensure they can be returned to the wild with as little human intervention as possible. This is for the safety of the animals and for your safety as well. Please understand that with koala patients you will not be holding or touching them as koalas are highly stressed animals. Only trained vet staff have contact with koalas.

We are not a sanctuary or zoo - we are a vet clinic for emergency treatment of wildlife. We do not keep animals on site for public to interact with. Our goal is return to the wild.

Will you employ me as a staff member?

We value our volunteers and the work they do but it will not lead to employment.

Can I help the vets?

There is no clinical work involved as part of the volunteer. You are most welcome to watch the vets when they are attending to a patient, but only trained staff can provide assistance with clinical issues.

Do I need a police check?

A police check is a mandatory part of volunteering with us. In this form you will have the opportunity to upload a police check that is less than 12 months old. If you have an existing police check from your employer or another organisation, this may suffice - check with us! We can assist you with a police check at no cost to you.

What hours are the shifts?

Monday to Friday we have 2 shifts. 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm. During cooler months, we change to 1 shift per day which is 10am - 1pm (or until the work is completed). Weekend work is limited and only offered after weekday shifts have been completed.

How long before I get a shift?

This depends on our needs and current volunteer roster. We will keep you updated.

We hope this answers any questions and if you are happy with the above, please complete the application.
Name

PrefixFirst NameLast Name
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email (mandatory that all volunteers have email) This will be our main way of communication with you.
example@example.com
Mobile Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: 0000 000-000.
Birth Date

DayMonthYear
Do you have any medical/health issues or physical limitations that could impact on your safety at the Centre?
If you answered YES to the above question, please provide further information below so we know how to support you best with volunteering.
Are you an Australian/New Zealand citizen?
If you answered NO to the above questions, please provide details of the visa
Emergency Contact Name
Emergency Contact Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: 0000 000-000.
Have you ever worked with wildlife before? Please detail any experience (paid or volunteering), educational background or anything else you would like us to know!
Do you currently hold a police check that is less than 12 months old?
Submit your current police check here (must be less than 12 months old)

Cancelof
I confirm that the police check I have uploaded is less than 12 months old
If you do not have a Police Check and will need help on getting a check, please indicate below.
Select your available days to volunteer. Please be careful in your selection and make sure you choose days you know you can definitely do if contacted! You can choose multiple options if you wish. At least one option must be ticked. Please note that the AM shift is from 10am to 1pm. The PM shift is from 1pm to 4pm.
Weekend volunteering is a 9.30am-12.30pm. These shifts are limited in availability and require new volunteers to complete training on multiple weekday shifts prior to any weekend work. Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 1-2 shifts per calendar month on a weekend. You can list your availability for weekends and weekdays if you wish.
Additional notes about your availability can be added below. Please let us know if there is anything we need to know about what shifts you have selected. You must be prepared to work the full shift, be here on time and agree to commit to the day you volunteer.
Are you able to commit to your preferred shifts for a period of 12 months
Volunteers are expected to bring native flowers/eucalypt every shift you attend. This requires prior planning before your shift to ensure you can find suitable and legally obtained foliage. You must not take leaf or native flowers from young trees or any location where it is not allowed. If in doubt - check with the local council. Will you be able to do this?
WAIVER and INDEMNITY

ROLE DESCRIPTION

(please note that on your first day you will be required to sign this in person).

Position: Volunteer

Location: Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre, 282 Anzac Highway, Plympton

Reporting To: Manager or Clinic Coordinator

Position Purpose:

The Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre (AKAWC) is a not-for-profit organization providing free vet care for injured and orphaned wildlife. The role of a volunteer is essential in assisting with day-to-day activities, ensuring the welfare of animals, and maintaining a clean and safe environment for animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Commitment Requested:

- Regular shifts: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM on a repeated scheduled basis.

Key Responsibilities:

- Thoroughly clean animal enclosures, including removing bowls and food, and scrubbing branches, walls, and floors.
- Prepare food and feed animals as per instructions and advice.
- Perform laundry duties, including washing, drying, and putting away items.
- Clean kitchen, bathroom, and general areas (e.g., vacuuming, mopping, emptying bins, recycling).
- Sweep outside areas and gardening
- Prepare new enclosures as requested.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

- Interest in animal welfare.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to follow instructions and communicate any issues clearly.
- Be courteous and polite to everyone at AKAWC.
- Have a strong work ethic and contribute to achieving daily tasks efficiently.
- Ability to actively support AKAWC’s goals of maintaining a safe workplace for animals, employees, and volunteers.
- Ability to work in accordance with AKAWC’s policies and procedures.
- Respect and maintain confidentiality.
- Be physically able to perform tasks.

Background Check:

- A satisfactory National Police History Check (no older than 12 months old).
- Ongoing requirement to maintain a satisfactory police check every 3 years from the date of the initial police check.
Date

DayMonthYear
2 digit day, 2 digit month, 4 digit yearDate
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