Naturalist Fellowship

Our Naturalist Fellowship Program is a unique opportunity for individuals seeking temporary, full-time volunteer experience at the AWCC. This program requires a minimum commitment of two months, working a minimum of 32 hours per week. Participants are given the short term and rigorous opportunity to live on site, join our team, learn about AWCC operations, and gain valuable career skills. These dedicated volunteers are interested in learning about our organization, mission, and wildlife and desire to share their knowledge with others. Fellowship candidates may secure funding through their university, a grant, scholarship, or similar and work as sponsored volunteers. While preference is given to applicants being sponsored for a fellowship, we will accept volunteer applications without sponsorship. Applicants should indicate their sponsorship status in the Fellowship application form and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While applicants can indicate departmental preference in their application, participants will have duties in both our Education and Animal Care departments, with tasks such as presenting daily talks and tours, assisting with school programs, preparing animal diets, and cleaning habitats. Tasks in this program are given on a scale of earned responsibility, starting with training and orientation that includes learning about the animals in our care and shadowing staff.

Our volunteer needs vary throughout the year due to fluctuating visitor numbers and seasonal changes. There are no specific start and end dates for this program, but availability is limited. Please include your preferred start and end dates in your application.