Youth Team

Northern Colorado Wildlife Center values the contributions of young people and their role in creating positive change in our community. As a youth volunteer, you can develop valuable skills, gain experience, and make a difference in the lives of wild animals. Youth volunteers work in the facility alongside our staff and other volunteers to care for the animals and the facility. Youth volunteers also have the option to volunteer at community engagement events to educate the public on wildlife rehabilitation.

Now accepting applications!

Volunteer Requirements

  • 6-month minimum commitment. After that, you have the option to continue volunteering. We hope you stay longer!

  • 4-8 hours per month

    • A scheduled, 1 or 2-hour shift per week is required. We will work with your schedule.

  • Must be between 10-17 years old. 

    • 10-14 year olds are required to commit to a regularly scheduled, 1-hour shift each week. They also must have a guardian (18yrs+) present with them for the duration of each shift.

    • 15-17 year olds are required to commit to a regularly scheduled, 2-hour shift each week. This age group is able to volunteer without a guardian present with a required consent form.

  • There is a $25 registration fee per child (does not apply to supervising guardians)

    • You may register up to 2 volunteers at once, provided that they have the same guardian and will be attending shifts together.

  • No previous experience is required to volunteer.

Volunteering Tasks

Youth volunteers will be responsible for animal husbandry, assisting in routine medical care, and facility upkeep. They are able to work with a wide range of Colorado species, including small birds, waterfowl, mammals, snakes, and turtles. 

Animal Husbandry

  • Day-to-day care

  • Feeding*

  • Cleaning enclosures

  • Weighing

Medical Care

  • Help give medications

  • Observe basic medical procedures & treatments

Facility Upkeep

  • Sweeping

  • Mopping

  • Dishes

  • Laundry

*In addition to preparing & feeding solid diet items, Youth Volunteers may be permitted to syringe feed baby mammals and birds. This task will be delegated based on the volunteer’s demonstrated patience, attentiveness, ability to follow instructions, and overall readiness.

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Training and experience working with live animals.

  • Experience working in a professional setting growing skills in responsibility, time management, and leadership.

  • The joy and fulfillment of helping Colorado wildlife.

  • Join a knowledgeable, fun, and dedicated team of volunteers and staff.

Important Considerations

Working with wildlife carries inherent risks, including bites, scratches, exposure to chemicals, and zoonotic diseases.

Due to the heightened risk of disease transmission, Youth Volunteers will not be permitted to work hands on with the following species:

  • Bats

  • Raccoons

  • Foxes

  • Coyotes

  • Skunks

The nature of our work means that volunteers may occasionally encounter situations where an animal passes away or must be humanely euthanized to prevent suffering. We highly encourage parents & guardians to discuss these topics with their children prior to volunteering.

Still have questions about volunteering? Click here.