Willowbrook Wildlife Center Volunteer Opportunities

Willowbrook Wildlfe Center

Volunteer Forms | Nature Workday Schedule | The Spirit

Keeping the "wild" in wildlife - that's what Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn is all about. Volunteers work with native DuPage fauna and create a memorable experience for visitors at this wildlife rehabilitation and education center. Volunteer animal keepers prepare the many specialized diets and help keep cages clean. A group of interested volunteers also lends a special hand to staff as clinical assistants and raptor educators. Volunteer interpreters and community outreach volunteers teach youngsters and civic groups about the importance of living in harmony with the county's wildlife neighbors. They answer questions, explain exhibits and offer assistance to people dealing with wildlife dilemmas. Share your time with DuPage native animals and the people who appreciate them as a Willowbrook Wildlife Center volunteer.

Please note the following application deadlines to be considered for the 2008 volunteer season:

Junior Keeper: March 1
Junior Naturalist: March 1

The AM shift is from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and the PM shift is from 1 - 5 p.m.

Animal Keeper:

Volunteer Animal Keepers work under the direction of Willowbrook staff performing various activities to help rehabilitate the injured wildlife of DuPage County. Willowbrook has a hands-off captive-rearing and caring policy, meaning there is as little contact with the animals as possible. Volunteer Animal Keepers do not cuddle, play with, or tame animals, as this reduces the chances for successful release. Volunteer Animal Keepers do not work with bats, adult raptors, herons or egrets, and/or with adult carnivores, such as skunks, raccoons, and foxes.

Responsibilities:

Cleaning animal cages both indoors and outdoors
Prepare special diets for animals
Feeding animals by placing food and water in animals' cages. May become certified to feed baby birds and baby mammals
Washing dishes, animal carriers, and towels
Maintenance of cages or equipment, such as painting or minor repairs may be done periodically
A Volunteer Animal Keeper, after one year, may apply to become a Clinic Assistant, if positions are available
Observe animal's health/behavior (i.e., observation of a bird's wing wrap unraveling which is reported to staff, observation of new cagemate's behavior and report any problems to staff, etc.) and complete progress notes on individual animals on exhibit
Help keep animal care areas, support areas and equipment clean and well organized
Assist with special projects.

Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old
Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs.
Physical flexibility (i.e., capable of bending over to clean cages and standing for long periods of time)
Work independently and as a team player
Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions
Volunteer Animal Keeper must complete all required on-the-job training components
Volunteers will have a 16-hour probationary period before becoming a certified volunteer. Supervision will be close and direct until the volunteer is certified
Volunteer Animal Keepers must wear a uniform:
1. Long pants, jeans or khakis, no athletic/sweat pants, no strings, holes or bleached, must be professional looking
2. Willowbrook volunteer golf shirt, or Willowbrook volunteer sweatshirt and nametag. (Nametag is provided)
3. Closed-toed shoes (gym shoes, hiking boots – no sandals)
4. Shorts can be worn during the summer months (May through September). Shorts must be dark colored, professional looking and no more than 3 inches above the knee. No cut-off shorts or athletic shorts are allowed. Volunteers should have a long pair of pants available, for the day's planned activities may require long pants. If the shorts a volunteer is wearing are found to be unacceptable by the area supervisor, the volunteer must change into his/her pants or be sent home. Closed-toed shoes are still required while wearing shorts
Volunteer Animal Keepers must read and agree to follow all policies and guidelines as outlined in the Program Volunteer Handbook
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

A minimum of one 4-hour shift per week, same shift every week. There is a morning and afternoon shift seven days a week
One year commitment

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Community Outreach:

This is a new effort for Willowbrook and the participants' observations and ideas will be invaluable in making this Willowbrook Wildlife Center program effective. Community Outreach Volunteers are the Wildlife Center's publicity outreach arm. They work as representatives of the Center to encourage visitation, promote understanding of wildlife, and encourage memberships and volunteer opportunities for the Center. The emphasis is on fairs and festivals in the warm months and will shift to indoor locations the rest of the year. Volunteers take exhibits and information about the Center to malls, movie theaters, and special events, where the public is invited to learn more about Willowbrook Wildlife Center's education and rehabilitation mission.

Responsibilities:

Setup an inviting area where the public passes by. This may be as a part of a corporate open house, visit to malls, display at movie theaters, etc. The initial contact between the public and volunteer can shape that individual's perception of the facility
Community Outreach Volunteers may choose to join the Civic Outreach Program to give talks to small community groups to attract new visitation to Willowbrook, as well as promote volunteerism
May highlight a specific interest at the facility to encourage support. These may be animal specimens, an education box containing information on how to live with wildlife, or Willowbrook materials delivered and explained to participants at an event
Responsible for scheduling pick-up and return of the display materials

Requirements:

Must be 18 years old
Capable of lifting up to 20 lbs.
Physical flexibility (i.e., capable of bending and lifting display boards)
Work independently, and as a team player
Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions
Ability to stand for long periods of time
Must complete an interview and participate in one three-hour training session about Willowbrook's services and history. Shadow-shift rotations are required (follow a volunteer while working at their assigned tasks) for each of the areas of the facility
Community Outreach volunteers will participate with staff in these outreach events. When staff and volunteer agree that the volunteer is comfortable with the assignment, the volunteer will check out materials independently
Must "check-in" once a month to keep apprised of what is new at the facility. Newsletters, updates and reports about the facility keep the volunteer informed of the important activities, which are essential to Willowbrook's success. Volunteers are encouraged to shadow-shift volunteers to gain information so they may answer questions more effectively
Must participate in at least one outreach event quarterly if available. This is in addition to their monthly "check-in". The Civic Outreach assignments may be included in this commitment
Community Outreach Volunteers may find that they wish to continue with one of the other volunteer positions at Willowbrook and this is encouraged. Training for those positions is additional
May sign up in advance for the special events. Staff and volunteers determine number of participants needed for each event
Must provide their own transportation to events
Community Outreach Volunteers must wear a uniform:
1. Long pants, jeans or khakis, no athletic/sweat pants, no strings, holes or bleached, must be professional looking
2. Willowbrook volunteer golf shirt, or Willowbrook volunteer sweatshirt and nametag. (Nametag is provided)
3. Closed-toed shoes (gym shoes, hiking boots – no sandals)
4. Shorts can be worn during the summer months (May through September). Shorts must be dark colored, professional looking and no more than 3 inches above the knee. No cut-off shorts or athletic shorts are allowed. Volunteers should have a long pair of pants available, for the day's planned activities may require long pants. If the shorts a volunteer is wearing are found to be unacceptable by the area supervisor, the volunteer must change into his/her pants or be sent home. Closed-toed shoes are still required while wearing shorts
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

One year commitment

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Exhibit Design and Maintenance:

Exhibit Design and Maintenance Volunteers work closely with the exhibit coordinator. Will be responsible for creating and editing new exhibit labels and maintaining existing interpretive exhibits.

Responsibilities:

Work closely with exhibit coordinator on updating and redesigning current exhibit signage
Develop new exhibit signs and displays in coordination with education team
Create layouts for flyers, brochures and signs in Adobe Illustrator including using Photoshop and InDesign
Remove and replace indoor and outdoor existing exhibit signage
Use a laminator (training with be provided)
Clean and maintain interpretive exhibits when necessary
Create interactive displays that may include assembly and painting

Requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Complete an interview
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file
Must have good written and verbal communication skills
Must have design layout experience preferably with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop
Be creative and artistic abilities
Paint and illustration experience is a plus
Able to work independently
Capable of lifting up to 20 lbs.
Able to work in close quarters or outside

Commitment:

A minimum of 12 hours per month
One year commitment

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Family Program:

The Family Volunteer Program at Willowbrook Wildlife Center provides families the opportunity to spend quality time together while making a contribution to the community. Families interested in volunteering at the Willowbrook Wildlife Center may volunteer as an Animal Keeper team or Volunteer Interpreter team as long as the fulfill the requirements below.

Requirements:

Family teams will volunteer as one unit and will not be separated for work assignments
Must be a parent/legal guardian and child team
Adults must be at least 18 years old and children must be at least 8 years old
Must read and agree to follow all policies and guidelines as outlined in the Volunteer Animal Keeper Handbook or the Volunteer Interpreter Handbook
1. Adults must meet requirements and follow rules & regulations for the Animal Keeper positions or Volunteer Interpreter position
2. Children must meet requirements and follow rules & regulations for the Junior Keeper position or Junior Naturalist position
Must complete the orientation and on-the-job training program
Must complete a two month probationary period
Family volunteers must wear a uniform
1. Long pants, jeans or khakis, no athletic/sweat pants, no strings, holes or bleached, must be professional looking
2. Willowbrook volunteer golf shirt, or Willowbrook volunteer sweatshirt and nametag. (Nametag is provided)
3. Closed-toed shoes (gym shoes, hiking boots – no sandals)
4. Shorts can be worn during the summer months (May through September). Shorts must be dark colored, professional looking and no more than 3 inches above the knee. No cut-off shorts or athletic shorts are allowed. Volunteers should have a long pair of pants available, for the day's planned activities may require long pants. If the shorts a volunteer is wearing are found to be unacceptable by the area supervisor, the volunteer must change into his/her pants or be sent home. Closed-toed shoes are still required while wearing shorts
The parent/legal guardian must have a volunteer application, waiver, references and a background check consent form on file. A signed waiver must be on file for all children participating in the program

Commitment:

The needs of the Center vary somewhat depending on the season and position. Family volunteers are expected to meet the responsibilities and commitment of the volunteer area they have selected
Family Volunteer Animal Keepers: The needs of the Center vary somewhat depending on the season. However, all live animals require daily cleaning, feeding, and monitoring. Family Volunteer Animal Keepers will be expected to commit to one 4-hour shift each week for one year

Family Volunteer Interpreters: The needs of the Center vary greatly depending on the season, day of the week, and time of day. All groups and programs are scheduled 4 weeks in advance. Family Volunteer Interpreters will be expected to check the scheduling book and commit to specific programs and self guided groups at least one week in advance. In addition to presenting programs, Family Volunteer Interpreters are expected to be available during the busy periods, which are April 15 to June 15 and September 15 to November 15. We require that you work a minimum of 100 hours per year.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Intern:

Individuals interested in becoming a Volunteer Interpreter or an Animal Care Volunteer, but have missed the scheduled training or are unable to make a long term commitment, may still volunteer in either area as long as they fulfill the requirements listed below. Interns will follow an intensified course as outlined for the volunteer area they have selected (see Volunteer Animal Keeper and Volunteer Interpreter position description for Responsibilities, Requirements and Commitment).

Responsibilities:

See Volunteer Interpreter and Volunteer Animal Keeper Position Descriptions for responsibilities

Requirements:

Must be 18 years old
Volunteer Interns must review the orientation and training program video for Volunteer Interpreters or Animal Keeper Volunteers
Volunteer Interns must read and agree to follow all policies and guidelines as outlined in the Volunteer Interpreter Handbook or the Animal Keeper Volunteer Handbook
Volunteer Interns must wear a uniform. The uniform is dark colored jeans (no strings, holes or bleached), Willowbrook volunteer polo shirt, or Willowbrook volunteer sweatshirt, nametag, and closed-toed dark shoes. Nametag is provided. In summer, hemmed shorts of an appropriate length may be worn
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

In lieu of completing the basic training for regular volunteer status, Interns must commit to working 20 hours per week for four weeks. After completing this intensive on-the-job training schedule, Interns may move to regular volunteer status. They will be expected to meet the responsibilities, requirements and commitments of the volunteer area they have selected

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Interpreter:

Volunteer Interpreters work with the center's visitors, teaching them about wildlife, natural history and conservation. On weekdays in fall and spring, Volunteer Interpreters typically spend most of their time with school groups and children's organizations, giving tours and special programs. The focus switches to casual visitors with some children's organizations on weekends and in the summer months. Some Volunteer Interpreters may spend more time admitting animal patients and in telephone contacts with the public.

Responsibilities:

Volunteers welcome casual visitors to the Center and provide them with an informal orientation to the Center and answer questions
Volunteers welcome group/program visitors, check them in, and direct them to the program area
Present "Young Explorers", "Safari", and "Animals!" programs, answer prepared questions that some groups have, and provide an overview of Willowbrook for self-guided groups
Facilitate planned "teachable moments" (mini-programs) for casual contacts with the public, interactive computer, parts cart, etc.
Provide routine animal care for the teaching collection
Prepare mailing packets, maintain brochure racks, organize Discovery Room and Resource Room materials
Volunteer Interpreters may become certified to handle education animals other than raptors
May become certified to provide on-site and off-site educational programs such as: "Living with Wildlife", "Introduction to Birds of Prey", "Your School Yard Then and Now"
May serve as a program assistant for staff naturalist presenting evening programs at Willowbrook, other District preserves, or off-site
May assist staff with on-site programs such as: Summer Club Programs, Special Request Programs, and Announced Nature Programs
Assist staff with exhibit development and maintenance: prepare and maintain specimen collection, monitor condition of teaching materials and repair or replace them, monitor condition of displays and signs
May learn how to provide technical assistance via Willowbrook's "Wildlife Help Line" and learn animal admittance procedures
Assist with special projects.

Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old
Volunteer Interpreters must complete an interview and all required on-the-job training components
Must complete a two-month probationary period
Volunteer Interpreters must wear a uniform
1. Long pants, jeans or khakis, no athletic/sweat pants, no strings, holes or bleached, must be professional looking
2. Willowbrook volunteer golf shirt, or Willowbrook volunteer sweatshirt and nametag. (Nametag is provided)
3. Closed-toed shoes (gym shoes, hiking boots – no sandals)
4. Shorts can be worn during the summer months (May through September). Shorts must be dark colored, professional looking and no more than 3 inches above the knee. No cut-off shorts or athletic shorts are allowed. Volunteers should have a long pair of pants available, for the day's planned activities may require long pants. If the shorts a volunteer is wearing are found to be unacceptable by the area supervisor, the volunteer must change into his/her pants or be sent home. Closed-toed shoes are still required while wearing shorts
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

A minimum of 100 hours per year. A minimum of 4 hours per week during our busy periods of active service, which are April 15 to June 15 and September 15 to November 1
One year commitment

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Junior Keeper:

Junior Keepers are youth volunteers who assist in animal care during the summer months. Individuals may be invited back to participate a 2nd year depending on past performance related to attendance, ability to follow directions, willingness to perform assigned tasks, ability to work cooperatively with staff and adult volunteers.

Responsibilities:

Cleaning and disinfecting rehab and exhibit cages, changing bedding materials, cleaning food and water dishes
Complete accurate progress notes on individual animals on exhibit
Prepare and distribute animal diets in accordance with prescribed nutritional requirements for each animal
Clean carriers, towels, blankets, etc.
Help keep animal care areas, support areas and equipment clean and well organized
Clean and/or replace exhibit "furniture" and decorations
Prepare outdoor cages for seasonal weather conditions
Paint and repair nest boxes, perches, etc.
Respond to questions from the public
Assist with special projects

Requirements:

Must be 13 - 17 years of age
Must have parental approval and support
Must submit a volunteer application and 2 references
Must complete an interview and two 1.5-hour training sessions
Must read and agree to follow all policies and guidelines as outlined in the Junior Keeper Volunteer Handbook
Must be able to work independently as well as on a team
Must be able to understand oral directions and written directions
May chose to continue training for adult volunteer program once they are 18 years old

Commitment:

The needs of the Center are greatest during the summer months. Junior Keeper Volunteers will be expected to commit to one 4-hour shift each week during the summer. Junior Keepers will have an 8-hour probationary period before becoming a certified volunteer.

No more than 2 scheduled absences during the summer
No more than 1 excused absences (illness, family emergency, etc.) during the summer
If a Junior Keeper does not arrive on time for their shift and does not call Willowbrook prior to their shift to report their absence, they will be terminated from the Junior Keeper program
Maximum of 2 years of participation
Volunteer participation must be at an acceptable level to be invited back for a 2nd year
Must meet the minimum participation program requirements set for the specific summer's program. See the application cover letter for details

Uniforms:

Long pants, jeans or khakis, no athletic/sweat pants, no strings, holes or bleached, must be professional looking
Willowbrook volunteer golf shirt and nametag. (Nametag is provided)
Closed-toed shoes (gym shoes, hiking boots, etc – No sandals)
Shorts can be worn during the summer months (May through September). Shorts must be dark colored, professional looking and no more than 3 inches above the knee. No cut-off shorts or athletic shorts are allowed. Volunteers should have a long pair of pants available, for the day's planned activities may require long pants. If the shorts a volunteer is wearing are found to be unacceptable by the area supervisor, the volunteer must change into his/her pants or be sent home. Closed-toed shoes are still required while wearing shorts

If a Junior Keeper is sent home for not wearing the proper uniform, it will be considered an excused absence. Please remember only 1 excused absence is allowed during the summer.

Records:

Record actual number of hours volunteered in the volunteer time computer
Update application information as needed (i.e., change of address/phone number)
Renew parental waiver and commitment agreement annually

Benefits:

Invitations to Volunteer recognition events including the annual Volunteer Banquet, Willowbrook recognition parties
Invitations to District-wide and Willowbrook continuing education opportunities
Monthly volunteer newsletter
Opportunity to learn and enjoy a lot!

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Junior Naturalist:

Junior Naturalists are youth volunteers who assist in public education during the summer months. Junior Naturalists learn informal teaching techniques for communicating with Willowbrook's visitors. They also have options of learning to present programs to groups and helping to study Willowbrook's animal and plant life. Individuals may be invited back to participate a 2nd year depending on past performance related to attendance, ability to follow directions, willingness to perform assigned tasks, ability to work cooperatively with staff and adult volunteers.

Responsibilities:

Welcome casual visitors to the Center and provide them with an informal orientation to the Center and answer questions
Welcome group/program visitors, check them in, and direct them to the program area
Can learn to present "Young Explorers", "Safari" and "Animal!" programs
Facilitate planned "teachable moments" for casual visitors and self-guided groups. Examples of teachable moments include: live animal contacts with the public, interactive computer, parts cart, etc.
Can become certified to present on-site programs
Assist staff with exhibit development and maintenance
Provide routine animal care for the teaching collection
Assist with special projects

Requirements:

Must be 13 - 17 years of age
Must have parental approval and support
Must submit a volunteer application and 2 references
Must complete an interview and a training program
Must read and agree to follow all policies and guidelines as outlined in the Junior Naturalist Volunteer Handbook
Must be able to work independently as well as on a team
Must be able to understand oral directions and written directions
May chose to continue training for adult volunteer program once they are 18 years old

Commitment:

Junior Naturalist Volunteers will be expected to commit to a 4-hour shift each week during the summer.

No more than 2 scheduled absences during the summer
No more than 1 excused absences (illness, family emergency, etc.) during the summer.*
If a Junior Naturalist does not arrive on time for their shift and does not call Willowbrook prior to their shift to report their absence, they will be terminated from the Junior Naturalist program
Maximum of 2 years of participation
Volunteer participation must be at an acceptable level to be invited back for a 2nd year
Must meet the minimum participation program requirements set for the specific summer's program. See the application cover letter for details

Uniforms:

Long pants, jeans or khakis, no athletic/sweat pants, no strings, holes or bleached, must be professional looking
Willowbrook volunteer golf shirt and nametag. (Nametag is provided)
Closed-toed shoes (gym shoes, hiking boots, etc – No Sandals)
Shorts can be worn during the summer months (May through September). Shorts must be dark colored, professional looking and no more than 3 inches above the knee. No cut-off shorts or athletic shorts are allowed. Volunteers should have a long pair of pants available, for the day's planned activities may require long pants. If the shorts a volunteer is wearing are found to be unacceptable by the area supervisor, the volunteer must change into his/her pants or be sent home. Closed-toed shoes are still required while wearing shorts

*If a Junior Naturalist is sent home for not wearing the proper uniform, it will be considered an excused absence. Please remember only 1 excused absence is allowed during the summer

Records:

Record actual number of hours volunteered in the volunteer computer
Update application information as needed (i.e., change of address/phone number)
Renew parental waiver and commitment agreement annually

Benefits:

Junior Naturalists will receive a current handbook
Invitations to volunteer recognition events including the annual Volunteer Banquet, Willowbrook recognition parties
Invitations to District-wide and Willowbrook continuing education opportunities
Monthly volunteer newsletter
Opportunity to learn and enjoy a lot!

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Visitor Services:

Visitor Services Volunteers are the first contact for many of the casual visitors, group visitors, and telephone contacts of the Center.

Responsibilities:

Visitor Services Volunteers assist front desk staff with all visitor services including:

Welcoming casual visitors to the Center and providing them with an informal orientation to the Center and responding to most frequently asked questions
Welcoming group/program visitors, checking them in, and directing them to the program area
Answer phones when staff is in a meeting
Facilitate planned "teachable moments" for casual visitors and self-guided groups
Serve as a program assistant for staff naturalist presenting evening programs at Willowbrook, other District preserves, or off-site
Prepare mailing packets, maintain brochure racks, and organize Discovery Room and Resource Room materials
May learn how to provide technical assistance via Willowbrook's "Wildlife Help Line"
Assist with special projects.

Requirements:

Must be at least 16 years old
Must complete a two hour orientation and 8 hour on the job training program
Visitor Services Volunteers must complete a two-month probationary period
Visitor Services Volunteers are allowed to participate in the program on a seasonal basis. This program is a perfect opportunity for students, teachers, people who travel, etc., and still Willowbrook meet our public services needs. The needs of the Center vary greatly depending on the season, day of the week, and time of day
Visitor Services Volunteers must wear a uniform
1. The uniform is dark colored jeans (no strings, holes or bleached), tan shirt (short or long sleeves), Willowbrook volunteer polo shirt, or Willowbrook volunteer sweatshirt, Willowbrook patches (on tan shirt) and nametag, closed-toed dark shoes. Patches and nametag are provided
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

A minimum of 100 hours per year. A minimum of four hours per week during your periods of active service
One year commitment

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Veterinarian:

Volunteer Veterinarians work under the direction of Willowbrook's staff veterinarian, providing professional veterinary services to help injured wildlife of DuPage County. Volunteer Veterinarians spend most of their time performing initial examinations and providing diagnostic expertise, as well as formulating initial diagnosis and prognosis on all animals for rehabilitation. Volunteer Veterinarians must hold a degree in Veterinary Medicine and have appropriate professional veterinary licensure. With staff assistance, Volunteer Veterinarians may treat adult raptors, or shore birds and adult carnivores, such as raccoons and foxes.

Responsibilities:

Initial examination of incoming patients
Diagnostic workups, including radiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology and fecal parasite examinations
Consult with staff veterinarian and permanent keeper staff on diagnosis and prognosis for successful rehabilitation
Implement treatment protocols through the use of pharmaceuticals, surgical intervention or other therapeutic modality
Provide professional opinion in cases where euthanasia is considered
Maintain cleanliness and organization of all veterinary areas

Requirements:

Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs.
Must be current on tetanus and pre-exposure rabies vaccinations
Physical flexibility (i.e., capable of bending over to clean cage and standing for long periods of time)
Work independently and as a team player
Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions
Volunteer Veterinarians are asked to complete the standard Willowbrook Animal Keeper Volunteer orientation
Initial training with the staff veterinarian is required
Volunteer Veterinarians must wear a uniform
1. Long pants, jeans or khakis, no athletic/sweat pants, no strings, holes or bleached, must be professional looking
2. Willowbrook volunteer golf shirt, or Willowbrook volunteer sweatshirt and nametag. (Nametag is provided)
3. Closed-toed shoes (gym shoes, hiking boots – no sandals)
Volunteer Veterinarians must read and agree to follow all policies and guidelines as outlined in the Program Volunteer Handbook
A District volunteer application, waiver, two references and background check consent form on file

Commitment:

A minimum of work one 4-hour shift per week, same shift every week
One year commitment

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Please Note:

An active risk management program is in place to minimize hazards at Willowbrook. Preventative measures are taken to reduce risk of physical injury and exposure to disease. Volunteers are expected to comply with all safety precautions, for the protection of themselves, co-workers, the public, and the animals.

It is recommended that volunteers check with their doctor about receiving a current tetanus inoculation, and inform the doctor that they will be working with native wildlife as s/he may have other recommendations. Volunteers who may be immunocompromised and women who are pregnant should inform their doctor of their volunteer work. Their doctor may make recommendations to minimize their exposure to disease. The DuPage County Health Department offers this service for a minimal fee with an appointment.

For more information, call volunteer services at (630) 933-7681 or e-mail volunteer@dupageforest.com.

Volunteer Forms | Nature Workday Schedule | The Spirit

Street Address: 3 S 580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60187-8761
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857