Volunteer Trainings
 
(VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION IS A PREREQUISITE. Click here for information about orientation.)

To register for trainings (when offered), please see the sign-up sheet at new volunteer orientation. Existing volunteers please see the sign-up sheet in the Clinic.
 

• Help Line Response Volunteer Training
  • Learn to answer calls from the public to our Wildlife Help Line. The Alabama Wildlife Center receives over 2,500 calls per year from the public with questions about how to deal with a variety of wildlife situations. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources to respond to these questions. If you are a current animal care volunteer and interested in working an additional shift answering hotline calls from the comfort of your own home, this workshop is for you. This is a great opportunity to assist the clinic staff as well as to educate the public. Prerequisite: must be an active AWC Animal Care Volunteer.
• Baby Songbird Training Workshop
  • Topics include: identification and initial care of baby birds, health and safety protocols, feeding and nutrition, housing and general care, strategies for release preparation, and release protocols. Prerequisite: must be an active AWC Animal Care Volunteer. (Workshop Flyer)
• Mealworm and Insect Breeding at Home for Feeding Birds
  • Our wild patients consume thousands of mealworms every year. AWC is able to keep down the cost of ordering these valuable food sources by breeding our own. You can easily help us with this effort right in your own home! Open to anyone who is interested.
• Clinical Assistant Training Workshop
  • This training is designed to enhance your understanding of aspects of animal husbandry as well as some basic veterinary skills. We will cover the basics of anatomy as well as wound management, fluid therapy, and emergency protocols. As a Clinical Assistant, you will be assigned to assist with medical treatments and physical exams on your shift. After attending both classes, you will pass a written exam and work with your Shift Supervisor to attain proficiency in the skills listed on the Clinical Assistant Skills Checklist. Fully qualified Clinical Assistants move from Level II to Level III. Prerequisite: must be an active AWC Animal Care Volunteer. (Workshop Flyer)
• Raptor Rehabilitation & Transport Network Training Workshop
  • Topics include: raptor identification & nesting behaviors; rescue, emergency care & transport of injured and orphaned raptors; and fostering & reuniting downed nestlings and fledglings. Suggested for active AWC Animal Care and Transport volunteers, vets, vet techs, animal control professionals and any interested community members who want to volunteer as part of AWC's Statewide Raptor Transport Network. Open to anyone who is interested. (Workshop Flyer)
• Shift Supervisor’s Wet Lab
  • At this workshop you will be given opportunities to perform physical exams and practice your bandaging skills on a wide variety of raptor cadavers. Strongly recommended for current shift supervisor; mandatory for those interested in becoming a shift supervisor. Prerequisite: must be an active AWC Clinical Assistant or new Clinical Trainee and you must attend both days of class.