SANCTUARY PARK VOLUNTEER PROFILE
A people person, who will commit to a long-term role at the Sanctuary, has the ability to recall information, and interact comfortably with visitors of all nationalities.
LEVEL OF FITNESS REQUIRED: GOOD
WHAT TO EXPECT
National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Park Volunteers play a key part of daily Sanctuary operations and in making our guests feel welcome. Park volunteers are stationed throughout the Sanctuary and are involved with greeting our guests of all nationalities, answering questions about our animals and attractions, assisting guests in locating shows and facilities, and helping our guests to get the maximum enjoyment out of their day.
We are looking for individuals with a happy disposition who are passionate about customer care, love animals, and are committed to providing an unforgettable customer experience. The person who undertakes this role must work well independently and in a team environment and have exceptional interpersonal skills.
To be eligible you must be able to meet the following criteria:
- You must be aged over 18 years
- Offer a minimum 6 month commitment to the program
- Be able to stand for a five-hour shift with the ability to walk up to 5ks per shift
- Be willing to work outdoors in all-weather / seasons
- Able to perform moderate physical activities
- Be comfortable working around mammals, reptiles and birds
- Be willing to wear the volunteer uniform and comply with program standards
- Be available to attend the training day
- Availability during public holidays
- Computer literate with active email communications
- Volunteers should understand that they will be exposed to many animals, dust and vegetation. These may cause health concerns for those who suffer allergies
WHAT ARE THE TASKS?
- Liaise and talk to members of the public – answering general enquiries regarding the animals and attractions
- Direct and/or escort guests to shows
- Support Train Driver (as a Train Guard) and assist with guests transitioning to/from the trains
- Assist guests in their interaction with the Kangaroos and the proper protocol for feeding and interacting with the animals
- Provide support to our Presentation Team with our iconic Lorikeet feeding (AM and PM shift)
- Liaise and assist guests visiting our Lost Valley Precinct
- Guest relations at our Wild Skies Free Flight Bird Show
- Work as part of a team of Sanctuary Park Volunteers under the direction of a Duty Volunteer who will roster you across various areas of the park for your shift
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Become part of a friendly new community (with over 180 Park Volunteers!), and enjoy new social and cultural experiences
- Great opportunity to learn about a variety of animals large and small
- Opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge, and challenge yourself in a supportive environment
- Act on your values, passions and interests
The National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Park Volunteer Program has a volunteer registration fee of $80 which provides the following benefits:
- Volunteer uniform – broad brim hat, name badge, and sun-protectant volunteer shirt
- Fortnightly online newsletter
- NTAQ Team Member card with many benefits
WHAT SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS DO I NEED?
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills including problem solving and conflict resolution
- Physically capable and comfortable in a wide variety of outdoor situations with the ability to be on your feet for 5 hours a day with extensive walking (up to 5ks per shift)
- Capability to adapt to change and willingness to keep up to date with training
- Computer literate with access to email communications
- Be prepared to follow all directions from Sanctuary staff, work independently and harmoniously within the team environment, and follow all protocols required
- Commitment to your shift
- Hard working and committed to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Shift times:
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1 x 5 hour shift per week |
Minimum 6-month commitment (same day each week) |
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Morning shift: |
7.30am to 12.30pm |
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Afternoon Shift: |
12.00pm to 5:00pm |
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please familiarise yourself with the requirements we expect of our volunteers and then follow the process to complete your online application for a Sanctuary Park Volunteer position with National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
1. ONLINE APPLICATION
Step 1. Once you have completed your online application, you will be contacted by our Sanctuary Park Volunteer Program Manager or team - via email/phone to discuss the requirements of the role and your suitability.
2. PHONE INTERVIEW
Step 2. This call will give you detailed information about the program and discuss your ability to fulfil the requirements of the role.
We want to do our best to ensure you are happy in your role and enjoy your time volunteering with us. If you meet the suitability requirements of the role, arrangements will be made for you to participate in a trial shift, so you can try out the role first-hand before committing to the training day.
3. TRIAL SHIFT
Step 3. On successful completion of your interview, you will be invited to attend a trial shift. During this trial shift you will be buddied up with one of our long-term volunteers who will take you on their shift for the morning or afternoon. Having this experience is a wonderful opportunity to establish whether this volunteering position is suitable for you. It is also a good opportunity for us to see how you would integrate into our teams.
4. COMPLETE VOLUNTEER TRAINING DAY
Step 4. Once you have done a trial shift and both parties are happy, the next step is to complete the Sanctuary Park volunteer training day.
We require that Park Volunteers complete the training day, designed to provide you with information about our animals and facilities at the Sanctuary, allowing new Volunteers to confidently assist our visitors.
- Please note that it will be necessary to have 8 weeks availability following the information day to complete your 'on the job' training and assessment.
5. 8 WEEKS ON THE JOB TRAINING
Step 5. After successful completion of the Park Volunteer Information Day, you will be taken under the wing of a long-term volunteer to complete your 8 weeks “on the job” training. Once you have completed this training, you will graduate as a fully-fledged Sanctuary Park Volunteer!
FURTHER INFORMATION
Places within the Sanctuary Park Volunteer program are limited and no guarantee of acceptance will be given. Thank you for understanding that in order to protect both our animals and Sanctuary operations, only people who complete the selection and training program requirements can be accepted into the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer programs. This suitability will be assessed over the training and probation period. If the decision is made by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary that a trainee volunteer is not a good match for the requirements of the program within the first eight weeks, the course fee will be refunded in full upon return of hat, shirt, badge and other materials issued.