Marine Mammal Stranding Network Volunteer
Time Commitment: Varies/Flexible - minimum 6-month commitment
Shifts: As needed.
Duties: Responsible for responding to texts from WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center staff to pick up marine mammals in need from around Whatcom County between the hours of 7:00AM and 9:00PM. Volunteers will be asked to transport animals to the Center from locations in Whatcom County, and also from the Center to SR3 in Des Moines, WA, or a centralized meeting place such as Everett. Animals will generally need to be contained at pickup. WHS will provide all materials and training to contain animals safely and appropriately. Gas mileage cannot be reimbursed, but is tax deductible if proper records are kept.
Safely transport animal to the Center
Maintain WHS equipment in good working order
Communicate clearly with staff
No music, smoking, or vaping in vehicle while transporting an animal
Vehicle must have proper ventilation and ambient temperature control
No stops with the animal in vehicle; must go straight from pick-up site to Center or from the Center to SR3/handoff point.
Requirements:
Must be at least 18 years of age
Completion of WHS Volunteer Information Session and onsite or Zoom WHSMMSN orientation/training with Wildlife Center staff/WHSMMSN Investigators
A valid Driver’s License
A reliable, working vehicle with appropriate insurance
Learn the basics of WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center policies and basic marine mammal animal handling
Understanding the first priority at all times is the patients’ health and quality of life
Able to bend, lift, and carry 50 pounds
Reliable and prompt for animal pick-ups and deliveries to and from the Center
Enjoy working with the public and our wildlife rehabilitation partners
Can provide good customer service to the public, and internally to staff, and other volunteers
Be able to communicate cooperatively with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and interns of all ages and backgrounds
Open to learning from coaching and on-the-job training
Comfortable approaching staff with questions and asking for direction when needed
Good judgment
5602 Mission Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, US
Statement of Principle: The Whatcom Humane Society believes that all animals, as sentient beings, have value beyond economic measurements and are entitled to legal, moral, and ethical consideration and protection. Mission: - Advocate for animals - Educate the community to promote humane treatment and respect for animals - Provide for abandoned, injured, abused or neglected animals Vision: All animals in our community are treated with kindness, respect, and compassion.
The Whatcom Humane Society (WHS) has been caring for animals throughout Whatcom County since 1902.
As the oldest non-profit animal welfare organization in Whatcom County, WHS is committed to caring for any animal in need.
As an open-admission animal shelter, WHS turns no animal away, regardless of the animals age, breed, temperament, physical or medical condition.
Our dedicated staff and volunteers care for approximately 4,500 domestic, wild and farm animals annually. We currently operate 3 shelter facilities - a domestic animal shelter, a wildlife rehabilitation center and a farm facility.
In addition, WHS provides 24 hour a day animal control & rescue services for the majority of Whatcom County including the Cities of Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Sumas, Everson, unincorporated Whatcom County and has relationships with both the Lummi & Nooksack Indian Reservations.
5602 Mission RoadBellingham, WA 98226
July 29, 2024
N/A
