Messinger Woods Volunteer Interest Information

Are you interested in becoming a Messinger Woods Volunteer? Annually, we fill a predetermined and sometimes limited volume of vacancies. The process may seem lengthy, as it involves an interview and training process. Former experience, although it may help, is not necessary.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, whether you are interested in direct wildlife rehabilitation and care, or other volunteer opportunities, we urge you to carefully read the following information. Consider it a first step as a potential new volunteer. Wildlife rehabilitation is a rewarding practice that very few people will ever have the fortune of experiencing. If you feel that you would like to become a Messinger Woods volunteer, please forward a letter of interest, along with the Volunteer Application Form which you can download here, and send both your letter and application to:

 Messinger Woods
 P.O. Box 508 
Orchard Park, NY 14127

Tell us a bit about yourself, your expectations as a volunteer with Messinger Woods, any past experience working with wildlife or animals, and why you’ve chosen Messinger Woods. We are happy to hear from you.  For an informational brochure in PDF format, please click here. 

Once we receive your letter and completed application, eligible candidates will then be contacted to schedule an interview. If you are accepted, you will be invited to attend an orientation program where you will be officially appointed as a new volunteer trainee. Volunteers are selected based upon our annual needs. After the orientation, you will be given access to our on-line volunteers communication board, where all scheduled events, training sessions, and communications are posted.

The Board of Directors, Department Directors and Volunteers of Messinger Woods all work hard to assure that the best wildlife rehabilitation and care is provided at all times. Professionalism, a commitment to excellence, and continuously striving for improvement are our never-ending goals. No matter how accomplished and successful an organization, or its members may be, we believe that there is always a need for improvement and greater knowledge.

1. You must be at least 18 years of age by May 1st of the year you are applying.

2. You must be able to provide your own transportation to and from Messinger Woods’ facilities and functions.

3. Hospital volunteers must complete a minimum of 1 four-hour shift per week from May 1st to August 31st. Volunteers must remain committed to the work schedules that they select. No Call/ No Shows or frequent last minute schedule changes are not acceptable and will forfeit the volunteer standing after 2 incidents.

4. Volunteers must be willing to attend training sessions between the months of October through to May. These are usually held on weekends or evenings.

5. Volunteers with internet access must keep themselves up to date with special events like training sessions, by checking in frequently on our special volunteer communication board on the web site. You will only be given password access to this part of the web site, once you have been selected. If you do not have a computer, we will provide alternative ways of notice in another format.

Character traits that are important to be a successful 
Messinger Woods volunteer:

1. Dependability

2. Motivation

3. Desire to learn

4. Respect for others

5. Achievement oriented

6. Perform all assigned tasks to completion

7. Compassion for all life forms

8. Ability to accept constructive criticism

9. Commitment to mission

10. Lead by example

11. Honesty

12. Team spirit

Hospital (Site Care) Volunteers are responsible for actively reporting for agreed upon weekly shifts to render care to the wildlife at the Messinger Woods Hospital, out buildings, out cages, and properties.

Hospital (Site Care) volunteers are to report to the hospital shift leaders, operations coordinators, or hospital director, as required, and complete all assigned tasks. Messinger Woods will provide pre-license training. At the least, you must be licensed as a wildlife rehabilitation assistant before working with wildlife.

Specifics :

1. Once selecting a schedule that is convenient, all volunteers must report as scheduled.

1. In the event of an absence, or tardy, the volunteer has the responsibility to notify (in a reasonable manner of time) the hospital director. Failure to notify the director will be considered a no call / no show. Two no call/no show occurrences will be grounds for termination of volunteer status.

2. In the event of frequent schedule changes, (greater than 3), the volunteer status will be reviewed by the Executive Board of Officers and the Hospital Director to determine if continuation as a Messinger Woods volunteer is appropriate.

2. It is a duty of all volunteers to provide supportive care to the wildlife on site. Supportive care constitutes the activities of providing the proper care, nutrition, housing, and hygiene to wildlife.

3. Volunteers who are properly trained may assist with medical procedures.

4. Volunteers must participate in training sessions, orientation programs, and continuing education events. These include formal classes, on-the-job training, and self-study by methods of reading, videos, and hands on practice.

5. Volunteers must abide by the Federal and State regulations governing wildlife rehabilitation practice.

6. Volunteers must abide by all Messinger Woods policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

7. Volunteers must make a concerted effort to conduct themselves in a professional manner. This includes striving to develop and maintain friendly and comfortable working relations with all other Messinger Woods volunteers.

8. Sweeping, cleaning, laundry, trash removal and other housekeeping duties are shared by all volunteers on each shift, despite level of education or rank.

9. After a minimum of one season of training and service at the hospital, volunteers may apply to assist wildlife from their home as a home care satellite, if they wish to do so.

10.  Volunteers must understand that we deal with wild animals, and must be willing to abide by all methods used to prevent taming, imprinting, injury, or accidents.

11.  Hospital volunteers must understand that the "range of duties" vary, from cleaning chores to assisting with medical procedures. (See Duties & Responsibilities)

Other departments may have availability needs. These will be discussed at the volunteer orientation.

Messinger Woods Volunteer (Dispatcher / Receptionist) Duties & Responsibilities.

Dispatcher / Receptionists are responsible for answering and fielding all calls that come in through the Messinger Woods phone line. Dispatchers / Receptionists receive training, and a manual to assist them in properly addressing all questions, making educated decisions, and assisting the public with wildlife concerns. In addition, all new dispatchers / receptionists have an experienced "base person" available to assist them. Calls that come in through the Messinger Woods phone, are automatically routed to the home of the Dispatchers / Receptionists when they are "On Duty". During this time, the Dispatchers / Receptionists are still able to receive personal calls. The system will not disable their home phone. Calls can also be routed to a dispatcher’s / receptionist’s cell phone or answering machines.

Dispatcher / Reception volunteers report to the Dispatch Director, and Base persons.

Specifics:

1. Once a new dispatcher is sufficiently trained, a conveniently agreed upon schedule will be set.
2. When on schedule, the dispatch /receptionist will call in to connect, so that all calls to Messinger Woods will be routed to the home of the dispatcher.
3. The dispatcher answers questions, addresses concerns, and makes decisions based on training, where to direct the caller, and whether or not, to admit the wildlife to the Messinger Woods hospital.
4. The dispatcher is responsible for forwarding all conversational information and transcripts to the on line volunteer communications board immediately after their phone shift is over.
5. The dispatcher has the safety net of an experienced "on call" base person, should a call require attention that the dispatcher is unfamiliar with.
6. Once the phone shift is over, the dispatcher will disconnect from the system, and assure that the next shift dispatcher has connected.
7. Dispatcher volunteers must have computers with internet access, and email capabilities.
8. Dispatch volunteers must be polite, and courteous to all callers, and must abide by all Messinger Woods policies and regulations.
9. Dispatch volunteers must attend required dispatcher training sessions.

Dispatch volunteers must give sufficient advanced notice should schedule conflicts occur.

Home Care Satellite volunteers provide care to wildlife directly from their homes. Home care volunteers report directly to the Messinger Woods home care supervisor.

1. Home care volunteers provide care to wildlife from their homes. Home care volunteers are always on duty.

2. Home care providers must follow the directives of Messinger Woods’s policies and regulations.

3. Home care providers must have a minimum of at least 1 full season of volunteer experience at the Messinger Woods Hospital.

4. Home care volunteers must attend all required seasonal training sessions.

5. Home care volunteers may be provided with much of the equipment and supplies needs. Equipment not provided by Messinger Woods must be obtained at the expense of the volunteer.

6. The home care supervisor will coordinate all home care satellite issues.

7. All home care volunteers must follow all Federal and New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation laws and regulations