Big Cat Rescue needs you!
There are three ways to volunteer at Big Cat Rescue.
1. Volunteer on site. More here...
2. Intern for 3 months in exchange for lodging and the experience of a lifetime. More here...
3. Volunteer off site from your home town as an AdvoCat! More here...
See what our volunteers are up to by checking our our daily blogs.
This page contains a description of the volunteer program. If you would like to become a Big Cat Rescue Volunteer read this first and then come for a regular tour, followed by Volunteer Orientation on the days and times listed below. Sorry, no one under 18.
Thanks for
caring.
Volunteer Orientation is on the First Saturdays of each month therafter at 2:00 PM. Our monthly Volunteer Appreciation and Training meetings are held on the First Sunday of each month.
See a slide show of a typical day in the life of a volunteer HERE.
Volunteer Staff and Co-ordinators:
Initial contact for info: Denny Mitchell Volunteering@BigCatRescue.org
President: Jamie Veronica SaveTheCats@BigCatRescue.org (813) 323-3263
Initial Contact for Interns: Tiffany Deavor Intern1@BigCatRescue.org 813.323.2085
Operations Manager : Scott Lope Operations@BigCatRescue.org 813.323.5991
Vice President and Week End Co-ordinator: Cathy Neumann Intern@BigCatRescue.org
Week End Co-ordinator: Jennifer Bush Enrichment@BigCatRescue.org 813.855.9751
This video shows you the inner workings of Big Cat Rescue and what YOU could be doing if you are dedicated to making the world a better place for the cats.
Big Cat Rescue's Volunteer Orientation
We know your time is valuable and we appreciate your interest in supporting us. With that in mind, please review the following information prior to this orientation:
~Volunteers must be 18 years of age.
~You must have taken our general tour on a separate day prior to this orientation.
~The cost of the volunteer orientation is $55 per person . This is to cover the cost of your books and volunteer shirt. This must be paid before you attend orientation.
~Orientation begins promptly at 2pm and in order to reduce distractions to others that are attending, we ask that if you cannot arrive on time, please plan to attend the next orientation.
~Your orientation class is followed by an interview with our volunteer committee. The entire process can take 2-3 hours.
~If your interest is in working with the animals, please keep in mind that in general, the keeper hours begin daily at 8:30am. This means you must be available for morning work. The minimum hour requirement for new volunteers is 16 hours per month.
~During your interview, you will be asked to give a date when you can begin working. Please have a date in mind that you can begin. If you are not ready to start within the week, then we ask that you wait to take the next orientation.
Again, thank you for considering volunteering with Big Cat Rescue. If, however, you cannot meet any one of these guidelines, we ask that you attend an orientation class that will better fit your schedule.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Congratulations! You have decided to become a volunteer at Big Cat Rescue. This will be the most rewarding experience you will ever have and we look forward to having you join our team.
Big Cat Rescue is a unique sanctuary dedicated to the care of abused, orphaned, abandoned, unwanted, and elderly wild & exotic animals. The operation of this facility is very costly and relies heavily on an active volunteer organization to help offset some of those costs, as well as allowing us to provide a better life for the animals.
The Big Cat Rescue Volunteer Program consists of two distinct departments with diverse skill levels and responsibilities designated by shirt color. These levels are designed to enhance volunteer strengths and meet the varied needs of the sanctuary.
Volunteers begin in either Keeper Training to learn animal husbandry or Administrative Training to learn tour guiding and guest relations. Much of the initial training consists of the basic knowledge needed to be a valued volunteer. As a trainee advances through the program the trainee will learn specific skills pertaining to a particular department.
The levels of advancement within each department are as follows:
Animal Husbandry Partnerships
Keeper Trainee - Red Shirt
Partner Trainee - Red Shirt
Keeper - Yellow Shirt
Partner - Yellow Shirt
Senior Keeper - Green Shirt
Senior Partner - Green Shirt
Master Keeper - Navy
Staff - Brown or Royal Blue
Intern - Blue
Animal Husbandry
Keeper Trainee
Keeper Trainees are considered a probationary level. A volunteer serving at this level will work under the direct supervision of a ranking volunteer.
Keeper Trainee duties may include feeding lemurs and hoof stock, sorting produce, cleaning (Geoffrey Cats to Siberian Lynx), serving as a tour back up, housekeeping, domestic cat care, and perimeter checks.
Keeper Trainees must maintain 16 hours of on-site volunteer time per month (4 hours a week) and must complete training classes for the Keeper Trainee level within in the first 3 months of beginning the program.
Keeper Trainee Classes & Certifications (in order of which they are to be taken):
Cleaning Small Cats Certification (offered the first volunteer day by a certified trainer)
Animal Observation Class
Animal Emergency Class
Human First Aid
Interaction Certification
Tour Back Up, Gate Operation, and Guest Relations Certification
Events Class
After six consecutive months of maintaining minimum hours at Keeper Trainee level and successful completion of all Keeper Trainee Classes and Certification, a Keeper Trainee can apply for promotion (in writing to the Volunteer Committee) to the Keeper level.
Keeper
Keepers must obtain and maintain their own Motorola Talk-About radio.
Keeper duties may include Trainee duties, cleaning (Cougars to Leopards/Jaguars), feeding cats, guiding tours, leading projects, and training Trainees.
Keepers must maintain 24 hours of on-site volunteer time per month (6 hours a week) and are eligible to take the following training classes .
Keeper Classes & Certifications (in order of which they are to be taken):
Cleaning Big Cats Certification
Feeding Cats Class and Certification
Animal Emergency Class Refresher (must be taken at least once a year)
Enrichment Class and Certification
Operant Training Class and Certification
Tour Class and Certification
Guest Orientation Certification
Special Tour Certification (Feeding Tours , Night Tours , Expeditions, & Kid Tours )
After one year of maintaining minimum hours at Keeper level and successful completion of all Keeper Classes and Certification, a Keeper can apply (in writing to the Volunteer Committee) for promotion to the Senior Keeper level.
Senior Keeper
A Senior Keeper is eligible to assist a Curator or Master Keeper. A Senior Keeper must be able to perform at least Partner (yellow shirt level) duties.
Senior Keeper duties may include Trainee & Keeper duties, cleaning (Tigers & Lions), feeding cats, guiding special tours, leading projects, and training Trainees & Keepers.
Senior Keepers must maintain 32 hours of on-site volunteer time per month (8 hours a week) and are eligible to take the following training classes.
Senior Keeper Classes & Certifications (in order of which they are to be taken):
Cleaning Lions and Tigers Certification
Animal Emergency Class Refresher (must be taken at least once a year)
Advancement to the Master Keeper Level is by recruitment only. This level cannot be applied for.
Master Keeper
The Master Keeper is nominated and majority approved by the Volunteer Committee. The Master Keeper must be able to perform at least Senior Partner (green shirt level) duties.
Master Keeper duties may include Trainee, Keeper & Senior Keeper duties, cleaning & maintaining quarantine animals, administering meds, transporting animals to & from the vet, feeding special needs animals, assist in animal emergencies, transfer of animals on the property, coordinating cleaning, feeding, & tours, assigned tasks by a Curator, and training Trainees, Keepers, and Senior Keepers.
A Master Keeper may be entrusted with keys to the med cabinet.
Master Keepers must maintain 120 hours of on-site volunteer time per month (30 hours a week) and are eligible to take the following training classes.
Master Keeper Certification:
Med Administration Certification
Quarantine Cleaning Certification
Animal Emergency Class Refresher (must be taken at least once a year)
Curator
The Curator is nominated and majority approved by the Board of Directors. The Curator must be able to perform at least Senior Partner (green shirt level) duties as well as Master Keeper duties.
The Curator serves on the Volunteer Committee and duties may include writing Standard Operation Procedures & Volunteer Program revisions, attending routine monthly meetings to discuss issues concerning the sanctuary, it's animals, volunteers, visitors, grounds, & various projects, disciplinary actions, promotions and rewards within the volunteer program, hosting monthly meetings for all volunteer levels, attending off-site classes to further improve operations, maintaining master records and filing, and any other responsibilities deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
Partner Trainee:
Partner Trainees are considered a probationary level. A volunteer serving at this level will work under the direct supervision of a ranking volunteer.
Partner Trainee duties may include backing up tours, assisting with sign in, gate operations, & parking, cleaning cabins as well as guest & common areas, filling purified water bottles for animals, assigned duties within the office, education center, file room, or gift shop.
Partner Trainees must maintain 16 hours of volunteer time per month (4 hours a week) and must complete training classes for the Partner Trainee level within the first 3 months of beginning the program.
Partner Trainee Classes & Certifications (in order of which they are to be taken):
Safari Guide Reading and Test
Tour Back Up, Gate Operation, and Guest Relations Certification
Human First Aid Class
Animal Observation Class and Certification
Animal Emergency Class
Events Class
After six consecutive months of maintaining minimum hours at Partner Trainee level and successful completion of all Partner Trainee Classes and Certification, a Partner Trainee can apply for promotion (in writing to the Volunteer Committee) to the Partner level.
Partner
Partner duties may include Partner Trainee duties, guiding day tours, assisting with off-site events, guest orientation, using office equipment, filing and record keeping, training Partner Trainees.
Partners must maintain 24 hours of volunteer time per month (6 hours a week) and are eligible to take the following training classes.
Partner Classes & Certifications (in order of which they are taken):
Animal Emergency Class Refresher (must be taken at least once a year)
Enrichment Class and Certification
Operant Training Class and Certification
Tour Class and Certification
Guest Orientation Certification
After twelve consecutive months of maintaining minimum hours at Partner level and successful completion of all Partner Classes and Certification, a Partner can apply for promotion (in writing to the Volunteer Committee) to the Senior Partner level.
Senior Partner
Senior Partner duties may include Trainee & Partner duties, volunteer orientation, Expedition orientation, outreaches, confidential filing, gift shop transactions, soliciting donations, donation pick up, shipping and receiving, answering phones, training and leading Trainees and Partners, and assigned duties by a Curator.
Senior Partners must maintain 32 hours of volunteer time per month (8 hours a week) and are eligible to take the following training classes.
Senior Partner Classes & Certifications (in order of which they are taken):
Volunteer Orientation Certification
Gift Shop Transaction Certification
Animal Emergency Class Refresher (must be taken at least once a year)
VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT
Policies:
Dress Code:
Volunteers must wear a Volunteer shirt at all times while on the property. Each volunteer must wear a shirt the color designated for his or her level. Volunteer tank tops are available, but are only to be worn when working on a project (i.e. not when working with guests). Volunteers are visible to guests at any time while on the property and must look presentable. Volunteers that are giving tours or assisting with events must wear a clean Volunteer shirt. Khaki logo shirts are available, but are only to be worn when giving a tour or assisting with an event. Appropriately colored Volunteer shirt must be worn underneath the Khaki logo shirt. Closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times while on the property. Excess jewelry or heavily scented products should not be worn. Pants should be jeans or Dockers. Shorts are not recommended, but will be tolerated if worn in presentable length. Any clothing, including Volunteer shirts, must be in presentable, unaltered condition. Volunteers may get wet or dirty while working and may want to bring an extra set of clothes. Volunteer sweatshirts are available for each shirt color level. Any other sweatshirts, sweaters, or jackets must be worn underneath the Volunteer shirt. Raingear must be the appropriate color for each level.
Volunteer Sign In:
Volunteers must sign in and out each time they come to volunteer. Time must be logged on the computer system daily and must be completed with name, date, and hours in and out. These time records will be monitored frequently to assure maintenance of Volunteer level responsibilities. There is a Volunteer N otice Board, that should be checked frequently for important information, such as new events scheduled, rule changes, cat information, etc. Volunteers must also verbally check in and out with a Volunteer Coordinator in order to receive work assignments and so that the Coordinator can keep track of the Volunteer's progress.
Volunteer Meetings:
Volunteer Meetings will be held at 12:00 PM on the third Sunday of every month. It is important that all volunteers attend these meetings. Any volunteer that is absent from a meeting must read and sign the minutes, for that meeting, posted in the Volunteer Lounge.
Volunteer Committee:
Any suggestions, ideas, or grievances may be addressed to the Volunteer Committee by putting a copy of the note in the folder labeled "Volunteer Committee", which is located in the Main Office. Each volunteer is very important and his or her input is vital to sustaining a successful Volunteer Program. Each volunteer is encouraged to be an active participant at Big Cat Rescue.
Leave of Absence:
A volunteer may be granted a temporary leave of absence, or a period of reduced activity, for a good cause (illness, travel, etc.). This absence or period of reduced activity can last no longer than one month. The volunteer will not be penalized for not meeting their maintenance requirements and will not lose their status, during the designated period, subject to Volunteer Committee approval. The Volunteer Committee will evaluate any absences in excess of one month on a case-by-case basis. Trainees may not request a leave of absence. Any Trainee not meeting minimum obligations may be required to repeat the orientation process and start the volunteer program over again.
Demotions :
Any volunteer who does not meet the requirements for their level will be reduced to the level for which requirements are being met. The Volunteer Committee reserves the right to query volunteers, either in writing or in person, in order to establish whether or not requirements are, or are not, being met before making their determination.
Dismissals:
The Volunteer Committee retains the right to permanently excuse anyone from the program or from the property if his or her conduct is deemed unbecoming for a Volunteer representing Big Cat Rescue.
Access to the Property:
Volunteers will not operate the front gate nor allow access to the property to anyone with out proper training. If you do not recognize someone on the property, as a volunteer or staff member, politely ask if you can help him or her. Explain that they must be escorted by a volunteer or staff member. Lead them to the guest sign in and alert a Coordinator, Staff or Committee Member. (Cabin or Expedition Guests will have a guest pass around their neck or be wearing a gray volunteer shirt.) N o person shall enter the property without having completed a "Release & Hold Harmless Agreement". If you have been entrusted with the gate code or keys, do not share these with anyone. Volunteers have the responsibility of making sure the gate is completely shut behind them as they enter and exit the property.
Personal Tours :
All personal tours must be pre-approved by a Staff or Committee Member and be led by a Certified Tour Guide.
Safety:
No part of your person shall come within three feet of any cage. Under no circumstances is any person to run or horseplay on the property. Any person feeling under the weather should contact his or her coordinator to reschedule his or her volunteer time. Smoking is permitted in designated "smoking areas" only. Absolutely no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the property at any time. N o person shall enter the premises for eight hours after having consumed any alcoholic beverage or narcotics. Any person believed to be impaired due to alcohol or drugs will be immediately removed from the property.
Animal Care:
No animal abuse of any kind will be tolerated (this includes teasing) which is grounds for immediate dismissal. No food or toys shall be offered to any animal without prior approval from a Staff or Committee Member. N o animal shall ever be removed from its cage or enclosure without the expressed consent of the Staff or a Committee Member.
Grounds Maintenance:
All Volunteers are responsible for proper disposal of his or her trash as well as that of Guests or other Volunteers. When a volunteer completes a project, they must put away all tools and excess materials and debris.
Code of Conduct:
Rumor control is everyone's responsibility. The spreading of inappropriate information to fellow volunteers or the public will not be tolerated. This includes questioning of the judgments or actions of the Senior Volunteers, Curators, Staff, or Veterinarian care. While a Volunteer is on the property or at an event or outreach they are representing Big Cat Rescue. With this in mind please dress appropriately and refrain from using offensive language. If you do not know the answer to a question asked of you, do not make one up. Tell the person that you will find out for them and then do so. Bad information is worse than none at all and each Volunteer's words are a reflections of Big Cat Rescue's mission.
Infractions:
The above policies and code of conduct apply to all Volunteers, Staff, and Guests while on the property. Each person is responsible to abide by and enforce these policies and the code of conduct. Any infraction of the policies or code of conduct needs to be immediately brought to the violator's attention as well as to the Volunteer Coordinator and the Volunteer Committee. The Volunteer Committee will decide the appropriate action or disciplinary measure (demotion, dismissal, etc.). Any infraction of these policies or the code of conduct will result in an Incident Report, which will become permanent record in the violators' file.
Be a part of the best trained team in the animal kingdom! Be a Big Cat Volunteer!
If you can't volunteer onsight, check out our AdvoCat Program
Meet our Big Cat Rescue Volunteers
See Big Cat Rescuers in action assisting Jungle Friends with cage building HERE.
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| Volunteer movie clip | Make A Difference movie clip | Buy Big Cat Rescue Movie |
These clips are about two minutes long each and will take 2 minutes to load with DSL. If you only see a white box, you don't have a Quick Time Player. You may want to be surfing our site (be sure to open another window) while these load. You can then come back and watch them at your leisure after that. The sound on these clips is hissy because the files have been reduced in size to play faster. The quailty on the movie for sale is excellent.
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