4. Teen Volunteers

2011 - 2012 Program

We have had many requests from teenagers who want to volunteer here at the Sanctuary, but our Volunteer programs only accept applicants aged over 18. We have now started a Volunteer program during school holidays & weekends especially for Teenage Volunteers.

Activities of a Teen Volunteer
The Teen Volunteer program consists of a team of friendly young people who attend the Sanctuary during weekends and school holidays, to welcome, inform and assist our guests to enjoy the attractions of the Sanctuary. You must be a person who is comfortable talking to visitors as this is the major part of the role. There will be some animal interaction, but the major focus is on providing friendly guest contact. The Teen Volunteer program operates during school holidays, on weekends and on public holidays during term time.

Each shift, you will work under the supervision of a Duty Volunteer and your day may include such duties as:

assisting at the daily Lorikeet feeding sessions
chaperoning our CWS Mascots Performers around the park
chatting with visitors about park attractions & information
working in the Kangaroo petting paddock and the Veterinary Hospital precinct – informing guests about the animals currently in care and rehab.
choose from 2 shifts a day which are from 7.45 am to 12.30pm, or 12.15 pm to 5.00pm (with a 15 minute break per shift).

You must be able to meet the following criteria:

You must be aged between 15 and 18 years old.
Must have good availability over term holidays and 4 weeks availability over the Christmas break.
Must be a friendly communicator, and be confident to assist guests with information about our attractions & animals.
Must be punctual and able to follow instructions.
Must be able to walk long distances and stand on your feet during your shift.
High standard of personal presentation, spoken English, & a courteous manner are required.
No allergies to animals, birds or dust.
Able to perform bending, lifting weights up to 10 kg and other moderate physical activities.
Be willing to wear the Volunteer uniform and comply with program standards.
Have a strong commitment to punctuality and reliability.
You must have access to email and the internet, as this is our mode of communicating with our Volunteers.
To join this program, you will require the written permission of a parent or guardian.

The Application process

COMPLETE THE ON-LINE APPLICATION FORM. You will need to complete the on-line application form, and acknowledge that you have the support of a parent or guardian to join this program. Click here to complete the application form.
INTERVIEW & TRIAL SHIFT AT CURRUMBIN SANCTUARY. After we receive your online application form, you will be then be contacted by the friendly Teen Volunteer Program Coordinator who will advise if there is a vacancy within the Teen Volunteer program. If so, you will be asked to come down to the Sanctuary for an interview where you will be given more information about the requirements of the role and we can assess your suitability to be successful in the role.
TRIAL SHIFT. If you are successful at that interview, arrangements will be made for you to attend a half day Trial shift with the Teen Volunteers. You can find out about the role first hand before you commit to the Teen Volunteer program, and we will view your people skills in action to make the final decision if you will be successful in the role and offered a place in the program.
INVITATION TO JOIN THE PROGRAM. You will be officially offered a place in the Teen Volunteer program and contacted to discuss your availability and go onto the roster

Entry to the Teen Volunteer program will cost $80, and this will fund your training materials, a Teen Vol polo shirt, hat and name badge which are yours to keep. You will need to provide your own suitable footwear and trousers/ shorts. Entry to this volunteering program also provides the benefit of free entry to the Sanctuary for you & your family whilst you are an active member in the program. You will also receive a certificate of participation when you exit the program; great for your resume!

Important note: Places within the Teen 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 meet the selection criteria & program requirements can be accepted into the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer programs.