Volunteer Program

Volunteers make up a vital part of the California Wolf Center team, and we could not fulfill our mission without their time, talent, and support. We have volunteer opportunities at both our conservation facility and our downtown Julian visitor center and nature store.

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Open Volunteer Roles

Click the role title to learn more about the duties of each volunteer opportunity.

*Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and be available for a minimum of 8 hours per month for at least 6 months.

Current Opportunities

Education Program Volunteer

Share your passion and make a difference for wolves by educating the public on the important role wolves play in our ecosystem. You will start by assisting with our public tours to help dispel the myths that still haunt the reputation of wolves and improve public perception of these amazing animals.

If you are interested in giving tours, we will give you the training you need in order to present professionally and engage the public. Our educational programs include: the history of wolves, wolf facts, how wolves and other canids play an important part in our ecosystem, dispelling the “Big Bad Wolf” myths, and how our center is working to restore wolves to the wildlands they once roamed.

Facility Projects

Because we’re located in a rural and natural area, there is no shortage of groundskeeping and habitat projects, which include: facility clean-up, trail maintenance, raking, weed whacking, construction, carpentry, equipment maintenance, and much more!

Nature Store Assistant

Help spread the word about wolf recovery in a docent/guest relations role at our Visitor Center and Nature Store in downtown Julian. Duties include public outreach, upkeep of store inventory, guest assistance, and more!

Wolf Care

This role has specific requirements and the includes completion of specialized training.

Taking great care of our resident wolves includes husbandry duties such as feeding and watering, prepping wolf food, cleaning and stocking wolf care supplies and food, cleaning enclosures, helping with behavioral observations, and helping with veterinary care. Please note that husbandry positions are limited (and very popular) and it will take time to be fully trained in these duties.

Submit Your Volunteer Application

Fill out the volunteer application below and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

Expand to submit your volunteer application

California Wolf Center Wolf Care, Maintenance, and Education Internship Program

If you’re pursuing a career in wildlife conservation, biology, or other life science fields, consider becoming a California Wolf Center intern!

The internship program at the California Wolf Center provides engaging learning experiences designed to inspire an ethic of stewardship in the next generation, stimulate interest in conservation as a viable career option, and to increase the diversity of professionals working in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

While an internship at California Wolf Center is unpaid, there is no fee to participate and you will be gaining valuable skills and experience in your related field of interest applicable for college credit. All interns work hand-in-hand with California Wolf Center staff to gain knowledge and learn applicable skill sets in their chosen internship.

Wolf Care, Maintenance, and Education interns work closely with staff to care for our 24 resident wolves, prepare diets, learn habitat husbandry and facility maintenance, as well as engage the public on the importance of wolves, wolf conservation and how we at CWC promote communities coming together. An enthusiasm for wildlife conservation work is required!

By participating in this program, you will incur costs for travel, accommodations (if coming from out of the area), and transportation during the course of your internship. You are responsible for covering all of those costs.

For more information or additional questions please email Jacob Keeton, Education Manager.

Open for applications!

Requirements and Qualifications

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Available 3 days per week, for 3 consecutive months.
  • Interns are required to work at least TWO of the following days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
  • Pursuing or completed degree in related field (biology, animal behavior, or wildlife biology, zoology etc.)
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to work in extreme conditions including rain, snow, and heat
  • Must be in good physical condition and able to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds
  • Must provide your own transportation and housing
  • A valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record
  • Because the commute to our Conservation Facility includes ¾ of a mile of rugged dirt road, you must be willing to drive in and out on this dirt road regardless of weather conditions

How to Apply

Apply to the internship program by emailing Joseph Breshears, Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator. Please include the following:

  • A one to two page resume with cover letter
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Please specify your ideal start and end dates, and which internship type you would prefer in your cover letter

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round and start dates are flexible. Please see application deadlines below.

Summer: May 15
Fall, Winter, Spring: No deadline

Submit Your Intership Application

Career Opportunities

Although our volunteers make up a large part of our workforce, we do occasionally have openings for paid positions.