Wildlife Volunteer Facilitator

ABOUT

Our orangutan volunteer program supports a vital rehabilitation center in Sarawak, Malaysia. This government-managed facility plays a critical role in conserving Borneo's biodiversity, but requires ongoing support. As a Volunteer Facilitator, you'll play a key role by managing our volunteer program and ensuring each individual makes a meaningful contribution to the center's work. By minimizing administrative costs, we maximize funding for animal care

THE ROLE

Volunteer Facilitators are the backbone of our programme. Without their guidance and support, volunteer projects would not be effective and could even strain our resources. This role is crucial for ensuring that each volunteer group contributes meaningfully to the well-being of our animals.

While working alongside incredible wildlife is rewarding, this role primarily focuses on managing people. It requires exceptional interpersonal skills to guide a diverse group of volunteers, many of whom are unfamiliar with each other and the centre, towards achieving meaningful outcomes within a short timeframe.

Facilitators lead volunteers in essential tasks such as animal husbandry, enrichment, construction, and maintenance. These tasks often involve physical labour in challenging conditions, such as the equatorial heat and humidity. Therefore, a good level of fitness is essential.

This role demands flexibility and adaptability. Schedules can change unexpectedly, requiring you to cover for other facilitators, assist with animal care, or provide support to volunteers in various ways. A positive attitude and a willingness to embrace the unexpected are crucial for success in this dynamic environment

A permanent, salaried position may be offered to suitable candidates after six months

KEY DUTIES

As a Volunteer Facilitator, your primary responsibility will be to lead and guide small groups of paying volunteers in a variety of animal-related tasks, including husbandry, food preparation, enrichment activities, construction, and centre maintenance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Welcoming volunteers upon arrival, conducting centre tours, and assisting with airport transfers and welcome dinners.
• Assisting volunteers with grocery shopping and planning weekend activities.
• Facilitating team-building activities and presentations on wildlife and conservation issues.
• Creating and managing volunteer work schedules.
• Providing support in all aspects of centre operations, including occasional animal care duties, which may involve irregular hours.

This role requires flexibility and adaptability. Schedules can change unexpectedly, and you may be required to assist with unforeseen tasks, including the care of infants or injured animals.

We are seeking individuals with strong interpersonal skills, a passion for wildlife conservation, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Fluency in English: Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Animal Husbandry Experience: Proven experience in animal husbandry, ideally with exotic or non-domestic animals.
• Cross-Cultural Awareness: Experience working or traveling in Southeast Asia, with a good understanding of and respect for local Muslim culture and customs.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to work in hot and humid conditions and meet physical fitness requirements.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent software
• Customer Service Excellence: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with people of all ages and cultures.
• Leadership & Management: Demonstrated leadership and people management skills.
• Organisational & Time Management: Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise
• tasks effectively.
• Positive Attitude: A positive and self-motivated approach to work.

DESIRABLE:

• First Aid Certification: Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• Veterinary Experience: Prior experience working in a veterinary setting.
• Wildlife Conservation Background: Experience or qualifications in wildlife conservation.
• Presentation & Editing Skills: Experience in developing and editing presentations and other educational materials.

PERSONALITY

• High Energy and Inspiring: Ability to maintain high energy levels and inspire and educate volunteers.
• Consistency and Self-Regulation: Maintain a consistent and professional demeanor with all volunteers, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for everyone.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to effectively manage and facilitate groups of volunteers, fostering a positive and cohesive team environment.
• Comfort with Rural Living: Ability to thrive in a rural setting with limited social interaction outside of the volunteer groups.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: willingness to adapt to changing schedules and unexpected situations.
• Professionalism and Boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries while interacting with volunteers, avoiding favouritism and excessive social interaction.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• As a long-term volunteer, you'll join a small team working towards shared conservation goals. This voluntary role may be ended by either party, and a one-month probation period applies. You'll report to the programme manager.
• This role is full-time ( 5 days a week, 2 days off) for a minimum of 3 months, although 6 months would be more desirable. Your working hours are: 8 to 5 pm with a 2-hour lunch break.
• Accommodation and a food allowance are provided.
• The cost of flights to and from Sarawak and any vaccinations, visa fees are excluded

A permanent, salaried position may be offered to suitable candidates after six months.

HOW TO APPLY

Email your CV and motivation letter to: contact@malaysianwildlife.org

Deadline: 28 February 2025