Volunteer at Kaarakin

Help invest a small amount of time and energy to the continuation of our centre and the care of our birds and animals.

Are you able to give some of your time to the care of these unique native black cockatoos and the continuation of our rescue and rehabilitation centre? Volunteers are the backbone of our organisation and are on site every day, contributing to a great community project.

We require volunteers who can commit to a regular weekly morning shift from approximately 8 am to 11 am.

As well as black cockatoos, we also have galahs, emus, a variety of parrots, finches, kangaroos and dingoes on site. All these resident animals need daily cleaning, feeding and attention.

Volunteer roles at Kaarakin

Clinic volunteers: Husbandry and care of orphaned black cockatoos, injured adults, and those in the early stages of rehabilitation on a dedicated weekly morning shift. Conservation biology, vet nursing, vet students, animal studies backgrounds are a plus. Set hours may need to be completed as a Bird Keeper prior to working in our clinic.

(Please note that Perth Zoo provides the veterinary treatment of our black cockatoos on admission and releases them to us for ongoing rehabilitation when stable. We are a nursing facility.)

Bird Keeper: Husbandry and care of resident and rehabilitation birds & black cockatoos who are in the larger aviaries on a dedicated weekly morning shift. Training and mentoring is provided.

Dingo Handler: Husbandry and care of our resident dingoes. This role does not often become vacant and requires a firm commitment on a weekly morning shift and supervised introduction period when available. Interview required.

Wildlife Australia: Husbandry and care of our kangaroos, emus, peacocks, finches, galahs, and other Australian parrots on a dedicated weekly morning shift. Training and mentoring is provided.

Produce Team: Our small team picks up of fresh food donations from local stores 3 times per week using our vehicle. The team then sorts these donations and prepares the food for feeding out by keepers the next day(s). Training is provided. (Must be over the age of 25 for vehicle insurance purposes). 

Bird Transportation: Transportation of black cockatoos from various vet clinics and Perth Zoo to our facilities. This role is on call and done in the volunteer’s own vehicle. Handling training is provided.

Rescues: In the field rescues of black cockatoos wherever they may be required. These rescues include catching up black cockatoos in the field in situations where it is safe to do so. Then birds are transported to our facility or the Perth Zoo for care. Handling training is provided.

Nursery and Horticulture: We raise native plants, do plantings on site, and also sell some plants as part of fundraising. We’ve also grown vegetable gardens to support the diet of our animals. Green thumbs please enquire.

Other volunteering opportunities

We also welcome volunteers in various areas that offer more flexible times such as:

Tour Guides: Help with one of biggest fundraising areas by conducting private or small group tours of our facility, including leading encounters with friendly resident black cockatoos. Training is provided. Suits anyone with a love of these birds who has either regular or varied availability.

Education Guides/Assistants: Work with our Education officer and help educate the public at both incursions or excursions to schools, retirement homes, festivals and more with one of our resident ambassador black cockatoos.

Fundraising Team: Join our amazing team of fundraisers who work on planning events such as quiz night, online auctions, raffles, Tour Weekends, sausage sizzles and everything in between. This suits someone who would like to work from home and could attend team planning meetings.

Administration: We can always use office administration help in our on-site office. This includes entering volunteer hours, answering our main phone line, stocking supplies, cleaning, selling shirt and merchandise and other computer work during a morning shift. (Currently filled)

Marketing: Assisting our Marketing volunteer with various marketing and digital marketing activities including but not limited to e-commerce, graphic design, social media, content creation, copywriting, SEO, newsletters, photography, videography, editing, developing strategies. This suits someone who would like to work from home and could work with a project management tool such as Trello.

Writing stories for our newsletter: A fun role as you get to discover new things about Kaarakin and get to meet volunteers and the animal residents.

Help with writing grants: Research and writing a variety of grant applications as part of a team.

Internships and work experience opportunities

We have limited opportunities available. Please contact us today with your requirements for more information.

Other useful information

Volunteers come in all ages, shapes and sizes and can be found carrying out a variety of work on site to ensure our centre continues to prosper.

Please note:

  • Prospective volunteers must be over the age of 16 years to volunteer at Kaarakin. Some opportunity exists for 13-16 year olds to volunteer if accompanied by a parent or guardian while on site.
  • Kaarakin is located in bushland in the hills of Roleystone so there are no reliable public transport options if you do not have your own transport.
  • Availability of at least 6 months is preferred for all roles.

Kaarakin is very fortunate to attract interest from many wonderful and qualified volunteers, but does not always have shift openings. Please be aware that we may not have any opening at the time an application is made. Thank you for your understanding.

Register your interest to volunteer at Kaarakin