Volunteer at DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center
Our Volunteer Program
Our Forest Preserve District’s volunteer program is designed to engage volunteers who are willing to donate their time, talents, and resources to support staff and programs in carrying out the mission, purpose, and guiding principles. The volunteer program offers opportunities to assist and support staff across many diverse programs.
For more information about our volunteer programs, contact Volunteer Services at 630-933-7233 or volunteer@dupageforest.org.
Volunteer at Willowbrook Wildlife Center
Willowbrook Widlife Center’s volunteers assist staff care for and rehabilitate native wildlife and educate residents, school children, and visitors about living in harmony with wild animals. Others prepare specialized diets and help keep cages clean. Some volunteers lend a special hand as clinic assistants or help with outreach during educational programs.
The center is located in Glen Ellyn.
Volunteer Positions
Commitment: Weekly (4 hours/week)
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
Assist staff and share in the care, feeding, and safekeeping of a variety of wildlife at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. There may be situations and tasks where the volunteers interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Commitment: Weekly (4 hours/week)
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
Assist staff in the care, feeding, and safekeeping of reptiles and amphibians at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. There may be situations and tasks where the volunteers interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Commitment: 16 hours/week for 6 weeks
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
Assist staff and share in the care, feeding, and safekeeping of a variety of wildlife at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Students must meet specific educational requirements and will interview with Willowbrook staff to determine placement and shift. Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. There may be situations and tasks where the volunteers interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information.
Commitment: Seasonal (June – Aug., 4 hours/week)
Minimum Age: 13 – 17
Application Deadline: Feb. 1
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
Assist staff and share in the care, feeding, and safekeeping of a variety of wildlife at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Junior keepers must be 13 – 17 years old and will need to submit a volunteer application and interview to be considered for placement in the program. Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. There may be situations and tasks where the volunteers interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Commitment: Weekly (4 hours/week)
Minimum Age: None
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
Assist staff in providing medical care to a variety of wildlife at the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Must possess a veterinary technician degree from an accredited institution. Assist with special cases, examinations, and euthanasia. Volunteer veterinarians work under the direction of Willowbrook’s staff veterinarian, providing professional veterinary services to help injured wildlife of DuPage. They spend most of their time performing initial examinations and providing diagnostic expertise as well as formulating initial diagnosis and prognosis on all animals for rehabilitation. With staff assistance, they may treat adult raptors, shore birds, and adult carnivores, such as raccoons and foxes.
Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. There may be situations and tasks where the volunteers interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Commitment: Weekly (4 hours/week)
Minimum Age: None
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
Assist staff in providing medical care to a variety of wildlife at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Must possess a veterinary technician degree from an accredited institution. Assist with special cases and examinations. Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. There may be situations and tasks where the volunteers interact with the public and respond to questions and requests for information. Direction and training is received from staff.
Commitment: Weekly (4 hours/week)
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: None
Distinguishing Features of the Position:
Assist staff with clerical projects, interacting with the public and responding to questions and requests for information. Duties may vary at the discretion of District staff. Direction and training is received from staff.
