They heal because YOU care
Give an injured raptor
somewhere to land.
Volunteers are vital to the success of the mission at North Sky Raptor Sanctuary. Since the very beginning, our volunteers have played an important role in providing high quality care for countless birds of prey from all over Michigan, and enabled our capacity to provide dynamic educational programming to communities across the state!
Our goal is to foster an environment in which every volunteer feels safe and welcomed, engages in meaningful work, has opportunities to grow personally, and is genuinely valued for their contributions.
A few things to consider before applying:
-Working in close proximity to raptors requires substantial training and experience. For those interested in pursuing roles that include this, a tiered combination of self-led, seminar, and mentor based training is available.
-For the safety of all, contact with any animal entrusted to our care is limited to trained personnel only and, at all times, at the discretion of North Sky Raptor Sanctuary staff.
-Desirable traits for successful volunteers include: a desire and capacity to learn, strong communication skills, a willingness to understand and follow protocol, consistency and dependability, demonstrating respect in a team setting, maintaining a positive approach, and being open to both receiving and providing constructive feedback.
-Our requested minimum age for volunteering is 18.
-Space for all roles may be limited. We are unable to offer positions to all applicants.
-Be honest with yourself about the time you are willing to make available. Developing as an effective volunteer takes patience and dedication.
To apply, start by clicking the “Volunteer Inquiry” button below.
This will take you to our volunteer platform, Vome, where you will be asked to tell us a little about yourself and your volunteering interests.
Applications are reviewed by staff weekly, and select candidates can expect to be contacted via the email address provided by the applicant within 2 weeks.
We can’t do what we do, without YOU 💚
Volunteer Teams
Rescuers and Transporters
(Fast Paced, On-Call Availability)
Most patient recovery journeys begin with transportation, and a quick response is critical when the call for help comes in! This vital team of active volunteers often serve as the first point of contact for a caller who has found a bird requiring care.
Rescuers will make contact with the caller, gather information, assess the options, provide guidance, and often engage in the on-site rescue and containment of raptors in need of aid.
Transporters are not required to come into contact with birds, but ensure that patients located across the state are efficiently shuttled to an appropriate rehabilitator for crucial treatment, or that supplies make it to where they are needed most!
We always have need of engaged volunteers for these roles.
On-Site Volunteers
(Hands-On, Training Provided)
Working together to ensure that day to day needs of both patients and ambassadors are met, this team assists with cleaning, diet prep, habitat upkeep, observation, patient intake examination and diagnostics, as well as treatment and supportive care.
In this role, your responsibilities can grow alongside your training and experience, so while you shouldn’t expect to be handling birds on your very first day, we do provide ample opportunities for you to acquire the necessary skills and understanding at your own pace!
Community Education
(Public-Facing, Training Provided)
Help bring the wonder of raptors to YOUR community! This role bolsters remote educational programming efforts by assisting with set-up and takedown, engaging with children and adults at the artifact table, facilitating merchandise sales, and, with the required experience and training, the opportunity to assist in handling ambassadors during presentations.
Capacity Cultivation Volunteers
(Remote-Friendly, Flexible Hours)
Whether you have a knack for grant writing, enjoy crafting a social media presence, possess construction or maintenance experience, work with video or graphic design, have a passion for networking, or appreciate the subtle art of donor acquisition and engagement, there are so many ways to make an impact.
Working mostly behind the scenes, from home, or more sporadically, these roles are what make it all possible!
