:: The Cat House ::

Volunteering at EFBC/FCC

Visitors to EFBC/FCC are interested in cat species, habits, their plight in the wild today, personal quirks of individual cats, and more. The visitors often remark on how clean the grounds are, how happy the cats look, and how it doesn't smell as bad as they expected. What they don't know is that the same people answering their questions also assist in caring for the cats, and that they can work here too - no experience is necessary! We will train you in everything you need to know. You MUST be age 18 or older and follow directions well.

Zookeeping
Observe wild feline behavior and learn about animal husbandry. Involves cleaning cages, often in inclement weather. Can be physically strenuous. Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, minimum 1 day per week (closed Wednesdays)

Kitchen Help
Help prepare food and clean our dietary preparation center. Flexible hours.

Yard Docents
Help educate the visiting public of all ages by answering questions and giving tours. Flexible hours between 10 am and 4 pm.

Groundskeeping/Maintenance
Work with our maintenance staff, special skills like welding, auto repair, electrical always needed. Hours: coordinate with staff

Special Events
Extra help is needed at our special events 3-4 times a year.

We have volunteer orientation the first Sunday of every month (unless it's a holiday) at 10 am. Check the main page or call the gift shop to verify the dates. Our training program will be described to you then.

Other Volunteer Activities- we've had information booths at many places - Palmdale Festival, Poppy Festival, farmer's markets, the WildNet Conservation Expo.

Internships

EFBC's Feline Conservation Center has limited availability for qualified interns. The internship is a minimum 12 week program; however, longer durations can be considered.

The program provides first hand training and experience in maintaining wild felines in captivity including:

Animal husbandry including habitat cleaning and maintenance
Behavioral observation including maintenance of health, food, and medication charts
Animal enrichment development and administration
Dietary preparation
Observation and assistance in medical procedures if situation allows for it. Interns majoring in veterinary medicine may have an opportunity to work with our veterinarian at their private clinic as well
Hand rearing and neonate training if available
Education of public via tour leadership; possible off-site lectures
Paperwork required for maintaining wild felines in captivity such as permits for import, export, ISIS tracking, MedArks recording, USDA inspections, Veterinary Care programs, federal & state regulations

Working with over 18 different feline species will give you insight into the varying species' behaviors, breeding, gestations, etc

EFBC is a nonprofit organization and offers no stipend to interns. On site housing can be provided for two-three interns at a time, at a rate of $55 per week each. On site housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you prefer to arrange outside housing, EFBC will attempt to put you in contact with other interns wishing to do the same and who are interested in sharing expenses with roommates

The issuance of college credits is dependent on your university

Application Requirements:
Cover letter: include your career goals and how this program will assist you in achieving those goals, requested duration and an estimate of arrival/departure dates, and if you require on-site housing
Complete CV including GPA and prior work history
Recent negative TB test

Submit via email, fax, or mail to:
Christy Cregut, Operations Manager
EFBC's Feline Conservation Center
3718 60th St West
Rosamond CA 93560
661-256-6867 fax
email: christy.efbc.cregut@gmail.com

interns
August 2016 interns with anasthesized Pallas' Cat kitten

June 2015 Staff/Volunteer Meeting Picture
volunteers