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December 2020 update:
As our busy season has wound down, we are currently not looking for additional volunteers at this time. Please consider joining us next spring when things pick up again. Interns may continue to submit applications for the 2021 program.
As our busy season has wound down, we are currently not looking for additional volunteers at this time. Please consider joining us next spring when things pick up again. Interns may continue to submit applications for the 2021 program.
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Volunteer or Intern with Wolf Mountain!
Volunteers are defined as those who help at the Center on a regular basis, over a long period of time, such as months or even years. All volunteers are expected to work at least 12 hours a month; however, volunteering more time is greatly appreciated. See below for typical volunteer duties. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and have reliable transportation.
Interns should be currently enrolled in a related college program such as biology, pre-veterinarian, wildlife management, environmental conservation, etc. Successful interns possess the ability to work with the public, are comfortable with public speaking, are a team player, able to work independently, are capable of performing physical labor, and have the mandatory attributes of being reliable, friendly, flexible, and trustworthy. A minimum commitment of 15 hours per week for eight consecutive weeks is expected for interns. Internship opportunities are available between the months of May - August only. In addition to the volunteer duties listed below, our non-paid interns are expected to also lead tours and ecology based woodland hikes, create and/or present educational materials for bulletin boards and presentations, develop animal enrichment programs, and observe/record animal behaviors (a more complete list of responsibilities will be provided upon application). Currently we have extremely limited, very rustic and primitive on-site housing for interns, thus we encourage you to make other arrangements for accommodations.
Interested persons who wish to be considered to become a part of either our Volunteer and Intern Program must complete and submit an application. Please note: incomplete applications will not be honored.
Volunteers and Interns accepted into our program will be required to complete a mandatory training program provided by center staff.
Volunteers are defined as those who help at the Center on a regular basis, over a long period of time, such as months or even years. All volunteers are expected to work at least 12 hours a month; however, volunteering more time is greatly appreciated. See below for typical volunteer duties. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and have reliable transportation.
Interns should be currently enrolled in a related college program such as biology, pre-veterinarian, wildlife management, environmental conservation, etc. Successful interns possess the ability to work with the public, are comfortable with public speaking, are a team player, able to work independently, are capable of performing physical labor, and have the mandatory attributes of being reliable, friendly, flexible, and trustworthy. A minimum commitment of 15 hours per week for eight consecutive weeks is expected for interns. Internship opportunities are available between the months of May - August only. In addition to the volunteer duties listed below, our non-paid interns are expected to also lead tours and ecology based woodland hikes, create and/or present educational materials for bulletin boards and presentations, develop animal enrichment programs, and observe/record animal behaviors (a more complete list of responsibilities will be provided upon application). Currently we have extremely limited, very rustic and primitive on-site housing for interns, thus we encourage you to make other arrangements for accommodations.
Interested persons who wish to be considered to become a part of either our Volunteer and Intern Program must complete and submit an application. Please note: incomplete applications will not be honored.
Volunteers and Interns accepted into our program will be required to complete a mandatory training program provided by center staff.
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Typical volunteer duties include:
(please note that many volunteers often assist in several of the following categories as needed; so, it is not necessary to choose just one!) > admissions/gift shop: welcome guests, collect admission fees, provide basic park info to guests, ring up sales, maintain organized inventory > construction/maintenance: assist with erection & maintenance of fencing & enclosures, building benches, picnic tables, animal shelters & platforms, maintain current structures > grounds keeping/landscaping: mow, weed, plant, haul brush and stone, stack wood, spread wood chips and maintain trails > educational guides: greet and provide educational information to public, give tours, share information about the center, its animals, and the environment, create educational supplements such as power points, bulletin boards, & activities Please note: While we can certainly appreciate the desire many folks have to be able to touch and have physical contact with a wolf, animal interaction is a responsibility given only with time and experience. Staff who interact with the animals have many hours (literally hundreds!) of experience and training and have proven their dedication & dependability at our center prior to entering any wolf enclosures. Gaining a thorough knowledge of the animals is important before interacting with them. Our wolves are socialized, but we must follow very strict guidelines for both human safety and that of the animals. We are not a petting zoo; when staff enter enclosures it is for a direct purpose and not for entertainment or personal satisfaction. New volunteers will need to complete training, listen to the lectures, and learn as much about the animals as possible. Only those with experience gained at our center, approved by our Head Animal Caretaker, and listed on our DEC license can enter wolf enclosures. This process typically takes many, many months. 
guided tours
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prepping for special events
construction/maintenance projects
educational programs
team building and fun!
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Meet some of our core volunteers at THE Wolf Mountain Nature Center!
[each has volunteered over 200 hours so far in 2020!]
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Pam Mennis
...began helping out at the center in April 2012 as a fill-in cashier in our gift shop. Only days later, our 4 coyote pups were born and Pam immediately took on the role of assisting with bottle-feedings, cleanup, puppy sitting, and socializing the coyotes! She is one of our Animal Caretakers and has since been a "puppy parent" to a litter of four coyotes, four fox kits, and eleven wolf pups! Now living in a cozy log cabin located at the center, she manages gift shop operations, organizes the volunteer program, coordinates scheduling of field trips to Wolf Mountain, oversees our summer camping programs, regularly feeds, cleans up after, and socializes with the animals, and assists with enclosure building, landscaping, providing educational tours to visitors, putting up tipis, and posts updates on our Facebook site! Recently retired, Pam now has more time to dedicate to her family, the center, and pursuing her interests in the environment and wildlife! |
Pam socializing with Tala
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Tala & Dean
Dean Barney
...is one of our Animal Caretakers. He joined our team in December 2016 by serving hot cocoa to visitors at our winter festival. He was new to the area and looking for cool things to do and ended up at Wolf Mountain! A rather quiet guy, he has a very contagious smile and is willing to do any and everything asked of him. Dean was one of our puppy parents to Cypress and Tauriel and continues that bond today--he is now learning what the new "wolf rules" are as the pups have transitioned to adulthood! Dean runs educational programs at all of our exhibits, leads wolf photography sessions and has assisted with the construction of several of the animal habitats. When he doesn't feel like working out at the gym, he comes to the center and fills/hauls gravel buckets for enclosures--a grueling task to be sure!
When he's not helping at the center, Dean teaches Special Education classes at the local BOCES, works out, loves painting, and spends lots of time hiking mountains!
...is one of our Animal Caretakers. He joined our team in December 2016 by serving hot cocoa to visitors at our winter festival. He was new to the area and looking for cool things to do and ended up at Wolf Mountain! A rather quiet guy, he has a very contagious smile and is willing to do any and everything asked of him. Dean was one of our puppy parents to Cypress and Tauriel and continues that bond today--he is now learning what the new "wolf rules" are as the pups have transitioned to adulthood! Dean runs educational programs at all of our exhibits, leads wolf photography sessions and has assisted with the construction of several of the animal habitats. When he doesn't feel like working out at the gym, he comes to the center and fills/hauls gravel buckets for enclosures--a grueling task to be sure!
When he's not helping at the center, Dean teaches Special Education classes at the local BOCES, works out, loves painting, and spends lots of time hiking mountains!
Dave with our Eastern Coyotes.
Dave Conner
...has been volunteering at the center since 2011. He can often be found giving informational tours at the Arctic Fox enclosure and loves to spend time with our coyotes! Another of our Animal Caretakers, he also helps out with class field trips at the center and can identify just about any tree on our wooded hiking trails! Dave assists with enclosure and building construction projects. His latest endeavor is creating carved walking sticks which he donates to the gift shop for sale to visitors. He often shows up at a moment's notice to help with special projects and is willing to do just about anything as long as it helps out the center!
Dave is "retired" from his job, but still has jobs throughout the community. He also is an avid hiker and loves to share his stories and to spend time with his family at his lake house.
...has been volunteering at the center since 2011. He can often be found giving informational tours at the Arctic Fox enclosure and loves to spend time with our coyotes! Another of our Animal Caretakers, he also helps out with class field trips at the center and can identify just about any tree on our wooded hiking trails! Dave assists with enclosure and building construction projects. His latest endeavor is creating carved walking sticks which he donates to the gift shop for sale to visitors. He often shows up at a moment's notice to help with special projects and is willing to do just about anything as long as it helps out the center!
Dave is "retired" from his job, but still has jobs throughout the community. He also is an avid hiker and loves to share his stories and to spend time with his family at his lake house.
Peg at the head of our nature trails
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Peg Fuller
...began her volunteer journey with the Center in March 2020; she was here one week and covid hit, forcing us to shut down to visitors. Peg continued to show up, often with husband or friends in tow, to mow, rake, and clear the new Memorial Garden. Once that was complete, she tackled our nature trails, creating new pathways through the forest for visitors to enjoy once we reopened. Having been a long time active volunteer at a nearby Border Collie rescue until they relocated to Virginia, Peg easily transitioned into Wolf Mountain and is quickly learning the fox and wolf programs, how to put up new fencing, and is willing to do anything asked to help the Center. A retired Police Captain, Peg currently serves as president of a local hiking club and is on the Board of Directors for the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. She enjoys hiking, photography, the outdoors (except snakes!), and has several of her own canines to care for. |
Karley getting a wolf smooch from Nakoa
Karley Bush
...first began working at the center as a college intern in the summer of 2016. A super quick learner, she mastered tours, information stations, the gift shop register, and many various animal enrichment programs! Now an Animal Caretaker, Karley played a huge role as a puppy parent, driving several hours to get here. Her exuberant personality and never ending energy is truly appreciated and contagious. She has a wonderful knack for getting things done efficiently and is fantastic with the animals. Karley also leads educational programs for visitors and has been crucial with co-coordinating our summer camp out programs. Most recently, she has taken on the responsibility of Intern Coordinator. Recently Karley had the opportunity to spend several days at Wolf Park in Indiana learning wolf care techniques from their staff.
When not at the center, Karley works a full time job, spends time with her own dogs, and plans on returning to college in the near future.
Devin showing off our Dire Wolf skull
Devin Fortman
...joined our team in summer of 2017, Devin showed up with amazing credentials and started as a volunteer almost immediately! With experience in field ecology, environmental education, trail maintenance, and degrees in Biology and Wildlife Management (he even spent time in South Africa as a Research Assistant assessing the impact of elephant and rhinoceros ranges!), Devin has become a valuable member of our staff! His first experience here was at one of our summer camp out programs where he shared some apples baked right in the campfire. He loves bones and dead things and manages our display of various bones, skulls, teeth, and pelts.
Another of our long distance travelers, he volunteers two days in a row and spends the night in our tipis. Devin often provides information at our fox and coyote stations and will assist wherever else is needed; including those exhausting enclosure building projects. In October 2017, Devin headed deep into Canada for a conference on top predators and was accepted as a guest speaker!
...joined our team in summer of 2017, Devin showed up with amazing credentials and started as a volunteer almost immediately! With experience in field ecology, environmental education, trail maintenance, and degrees in Biology and Wildlife Management (he even spent time in South Africa as a Research Assistant assessing the impact of elephant and rhinoceros ranges!), Devin has become a valuable member of our staff! His first experience here was at one of our summer camp out programs where he shared some apples baked right in the campfire. He loves bones and dead things and manages our display of various bones, skulls, teeth, and pelts.
Another of our long distance travelers, he volunteers two days in a row and spends the night in our tipis. Devin often provides information at our fox and coyote stations and will assist wherever else is needed; including those exhausting enclosure building projects. In October 2017, Devin headed deep into Canada for a conference on top predators and was accepted as a guest speaker!
Shen putting in fence posts!
Shenequa Perry
...started volunteering with us in May of 2018 as a Junior in High School. With completion of courses in Honors Biology and Animal Science, experience working directly with animals at a veterinarian's office, and an active member of her local Environmental Club, Shen was a perfect match for the center! As an added bonus, she has hands-on experience with agricultural fence construction which definitely comes in handy when we are installing new fencing for our wolf enclosures! A hard worker, Shenequa has proven herself to be dedicated, responsible, and willing to learn. As a result, she has been trained to be one of our Caretaker Assistants. Her most recent achievement is as a youth leader and coordinator to help her community become a NYS DEC certified Climate Smart Community! Shen is a huge asset to our volunteer team!
Shen is currently a junior at the college of Environmental Science & Forestry with aspirations to continue her education with a focus on biology and environmental science.
...started volunteering with us in May of 2018 as a Junior in High School. With completion of courses in Honors Biology and Animal Science, experience working directly with animals at a veterinarian's office, and an active member of her local Environmental Club, Shen was a perfect match for the center! As an added bonus, she has hands-on experience with agricultural fence construction which definitely comes in handy when we are installing new fencing for our wolf enclosures! A hard worker, Shenequa has proven herself to be dedicated, responsible, and willing to learn. As a result, she has been trained to be one of our Caretaker Assistants. Her most recent achievement is as a youth leader and coordinator to help her community become a NYS DEC certified Climate Smart Community! Shen is a huge asset to our volunteer team!
Shen is currently a junior at the college of Environmental Science & Forestry with aspirations to continue her education with a focus on biology and environmental science.
Courtney and Dyani muzzle greeting.
Courtney Thompson
... joined our volunteer staff in 2014 after participating in one of our photography platform programs. Her first task was running the register at our very busy gift shop for the annual fundraising event--not an easy job--but she handled it with ease! Since that time, she has become one of our Animal Caretakers and has helped with the shop on a regular basis and was one of our key "puppy parents" throughout the summers of 2015 and 2017. Every week we could count on Courtney to show up and dive right into the puppy care needs; she independently did everything from feeding, filling water buckets, scooping poop, raking out old and bringing in new hay, and playing with the puppies. We even caught her napping with them a time or two!
When Courtney is not helping out the center, she works as a social worker, spends time with her busy family, hikes, and is an avid photographer.
... joined our volunteer staff in 2014 after participating in one of our photography platform programs. Her first task was running the register at our very busy gift shop for the annual fundraising event--not an easy job--but she handled it with ease! Since that time, she has become one of our Animal Caretakers and has helped with the shop on a regular basis and was one of our key "puppy parents" throughout the summers of 2015 and 2017. Every week we could count on Courtney to show up and dive right into the puppy care needs; she independently did everything from feeding, filling water buckets, scooping poop, raking out old and bringing in new hay, and playing with the puppies. We even caught her napping with them a time or two!
When Courtney is not helping out the center, she works as a social worker, spends time with her busy family, hikes, and is an avid photographer.
Jason Lautrup
...started volunteering in 2016 as our "weed-whacker" guy. Since then, he has become the Center's all around groundskeeper extraordinaire. Jason is a serious worker who loves to push his physical limitations to the point of almost breaking; whether it be carrying gravel, hauling multiple pieces of 10 foot 4x4 pieces of lumber, hooking up electricity for the new animal food storage shed, or lifting telephones into the ground, he gives it his all until the task is completed. Besides landscaping jobs, he has added on maintenance tasks and usually creates new jobs we hadn't even thought of yet! Jason is tough enough to cover security for the Center, but also kind enough to be around the animals--he has begun learning more about the wolves and shares that information with visitors.
A retired Navy Veteran, Jason is very active with Operation Enduring Warrior and is extremely supportive of every human being he meets, offering his assistance to all. He also loves playing rugby.
...started volunteering in 2016 as our "weed-whacker" guy. Since then, he has become the Center's all around groundskeeper extraordinaire. Jason is a serious worker who loves to push his physical limitations to the point of almost breaking; whether it be carrying gravel, hauling multiple pieces of 10 foot 4x4 pieces of lumber, hooking up electricity for the new animal food storage shed, or lifting telephones into the ground, he gives it his all until the task is completed. Besides landscaping jobs, he has added on maintenance tasks and usually creates new jobs we hadn't even thought of yet! Jason is tough enough to cover security for the Center, but also kind enough to be around the animals--he has begun learning more about the wolves and shares that information with visitors.
A retired Navy Veteran, Jason is very active with Operation Enduring Warrior and is extremely supportive of every human being he meets, offering his assistance to all. He also loves playing rugby.