Adult Volunteers
Choose Your Volunteer Path:
Overview
Adult volunteers are essential to the daily care of animal residents and the delivery of meaningful guest experiences at Central Florida Animal Reserve. Whether committing to a consistent weekly role or supporting specific projects, adult volunteers help ensure the reserve operates safely, smoothly, and with integrity.
Volunteer opportunities are structured to match different schedules, skills, and levels of availability.
Who Can Participate
- Adults 18 years of age and older
- Individuals able to work independently without physical assistance
- Minors ages 13–17 may participate only as Project Volunteers when accompanied by a legal guardian who is also part of the Project Team
Roles & Responsibilities
Adult volunteer opportunities fall into two primary categories: Full-Time Volunteers and Project Volunteers.
Full-Time Roles
Animal Care
The Animal Care team supports the daily health and well-being of CFAR’s residents.
Responsibilities include:
- Feeding and monitoring nutrition
- Observing animals for signs of illness or injury
- Administering medications as directed
- Maintaining clean and safe living environments
- Providing behavioral enrichment
- Keeping detailed animal care records
- Assisting with enclosure and habitat maintenance
Time Commitment: Full-time animal care roles require a minimum of 1 day per week, same day/time every week.
Tour Operations
Tour Operations support the Visitor Center and guest-facing programs.
Responsibilities include:
- Opening and closing the Visitor Center following SOPs
- Processing guest check-ins
- Positive guest interactions
- Money handling and merchandise sales
- Maintaining merchandise inventory
Visitor Center staffing includes greeting guests, answering questions, checking in program participants, answering phones, and booking potential program guests. This role is entirely indoors and requires training.
Time Commitment: Full-time tour operations roles require a minimum of 2 days per month. Shifts are available on weekends only.
Project-Based Roles
Project Volunteers support specific initiatives that help maintain and improve the facility, grounds, and guest experience.
Activities may include:
- Landscaping
- Habitat restoration
- Materials creation
- Filing and clerical work
- Staffing the Visitor Center during tours on weekends
Requirements
All Adult Volunteers
- Completion of the online application
- Participation in an interview with a member of the Volunteer Council
- Attendance at Volunteer Orientation
- Signed consent to be on the property
- Ability to work well with others and receive evaluation openly
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow spoken and written instructions in English
- Ability to complete assigned tasks fully
- Free of unsafe physical or psychological limitations
- Maintain a positive attitude
Additional Project Volunteer Requirements
- Provide own transportation to and from CFAR
- Ability to work in various physical positions including sitting, bending, reaching, standing, and walking
- Willingness to participate in at least one scheduled project day per month
Schedule
Animal Care (Full-Time)
- Tuesday through Sunday
- 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (lunch break)
Tour Operations (Full-Time)
- Saturdays: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sundays: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Project Volunteers
- Days vary
- Most workdays occur on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings
Training & Supervision
All adult volunteers receive role-appropriate training before beginning assigned tasks. Activities are conducted under the supervision of CFAR staff or designated team leads to ensure safety, consistency, and adherence to established procedures. Training requirements vary by role and may include orientation sessions and hands-on instruction.
Important Notes
- Volunteers do not have unsupervised access to animal residents
- Direct animal contact is limited to trained Animal Care roles only
- All activities are conducted in accordance with CFAR safety and operational policies