Work with us 

WIRES has been rescuing and caring for native animals since 1985. Our mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same.

With over 4,000 volunteers in 29 branches across NSW, our organisation operates 365 days a year, seven days a week and we receive over 180,000 calls for assistance annually through our 1300 Rescue line.

We'd love you to join the team and be part of our mission to answer the call of native wildlife in need.

Current Vacancies

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WIRES uses the Ethical Jobs platform to advertise available roles.

You can find these open positions here.

Learn More

Supporting People

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Diversity and Inclusion
  • WIRES is committed to promoting and maintaining an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is respected and valued. We believe that individual differences make us stronger as a team and better enable WIRES to achieve our mission - to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same.
  • WIRES is dedicated to providing equal opportunities for volunteers and staff. We actively seek to recruit and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to ensure that our organisation reflects the communities we work with. We believe that a diverse, inclusive environment, improves organisational culture, efficiency, effectiveness, retention, innovation, problem-solving, and engagement. 
  • WIRES welcomes people with diverse backgrounds, including, different nationalities, religions, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, education, and life experiences. We welcome everyone committed to improving outcomes for animals, valuing individuals, and treating everyone with respect.
  • We recognise that systemic inequalities, discrimination, and conflict exist in society, and that the wildlife sector is not immune to these issues. To address this WIRES is committed to ongoing education and training to increase awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, and committed to the implementation of practices that promote respect, inclusion, and equity in all aspects of our work. 
  • WIRES has policies in place to support staff and volunteers. We encourage feedback and are committed to continuous improvement. Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals who engage with WIRES, all volunteers, staff, donors, supporters, partners, and community members. 
  • WIRES believes that our commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential to our mission of rehabilitating and preserving wildlife. By creating a culture of respect and inclusivity, we can better serve the needs of native animals in our care and in the wild, and contribute to a more just and equitable Australia.
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Mental Health Support

The Black Dog Institute (BDI) provides a National Emergency Worker Support Service developed by leading mental health specialists, to support emergency workers including wildlife rescuers and carers.

This government funded service is available for free nationally, to emergency workers and volunteers both active and retired.

The program evolved from BDI's critical ‘Bushfire Support Service‘ launched in 2020 and provides invaluable mental health and wellbeing support for the wildlife sector, recognising the important work of wildlife rescuers and carers as emergency service providers.

Emergency workers can face a disproportionate amount of trauma, and WIRES recommends volunteers and staff working in the wildlife sector, utilise the BDI National Emergency Worker Support Service for mental health support.

If you, or any emergency workers you know, need mental health or wellbeing assistance, see below some great resources to help.

 

Mental Health Check

Check-in to see how you’re going and get recommended free evidence-based support options based on your assessment results.

Book a Consultation

Connect directly with leading mental health specialists via telehealth or face-to-face. No referral, Medicare, or GP information is required.

 

Managing Distress When Caring for Wildlife

Find out more about long-term strategies to improve health and wellbeing, including strategies for managing depression post natural disasters.

 

More Resources

Browse free evidence-based mental health resources, tools, information and advice for emergency service workers.

Please note that you must be 18 years or over to use these services. For young people under the age of 18, there are a range of specific resources and fact sheets available to guide and support your mental health.

 

Crisis Support

BDI is not a crisis centre and cannot provide crisis support.

If you or someone you know needs immediate emergency help, please call 000.

Emergency Help Information

 

Mental Health Worker Support

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Speaking Up

WIRES have partnered with the Whistle Blowing Service to support WIRES staff, volunteers and external supporters to feel comfortable speaking out about issues they are facing.