Dancing Turtle Rescue is looking for dedicated volunteers to help us save turtles. Click through the tabs below to explore the opportunities available in our region and virtually, then complete the form and let us know you’re interested. We appreciate your support!
Turtle TransporterFundraising and Events AssistantTurtle CaregiverTurtle Rehabilitation TraineeBoard Chair
Drivers needed in Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Essex, Franklin, and Clinton Counties
Time Commitment: Flexible, as needed
Help injured turtles get into care faster by driving them to the closest rehabilitator. Tell us your general availability and location and we will reach out when transport is needed in your area to see if you can help. If you like to drive, you might also volunteer to bring severely injured turtles to the Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell University in Ithaca.
Helpers needed for events in Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Essex, Franklin, and Clinton Counties, and virtually for behind-the-scenes assistance
Time Commitment: As needed for prescheduled events
Join the events team and help at one or more educational or fundraising events. Volunteering is a great way to learn about turtles and their habitats. Talk to the public about turtles and our educational ambassadors. Assist with setting up and/or breaking down our educational display. If you prefer to be behind-the-scenes, support our fundraising efforts by connecting with current or potential donors, planning email campaigns, writing grants, or other administrative tasks. Please let us know what skills and experience you can share with us.
Committed caregivers needed in Schroon Lake and Saratoga Springs
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 hours per month, every month
Learn about turtle husbandry by assisting Debbie or Jen in their home-based rehab spaces with tank maintenance for and feeding of turtles in the recovery stage of healing or overwintering. Duties include changing filter cartridges, checking lighting and tank temperature, and feeding. Caregivers do not handle wild turtles or educational ambassadors but may interact with non-native rescues. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and you are reliable and can make a long-term commitment, this position is for you.
Training in Schroon Lake only
Minimum Time Commitment: 8 hours per month, every month
If you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator wanting to learn how to care for turtles or other reptiles and amphibians, or if you are interested in becoming a rehabilitator and would like to gain experience before taking the exam, you may assist Debbie under her NY Class II license. You will learn intake procedures, stabilization, wound management, medication administration, and minor shell repairs. You must live in or close to Schroon Lake and be able to consistently meet the monthly minimum time commitment.
Our meetings are virtual, so you can live anywhere!
Time commitment: One Monday evening meeting per month plus follow-up as needed
Our board needs a chairperson! The best fit will be passionate about turtles or other wildlife, have some nonprofit experience, be excellent at networking, be a confident and creative fundraiser, and be a strong leader for our dedicated team. We have a virtual meeting platform so you can attend meetings from anywhere in the U.S.