Training
The OWCN offers training to participant organizations, to interested parties from other states and even internationally. In addition, trainings are regularly held for volunteers.
Please see participating organizations to find volunteer opportunities in your area.
Oiled Wildlife Basic Skills Training
Course Description: This course has been designed to develop attendee’s knowledge of oiled wildlife response planning, activation of the OWCN and California’s unique response plan, marine wildlife impacts, and rehabilitation of oiled-affected wildlife. This training fulfils the mandatory health & safety training requirements for working at an activated primary care facility within the state of California. Additional topics include: volunteer management, understanding the role of a primary care and stabilization facilities, and field stabilization trailer. Hands-on skills for both bird and marine mammals will be instructed and include basic handling techniques, intake, and cleaning procedures. The following is a sample of what you can expect from the training.
Lecture topics include:
- The OWCN and its role in oiled-affected wildlife response
- Steps in Oiled Wildlife Response
- Effects of Oil on Marine Wildlife & Common Signs of Illness
- Health and Safety (Hazardous Communications)
- Oiled Wildlife Intake, Stabilization, Conditioning, and Release Processes
Demonstrations include:
- Animal Handling Techniques
- Gavage (Tube) Feeding Marine Wildlife
- Oiled Wildlife Intake Procedures & Evidence Collection
- Stabilization Techniques
- Washing/Rinsing Technique
Oiled Wildlife Advanced Skills Training
Oiled Wildlife Care Network
Course Description: This course complements the Basic Skills Training offered by the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN). It provides you with the hands-on techniques and procedures required to provide the best achievable care for oil-affected wildlife. This course is comprised of a series of laboratories and demonstrations to develop more advanced techniques in oiled wildlife care. The following is a sample of what you can expect from the training.
Short Lectures to include:
- Field Stabilization facilities and techniques
- Response Facilities requirements
Labs/Demonstrations to include:
- Physical Examinations
- Evidence Collection
- Blood Collection
- Gavage Techniques
- Washing, Rinsing, & Drying Methods
- Assessing Waterproofing
- Post Wash Conditioning
- Release Criteria
How to Sign Up: If you live in California and are currently volunteering at an OWCN participating organization contact the volunteer coordinator and/or appropriate staff and let them know that you’re interested in taking the training. If you are associated with private industry or an out of state or international organization, please contact the OWCN Training Coordinator at the Wildlife Health Center, University of California, Davis (www.owcn.org or 530.752.1218).
Oiled Wildlife Response Management
Oiled Wildlife Care Network
Course Description: This course provides attendees with tools and techniques for managing an oiled wildlife response.The training focuses on management of activation, search and collection teams, rehabilitation facility, media, and release coordination.
Lecture topics include:
- Application of the Incident Command System
- Personnel Structure and Management
- Search & Collection
- Intake and Stabilization
- Post Wash Conditioning and Release
- Supply management and assessment
- Research and data collection during an emergency response
- Facility requirements, coordination and expansion techniques
- Volunteer recruitment and coordination
Arrange out of state and international trainings for your organization by contacting the OWCN Training Coordinator at the Wildlife Health Center, University of California, Davis (www.owcn.org or 530-752-1218).