The 2025 Oiled Wildlife Specialist Course x 2

The Oiled Wildlife Specialist Course is consistently the most requested training we offer to our Network. Because this two-day course focuses on advanced techniques and is best taught in smaller groups, it often fills quickly and develops a waitlist.

After the December 2024 session, the Management Team began brainstorming ways to expand access. A simple but brilliant idea emerged: since Day 1 is taught virtually, why not double the number of participants and then split them into two cohorts for the in-person Day 2? That way, we could train twice as many responders in the same week.

This July, we put the idea into action and held our very first double OWS!

The two-day “double feature,” led by the OWCN Management Team with guest instructors from International Bird Rescue, combined virtual learning with hands-on training at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird and Education Center in San Pedro. It featured over 50 of our talented responders representing more than 15 of our 45 Member Organizations. Participants specialized in one of three “specialties” — Hazing & Deterrence, Pre-Wash Care, or Cleaning & Conditioning — and every slot was filled.

The course is packed with a lot of practical, hands-on activities. And it’s always a bonus when responders have the chance to practice field response techniques outdoors and familiarize themselves with one of our Primary Care Facilities, gaining skills they may need during a response.