Volunteer & Internships

Reports to: Volunteer Supervisor and/or Volunteer Coordinator

Key Responsibilities: 

• Guest Supervision & Rule Enforcement: Monitor visitor behavior inside and around the aviaries. Gently but firmly enforce safety rules. Ensure all guests and children remain strictly on designated walkways and viewing paths to protect nesting sites, habitats, and sensitive flora. Ensure guests and children do not feed, touch, chase, or harass the birds. Ensure guests do not have food and do not litter in the aviaries. 
• Habitat & Asset Protection: Watch for and prevent vandalism, littering, or damage to plants and structures. Ensure double-door entry systems are used correctly to prevent bird escapes.
• Incident Reporting: Promptly report any safety hazards, guest misconduct, or security concerns to supervisors or staff.
• Visitor Engagement: Act as a bird ambassador. With the assistance of educational flyers and information cards, help to answer visitor questions, share conservation facts, and guide guests on how to interact respectfully with the habitats. 
• Behavioral Observation: Report any injuries, illnesses, or unusual behaviors or dynamics of the flock to animal care staff. 
• Habitat Upkeep: At the direction of animal care staff, assist in keeping walkways, viewing areas and perching zones clean and free of visitor debris. 

Qualifications: 

• Conflict Resolution: Ability to communicate rules diplomatically and manage guest behavior with kindness, professionalism, tact and confidence. 
• Situational Awareness: High level of alertness to monitor multiple guests, children and birds simultaneously in a dynamic environment. 
• Age & Availability: Must be at least 16 years of age and commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week for 6 months. 
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk and remain alert for extended periods of at least one hour. Must work comfortably in varying outdoor weather conditions (heat, sun, wind, light rain). 
• Skills & Interests: Strong passion for bird conservation. Reliable, communicative, and highly comfortable interacting with the public. 

Benefits & Training: 

• Receive specialized training in guest management, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and avian safety protocols. 
• Gain valuable experience in public facing conservation and wildlife education in an attraction-based setting. 
• Gain valuable experience in a gold-standard, AZA Accredited Zoo. 

Why You’ll Love Volunteering at the Zoo: 

• Gold-Standard Experience: Proudly represent an AZA accredited facility, meaning you are contributing to the highest global standards of animal care, welfare, and wildlife conservation right here in your own community. 
• Networking: Build a stand-out resume and network directly with top-tier industry professionals, opening doors for future careers or internships in zoology, animal care, veterinary studies, conservation biology, and conservation education. 
• Unparalleled Bird Access: Spend your day surrounding by beautiful, rare, and exotic birds in stunning open-air habitats. 
• Be the Face of Conservation: Share your passion with excited visitors, inspire the next generation of bird lovers, and make a real community impact.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy free facility admission, behind-the-scenes access, invitations to volunteer-only appreciation events, speaker events, keeper chats, and more! 
• Learn from the Pros: Gain invaluable, hands-on knowledge directly from our expert zookeepers, veterinarians, Conservation Education staff, Interpretive Volunteers, and Docents! 
• Stay Active in Nature: Swap the indoors or screen time for a beautiful, dynamic outdoor setting where no two days are the same. 

Your Impact:

• Vital Zoo Operations Support: Serve as a crucial extension of our professional animal care teams. By managing guest areas and monitoring habitats, you free up animal care staff to focus on specialized medical care, complex dietary needs, animal enrichment, and critical conservation work. 
• Keep it Beautiful: Help ensure the double-door safety entryways run smoothly so our birds stay safe and help spot any stray litter (which could harm our birds if ingested). 
• Protect the Flock: Help guests and children connect safely with nature by ensuring everyone stays on designated pathways, keeping nesting sites and rare plants safe. 
• Be a Bird Ambassador: Welcome guests, answer fun questions, and gently guide visitors on how to interact respectfully and without touching our birds. 
• Monitor Bird Happiness: Keep a watchful eye on our avian residents, learning to spot and log unique behaviors, courtship displays, and flock dynamics. 

Who We Are Looking For: 

• People Persons: If you are friendly, kind, approachable and love chatting with people of all ages, you will thrive here! 
• Nature Enthusiasts: A passion for wildlife, conservation, and birds is a must (no prior formal experience required – we teach you everything!).
• Outdoor Lovers: Comfortable standing, walking and enjoying the beautiful outdoor weather during your shift. 
• Reliable Team Players: People 16 years or older who can commit to regular weekly shifts or a minimum of four hours per week for at least six months. 

We Take Care of Our Team: 

• Branded lightweight volunteer uniform shirts/hoodies and nametags.
• Dedicated volunteer breakroom and rest stations.
• Unlimited chilled water, electrolyte pops, hydration powder and complimentary sunscreen.

Reports to: Volunteer Supervisor and/or Volunteer Coordinator

Opportunities: Volunteers may select to create a warm and welcoming experience for all guests, greeting guests as they arrive at the Zoo, assisting in our aviaries, with day or evening events, or being placed throughout the zoo to perform various other roles, such as cleaning, sorting, making program and training guides, cards, making ornaments for our holiday Enrichment Tree, assisting with reading events, checking students in for field trips, guiding field trips, and much more!

Our volunteers play a key role in the guest experience, providing directions, sharing information about animals and supporting a clean and welcoming facility.

Our volunteers provide critical support to Zoo Operations in many departments: Grounds, Facilities,

Zoo Support can join future training to educate the public.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop effective communication techniques to connect with guests, co-volunteers, and employees of all ages and backgrounds, including accommodating various guest needs.
• Learn more about the zoo and to provide direction to Zoo animals/habitats, programs, facilities and daily activities.
• Enhance problem-solving skills by addressing guest questions or various zoo cleaning needs.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the Zoo’s mission to connect people with animals and inspire conservation efforts.
• Develop the ability to recognize and report safety or operational concerns to appropriate staff members.
• Cultivate skills in providing exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive and memorable guest experience.

Length and Time Commitment: Zoo Support Volunteers commit to one year, volunteering a minimum of 48 hours, or on average four hours per month on Zoo Grounds. Shifts are self-scheduled, by volunteers, based on their availability.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Able to work outdoors.
• Enjoy interacting in a positive manner with guests, staff, and volunteers.
• Passionate about Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places
• Volunteers will be subject to a public records search prior to confirming eligibility.

Training: Zoo Volunteers attend an in-person volunteer orientation and receive digital access to the Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual. Zoo Volunteers may receive additional hands-on training as needed.

Dress Code: Must wear Zoo Volunteer shirt, sand khaki pants, shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam or fingertip length), or skirts (no higher than 2 inches above the knee), closed-toe and heel shoes with good traction, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed.

Reports to: Volunteer Program Supervisor and Coordinator

Learning Outcomes:

• Become experienced in connecting people and animals to educate Zoo guests on a variety of animal, conservation, and environmental topics.
• Develop skills to interact with guests of all ages in a fun and educational way.
• Participate in special events and activities to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
• After your first year of volunteering, share your knowledge and passion for Reid Park Zoo by becoming a Docent Mentor (optional).
• Learn about conservation projects around the world and help raise awareness to protect wild animals and wild places.

Length and Time Commitment: Interpretive volunteers are required to volunteer a minimum of 96 hours each year on Zoo grounds and commit to volunteer for a minimum of one year.

Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Enjoy interacting with people with diverse ages, backgrounds, abilities, etc.
• Willing to learn and develop new skills
• Passionate about spreading Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places
• Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
• Able to follow the Zoo’s policies, including safety protocol.
• Volunteers are subject to a public records search prior to acceptance.

Training: The interpretive training takes place three times a year on weekends in March, May & August. Additional training includes an orientation, shadowing and review at current interpretive stations (prior to training). On the last days of class, all volunteers are required to complete a written exam and interpret an animal artifact station for Zoo guests.  Volunteer training covers topics such as conservation, species-specific natural history, interpretation techniques, Reid Park Zoo operations, safety procedures, and customer service and experience. Volunteers receive a name tag, access to training materials, and the Volunteer Services Policies & Procedures Manual (electronic) that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols.

Dress Code: Volunteers wear a polo shirt, khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (shorts and skirt must be fingertip length), closed-toe and heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended. Additional uniform items are not provided by the Zoo and must be purchased by the volunteer.

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Learning Outcomes:

• Become an expert on connecting people and animals to educate Zoo guests on a variety of animal, conservation, and environmental topics.
• Develop skills to interact with guests of all ages in a fun and educational way.
• Participate in special events and activities to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
• Learn about conservation projects around the world that protect wild animals and wild places.

Length and Time Commitment: Zoo Crew volunteers must complete on average four hours a month on Zoo Grounds outside of training time. After one year, Zoo Crew volunteers must be invited back to continue in the program.

Requirements:

• Must be between entering 9^th grade through entering 12^th grade.
• Enjoy interacting with diverse age groups.
• Open to learn and develop new skills.
• Passionate about sharing Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places.
• Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals.

Training: Zoo Crew training takes place once a year and teens are required to attend all four days of class. The 2026 training dates will take place over four day the last weekend in May. On the last day of class, all volunteers are required to pass a take home exam and interpret an animal artifact station for staff.  Volunteer training covers topics such as conservation, species-specific natural history, interpretation techniques, Reid Park Zoo operations, safety procedures, and customer service and experience. Zoo Crew volunteers also receive access to the Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols.

Dress Code: Zoo Crew volunteers must wear the assigned volunteer shirt, sand khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (shorts and skirt must be fingertip length), closed-toe and heel shoes, and a name tag.  Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.

Reports to: Animal Care Staff Mentor

Learning Outcomes: 

• Learn how to create a safe, clean, and enriching environments for the animals.
• Increase your knowledge of animal nutrition, preparation, and feeding.
• Gain experience creating enrichment and completing basic maintenance tasks.
• Improve your animal behavioral observation skills to assist with training and animal wellbeing
• Become experienced in connecting people and animals to educate Zoo guests on a variety of animal, conservation, and environmental topics.

Length and Time Commitment: Interns are assigned on a semester basis and must complete 135 hours per semester.  Intern shifts are two, 5-hour days per week during the fall and spring semesters and three, 5-hour days per week for the summer semester.  Shifts start at 7:30am October through May and 6:30am June through September.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a college or university
• Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
• Able to follow instructions and maintain a high quantity and quality of work
• Able to work outdoors
• Able to walk and stand for long periods of time
• Able to lift and bend repeatedly
• General knowledge of tools is recommended
• Previous exotic animal experience a plus
• Must provide proof you have received the most recent COVID-19 booster
• Must provide proof of a current, negative TB test (at the intern’s expense)
• Interns are subject to a public records search prior to acceptance.

Training: Animal Care Interns must complete an orientation covering Reid Park Zoo history, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, safety, and internship guidelines prior to their first day, and will receive additional on-the-job training, from Animal Care Staff, during their internship.

Dress Code: Animal Care Interns must wear the assigned Reid Park Zoo intern shirt, jeans, work pants, or shorts (must be fingertip length), closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.

Reports to: Life Support System Operator

Learning Outcomes: 

• Gain hands-on experience in the operation and maintenance of aquatic animal life support systems.
• Learn how to monitor and adjust water quality parameters to maintain optimal conditions for animal health.
• Develop an understanding of mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration systems.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of pumps, filters, and other LSS equipment.
• Improve problem-solving skills related to water quality and system functionality.
• Understand the role of LSS in animal welfare and conservation efforts within a Zoo setting.

Length and Time Commitment: Interns are assigned on a semester basis and must complete 135 hours per semester. Intern shift durations and schedules are flexible and will be coordinated with the Life Support System Operator.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a college or university.
• Interns are subject to a public records search prior to acceptance.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow safety protocols.
• Comfortable working around water, chemicals, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, and climbing ladders.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Previous experience with plumbing, electrical systems, or water chemistry is a plus but not required.
• Students are required to wear composite or steel-toe boots, which they must purchase at their own expense.

Training: LSS Interns must complete an orientation covering Reid Park Zoo history, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, safety, and internship guidelines prior to their first day. Additional on-the-job training will be provided by the Life Support System Operator throughout the internship.

Dress Code: LSS Interns must wear the assigned Reid Park Zoo intern t-shirt, jeans, work pants, or shorts (must be fingertip length), composite or steel toe boots, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.

Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop skills to connect people and animals and to educate Zoo guests on a variety of animal, conservation, and environmental topics.
• Develop skills to interact with guests of all ages in a fun and educational way.
• Participate in special events and activities to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
• Learn about conservation projects around the world to encourage guests to protect wild animals and wild places.

Length and Time Commitment: Community Engagement volunteers must volunteer on Zoo Grounds on average four hours every month after the completion of their initial training. After completing the year commitment, Community Engagement volunteers must be invited to continue in the program.

Requirements:

• Adults must be at least 18 years of age and children at least 11 years of age.
• Both the volunteer and accompanying adult must attend training.
• Enjoy interacting with diverse age groups.
• Open to learning and developing new skills.
• Passionate about sharing Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places.
• Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals.

Training: Volunteers must complete an orientation and a two day Community Engagement volunteer training. Both the youth volunteer and accompanying adult are required to attend all of the training. Volunteer training covers topics such as conservation, interpretation techniques, Reid Park Zoo operations, safety procedures, and customer service and experience. Community Engagement volunteers gain access to the Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols.

Dress Code: Community Engagement volunteers and accompanying adult must wear their volunteer shirt, sand khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (shorts and skirt must be fingertip length), closed-toe and heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.

Length and Time Commitment: Interns are assigned on a semester basis and must complete 135 hours per semester.  Intern shifts start times and durations, and schedules are flexible and will be coordinated with the Animal Behavior and Well-Being Program Leader.

Reports to:
Animal Behavior and Well-Being Program Leader

Learning Outcomes: 

• Improve your animal behavioral observation skills and become proficient in using the Zoo Monitor database
• Gain experience formulating questions to gain important insights into animal wellbeing
• Participate in seminars and lectures on animal care, animal welfare, biology, conservation, and training
• Become experienced in connecting people and animals to educate Zoo guests on a variety of animal, conservation, and environmental topics.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a college or university.
• Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals.
• Able to follow instructions and maintain a high quantity and quality of work.
• Able to work outdoors.
• Able to walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Able to lift and bend repeatedly.
• General knowledge of tools is recommended.
• Previous exotic animal experience a plus.
• Must provide proof you have received the most recent COVID-19 booster.
• Must provide proof of a current, negative TB test (at the intern’s expense).
• Will be subject to a public records search prior to acceptance.

Training: Animal Well-Being Interns must complete an orientation covering Reid Park Zoo history, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, safety, and internship guidelines prior to their first day, and will receive additional on-the-job training, from the Animal Behavior and Well-Being Program Leader, during their internship.

Dress Code: Animal Well-Being Interns must wear the assigned Reid Park Zoo intern shirt, jeans, work pants, or shorts (must be fingertip length), closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, and a name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.