Volunteer

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)

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 t-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: 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)

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 t-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.
• 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 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.
• Advance your training to learn how to handle the ambassador animals for presentations (optional and eligible after six months of active status and additional training).
• 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: Docents are required to volunteer a minimum of 100 hours each year on Zoo grounds and commit to volunteer for a minimum of one year. Docents must complete and additional 20 hours of continuing education each 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

Training: Docent training takes place once a year and consists of an orientation, shadowing Docent Mentors (June-July), and a 11-session training class on Saturdays and Sundays in August and September. On the last day 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. Docent volunteers receive a name tag and the Docent Handbook, and the Volunteer Program Policies & Procedures Manual (electronic) that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols. A $50 training fee is due on the first day of class to cover training materials.

Dress Code: Docents must wear a red or white 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. Uniforms are not provided by the Zoo and must be purchased by the volunteer.

Reports to: Volunteer Program 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.
• Progress to higher levels of the Zoo Crew and gain opportunities to mentor your peers and how to handle the ambassador animals for presentations.
• Learn about conservation projects around the world and help raise money to protect wild animals and wild places.

Length and Time Commitment: Zoo Crew volunteers must complete six hours of volunteering every month and assist with at least one special event per one-year period. 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
• 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

Training: Zoo Crew training takes place once a year and teens are required to attend all four days of class. The 2025 training is scheduled for May 29th – June 1st (May 29th – 31st 8a-3p and June 1st 8a-11a). 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 the Zoo Crew Handbook that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols. A $50 training fee is due on the first day of class.

Dress Code: Zoo Crew volunteers must wear the assigned teal or lavender Zoo Crew t-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.

Reports to: Volunteer Program 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 to encourage guests to protect wild animals and wild places.

Length and Time Commitment: Community Engagement volunteers must volunteer for three hours every month, and complete five continuing education units during their six-month commitment. After six months Community Engagement volunteers must be invited back 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 the training
• Enjoy interacting with diverse age groups
• 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

Training: Community Engagement training takes place twice a year over a two-day period and both the volunteer and accompanying adult are required to attend 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 also receive the Community Engagement Handbook that contains all volunteer and Zoo protocols. A $50 training fee is due on the first day of class.

Dress Code: Community Engagement volunteers must wear the assigned Community Engagement t-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. Accompanying adults must either wear Zoo uniform listed above or wear business casual attire.

Reports to: Guest Service Manager and/or Supervisor on duty

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop effective communication techniques to greet and engage guests of all ages and backgrounds, including accommodating special needs and addressing challenges.
• Learn to provide accurate and welcoming information about Zoo animals/habitats, programs, and daily activities.
• Enhance problem-solving skills by addressing guest questions and concerns in a professional and friendly manner.
• 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 Greeter Volunteers must commit to volunteer for a minimum of six months, volunteering a minimum of four shifts per month. Shifts are self-scheduled, by volunteers, in one-hour increments based on their availability.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Able to work outdoors
• Enjoy interacting in a positive manner with all guests, staff, and volunteers
• Passionate about spreading Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places

Training: Zoo Greeter Volunteers attend an in-person volunteer orientation and/or complete e-learning modules, and receive hard copies of the Volunteer Program Policies & Procedures Manual. Zoo Greeter Volunteers receive additional hands-on training with Guest Service Staff.

Dress Code: Must wear a gray Zoo Volunteer shirt, 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: Education Coordinator

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand and increase skills to facilitate child-led activities that are designed to build connections to animals and nature
• Understand how to identify and communicate the observable characteristics of learning
• Increase an understanding of the relationship between conservation behaviors in adults with positive play experiences in nature as a child
• Gain skills to encourage positive nature interactions
• Learn the benefits of child-directed play in natural settings

Length and Time Commitment: Willing to work a minimum of one 3-hour shift, alongside a Full-Time Zoo Educator,
each month (1.5-2 hours of Nature Play engagement and 1-hour setup/cleanup per shift).

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Able to work outdoors
• Enjoy interacting in a positive manner with all guests, staff, and volunteers
• Must be committed to the idea that children create meaningful connections to nature through play and exploration
• Passionate about spreading Reid Park Zoo’s conservation message of protecting wild animals and wild places

Training: Nature Play Engagement Volunteers must participate in a two-hour volunteer training module on
Saturday, July 12 , 2025, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, and attend a mandatory four-hour Nature Play specific training session on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Volunteers will receive hard copies of the safety policies/procedures, and on-the-job training appropriate to their assignment.

Dress Code: Must wear a gray Zoo Volunteer shirt, 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.