Animal Well-Being Internship
Please refer to the application for deadlines.
Purpose:
The Animal Well-Being Intern position at the Reid Park Zoo is an opportunity for college students and recent graduates, who desire a career in animal well-being/behavioral research, to gain hands-on experience in a zoological setting. This internship will help aspiring animal professionals acquire research experience with a wide variety of species. In addition to assisting with ongoing research projects at Reid Park Zoo, students will complete an independent research project.
The internship is an unpaid position open to Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and recent college graduates.
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.
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.
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.
If you have questions about the Internship Program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
Please refer to the application for deadlines.
Purpose:
The Animal Care College Intern program at Reid Park Zoo is an opportunity for college students interested in an animal care or conservation field career to work side-by-side with Animal Care Staff, gaining valuable work experience in a Zoo setting. This position focuses on training individuals on the best practices of AZA accredited institutions, current standards and sound science, and animal welfare and husbandry.
The internship is an unpaid position open to Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and recent college graduates.
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.
If you have questions about the Internship Program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
Applications are currently being accepted for the Summer 2025 Semester, with an application deadline of January 1, 2025.
Purpose:
The Education & Program Evaluation College Intern program at Reid Park Zoo is an opportunity for students interested in a zoo educator, conservation education career, or similar field, to work side-by-side with Zoo Education Staff, gaining valuable pre-professional, work experience. This position contributes to the success of Reid Park Zoo by training individuals on job skills and practices relevant to zoo education, conservation messaging, focusing on best practices, current standards, and sound science.
The internship is an unpaid position.
Students with Junior or Senior standing will be given priority over other applicants.
Reports to: Education Supervisor
Learning Outcomes: Interns may do all or some of the following
- Evaluate guest interactions
- Assist in signage maintenance
- Monitor guest engagement in the Zoo
- Assist with and evaluate programs and public presentations
- Help teach and evaluate camp
- Learn class and time management
- Handle and interpret education, ambassador animals
- Other duties as assigned
Length and Time Commitment: Interns are assigned on a semester basis and must complete 45 hours of interning per unit to earn college credit; typically, interns can earn up to four credits per semester, so work a total of 180 hours per semester. Intern shifts can be half or full days for the fall and spring semesters and eight-hour days during the summer semester. Shifts start between 7:30am-9:00am (dependent on the nature of the intern project and intern availability) throughout the year.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
- Must be in good standing; 2.5/4.0 GPA
- Must be able to sign up for shifts and record hours in the Volunteer Impact system
- Ability to communicate in a positive manner with staff and other volunteers
- Be able to follow instructions and maintain a high quantity and quality of work
- Ability to work independently and in groups
- A major in an education-related field
- Classroom experience a plus but not required
- Previous small animal handling a plus but not required
- Able to be on your feet for several hours at a time with minimal to no break
- Repetitive lifting of 20-40 pounds
- Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions (e.g., temp. lows in the 30s and highs in the 100s; snow, rain, high winds)
- Working in areas with flies, mosquitoes, and other insects
- Precautions are taken to minimize and prevent disease transmission.
Training: Education Interns receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures and have a four-hour training that encompasses safety protocol and procedures, the purpose of zoos, background of AZA and accreditation, animal enrichment, and guest service. Additionally, Education Interns receive on-the-job training by Education Staff.
Dress Code: Must wear either the volunteer shirt (provided by the Zoo) or a polo shirt, khaki pants, shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), or skirt (no more than two inches above the knee), closed-toe and heel shoes with good traction, and name tag. Colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about the Internship Program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
Applications for the 2025 Docent class will be available in January 2025.
Purpose:
Docents are volunteer educators who work on Zoo grounds with guests of all ages, helping them to connect with wildlife and to learn about the Zoo while encouraging a commitment to the conservation of biological diversity. Docents interpret the animal population, information and artifact stations, and ambassador animals for Zoo guests. Additionally, they assist guests on grounds and help with special events.
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 (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 money 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 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
- 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 pass 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 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.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Applications for the 2025 Zoo Crew class will be available in January 2025.
Purpose:
Zoo Crew volunteers are teen educators who work on Zoo grounds with guests of all ages, helping them create inspiring memories and form connections between wild animals and wild places. As a Zoo Crew volunteer, teens increase and share their knowledge of animals, conservation, and the environment while gaining valuable volunteer experience in a Zoo setting.
The Zoo Crew teen volunteer program is designed to foster independence and responsibility in teens. While parental support is important, it’s crucial that teens take the initiative in managing their volunteer commitments. This means they should be the primary contact for communications and be proactive in handling their schedules and responsibilities.
Please use the teen’s email and phone number in the application, and encourage them to communicate directly with Volunteer Program Staff. This experience is not only about volunteering but also about growing into responsible, self-sufficient young adults.
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 9th grade through entering 12th 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. On the last day of class, all volunteers are required to pass an 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.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Applications for the June training will be available in February.
Purpose:
The Community Engagement volunteer program is for children between the ages of 11 and 13 years looking to volunteer with a parent/guardian and individuals who are interested in volunteering with a job coach present. Volunteers will learn about the animals and habitats, gain and improve social skills, and assist the Zoo by educating guests about wild animals and wild places.
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.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org.
All volunteer spots are currently filled for this position.
Purpose:
The Guest Service Support Volunteer position at Reid Park Zoo serves to help Guest Service Staff create inspiring memories for all by providing an excellent guest experience. This volunteer position is a great opportunity to develop or enhance customer service skills.
Reports to: Guest Service Supervisor on Duty
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain knowledge about the different activities of the Zoo such as admission cost, train, carousel, and giraffe feed to help answer guest questions.
- Develop skills to interact with guests of all ages in a welcoming, fun, and educational way.
- Participate in special events to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
- Progress your volunteer training by learning how to enter data, scan tickets, and answer phones if desired.
- Learn about conservation projects around the world to encourage guests to protect wild animals and wild places.
Length and Time Commitment: Guest Service Support Volunteers must commit to volunteer for a minimum of three months, volunteering for a minimum of one shift per month.
Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Able to work outdoors
- 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: Guest Service Support volunteers must complete the Better Impact eLearning modules on Reid Park Zoo safety policies and procedures prior to their first shift, and will receive on-the-job training appropriate to their assignment.
Dress Code: Guest Service Support volunteers must wear the assigned Reid Park Zoo volunteer 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.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Applications are currently being accepted for this volunteer position.
Purpose:
The Grounds Volunteer position provides support for Grounds Staff in creating clean and safe Zoo grounds in public and behind-the-scenes areas. Zoo grounds is the first and last impression guests have when visiting the Zoo, and volunteer efforts in maintaining a clean appearance is essential in creating an exceptional experience.
Reports to: Grounds Supervisor
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain knowledge about the different plants safe for animal use and assist with delivering large quantities of browse and other plant material to habitats.
- Increase your knowledge of landscaping and horticulture by assisting with trimming, raking, tilling, mulching, planting, and weeding.
- Learn about the different ways to responsibly dispose of various materials and how the Zoo minimizes its waste.
Length and Time Commitment: Grounds Volunteers must commit to volunteer for a minimum of three months, volunteering for a minimum of one shift per month. Volunteers must have availability Monday – Sunday with start times of 7:30am October-May and 6:30am June-September.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- 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
- Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
Training: Grounds Volunteers must complete the Better Impact eLearning modules on Reid Park Zoo safety policies and procedures prior to their first shift, and will receive on-the-job training appropriate to their assignment.
Dress Code: Grounds Volunteers must wear the assigned Reid Park Zoo volunteer t-shirt, jeans, work pants, or shorts (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.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
All volunteer spots are currently filled for this position.
Purpose:
Animal Area Volunteers working with the goats will assist Animal Care Staff in essential duties such as cleaning, feeding, maintenance, and animal care creating a safe, clean, and enriching habitat for Reid Park Zoo’s goat herd. Volunteers will have the experience to work behind the scenes in animal habitat areas and gain valuable experience working directly with Animal Care Staff.
Reports to: Animal Care Staff
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn how to create a safe, clean, and enriching environment for the goat heard
- Increase your knowledge of animal nutrition, preparation, and feeding
- Gain experience creating enrichment and completing basic maintenance tasks
Length and Time Commitment: Animal Area Volunteers in the goat area must commit to one shift per week for a six-month period. After the six-month period, volunteers must be invited back to continue in the program. Shifts are 2-5 hours, shift start time is 6:30 am (June – September) and 7:30 am (October – May).
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- 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
- Able to interact in a positive manner with all guests, volunteers, staff, and animals
- Must provide proof you have received the bivalent COVID-19 booster (received in or after September 2022)
Training:
Animal Area Volunteers in the goat area must complete a trial day before their acceptance into the program. After acceptance, volunteers must complete the Better Impact eLearning modules on Reid Park Zoo safety policies and procedures prior to their first shift, and will receive on-the-job training from Animal Care Staff.
Dress Code: Animal Area Volunteers in the goat area must wear the assigned Reid Park Zoo volunteer t-shirt, jeans, work pants, or shorts (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.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Applications are currently being accepted for this volunteer position.
Purpose:
Reid Park Zoo’s Nature Play Engagement volunteer facilitates engaging, child-led, unstructured, play-based learning opportunities to connect children and their care-takers to nature and animals.
Nature Play Engagement Volunteers do NOT work with any Zoo habitat animals or animal ambassadors. We are seeking passionate, enthusiastic individuals who value Reid Park Zoo and are willing to support and promote its mission, which is “To connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places.” Interested individuals should enjoy spending time engaging with children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and their families, and want to become more involved with the Tucson community.
Reports to: Education Coordinator
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain skills in facilitating activities that are designed to build connections to nature.
- Gain skills in identifying characteristics of learning through the observation of children engaged in sensory rich play.
- Increase your understanding of the relationship between conservation behaviors in adults and positive experiences engaging in nature as a child.
- Increase understanding of the important role you play, as a mentor and ally, to caregivers
to encourage positive nature interactions for the children in their care.
- Increase your understanding of the benefits of child-directed play.
Length and Time Commitment: Volunteer a minimum of one year, volunteering 72 hours during the year
- Willing to work a minimum of two 3-hour shifts each month (1.5-2 hours of Nature Play
engagement and 1-hour setup/cleanup per shift)
- Must be able to complete a two-hour volunteer training module and attend two
mandatory 4-hour Nature Play-specific training sessions
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be committed to the idea that children create meaningful connections to nature through play and exploration
- Effectively support the mission and priorities of Reid Park Zoo
- Be comfortable working in areas where flies, mosquitoes, and other insects may be
present
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality while interacting with guests,
other volunteers, and Reid Park Zoo employees.
- Exhibit a high level of comfort speaking with the guests, staff, and other volunteers
regardless of their ages, personalities, backgrounds, etc.
- Ability to take direction and work either independently or in groups
- Adhere to all policies described in the Reid Park Zoo’s Volunteer Handbook
- Must be flexible, patient, positive, enthusiastic, and willing to learn
Training: Nature Play Engagement Volunteers must participate in a two-hour volunteer training module and attend the two mandatory 4-hour Nature Play specific training sessions. Volunteers will receive hard copies of the safety policies/procedures, and on-the-job training appropriate to their
assignment.
Dress Code: Must wear the volunteer shirt (provided by the Zoo), khaki or natural color pants or shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), closed-toe and heel shoes with good traction, and name tag. Jeans, yoga, and exercise pants or leggings are not allowed. For the comfort of staff, volunteers, and animals, colognes, perfumes, and strong-smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
Applications are currently being accepted. A maximum of two volunteer groups are scheduled per month. The remainder of 2024 and January-March 2025 are full. April-September 2025, and December 2025 are currently available.
Purpose:
The Single Day Group Volunteer program provides an opportunity for corporate or private groups to support Reid Park Zoo by assisting with needs in the Grounds or Animal Care departments (dependent on project need).
Reports to: Grounds or Animal Care Staff
Learning Outcomes:
- Provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment in supporting a non-profit and contributing to the Zoo’s mission “to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places.”
- Develop existing and learn new skills.
- Ensure a clean and safe environment for Zoo guests and animals.
Length and Time Commitment: Single Day Group Volunteers, volunteer for one shift varying in length from two to four hours.
Qualifications, Physical Demands, Working Conditions:
- A member of the volunteering organization must coordinate the group, i.e., disseminate and collect waivers, make sure group members are aware of the rules, etc.
- Able to follow directions.
- Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions (e.g., temp. lows in the 30s and highs in the 100s; snow, rain, high winds).
- Working in areas with flies, mosquitoes, and other insects.
Training: Single Day Volunteer Groups will be given directions applicable to the project during the volunteer period.
Dress Code: We ask that clothes are properly fitting; not too tight or too loose. No short-shorts or midriffs showing, no inappropriate/offensive themes on clothing, including hats. Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, i.e., tennis shoes, hiking boots (no sandals/flip flops).
If you have questions about this program, please email volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
Submit an Application
