Open Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
520.791.3204Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at Reid Park Zoo. Click on the bars below to explore volunteer opportunities.
Please note: Reid Park Zoo does not offer shadowing or court ordered community service opportunities; all volunteer positions require a minimum six month commitment.
Volunteers and interns are not scheduled with the veterinarians or in the health center.
Zoo Keeper College Intern
This position is for currently enrolled students, in good standing, at an accredited college or university only. College Interns work behind-the-scenes with a zoo keeper for one semester and can earn up to 3 credit units from their college. Juniors and seniors from an accredited college or university will be given priority over other applicants. The spring and fall internships consist of two workdays a week from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Summer internships are from 6:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. and require three workdays a week due to the shorter semester. Interns work on set days which may include weekend days. Interns do NOT work with primates or elephants.
The application period for the Spring and Summer 2019 semesters is closed. Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2019 semester. Applications are due by March 31, 2019 to be considered for the Fall 2019 semester.
Education & Program Evaluation College Intern
Reid Park Zoo’s Education & Program Evaluation Intern position provides an opportunity to learn and experience working in informal education at a zoo. Interns work in the Zoo or behind-the-scenes for one semester and can earn up to 4 credit units from their college. Juniors and seniors from an accredited college or university will be given priority over other applicants.
Spring and fall internships consist of two workdays per week, 7:30am-2:30pm. Spring and fall Interns will develop unique projects based on their interests and the needs of the zoo. Projects will be overseen by a staff member with strong mentoring the first half of the internship and more independent work the second half. A paper describing the project’s goals, methods, evaluation technique, and discussion will be due at the end of the session. Projects might include evaluating guest interaction with zoo educational features, assisting to maintain features (carts, signage, etc), monitoring guest engagement throughout the zoo, assisting education staff with on-grounds informal programs, assisting zookeepers with presentations and evaluations of animal presentation to name a few.
Summer internships require five workdays per week, 8:30am-4:30pm. Summer interns work with summer camp education staff and are supervised by the Education Supervisor. Duties include working with students ranging from 1st-6th grades, learning class and time management skills, conducting and evaluating conservation activities, interpreting the natural history and conservation messages of the Zoo’s animal population, and can include some animal handling based on interest and need.
The application period for the Spring and Summer 2019 semesters is closed. Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2019 semester. Applications are due by March 31, 2019 to be considered for the Fall 2019 semester.
Please call Carrie at 520-837-8083, or email carrie.dean@reidparkzoo.org, with questions about the College Intern program.
Volunteer Today!
Docents are volunteer educators. They 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 education program animals for Zoo guests. Additionally, they assist guests on grounds, and help with special events.
Reports to: Volunteer Program Supervisor
Specific Duties: May do some or all of the following
Length and Time Commitment: Docents are required to volunteer a minimum of 120 hours each year and commit to volunteer for a minimum of one year. Of the 120 hours, 20 hours must come from Continuing Education Units, by attending meetings, lectures, doing research projects, learning a new station, or learning to handle a new education program animal.
Qualifications:
Training: Docent trainees attend a preliminary two-hour orientation, followed by 20-30 hours of shadowing existing Docents, culminating in a formal training. Training is conducted once a year and consists of an eight-week, 12-session course. Docents are required to pass a final written exam and interpretation practical on Zoo grounds. Volunteer training covers topics such as, conservation, ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, biological concepts, interpretation techniques, Reid Park Zoo operations, safety procedures, animal handling policies, and customer service and experience. Docents receive the Docent Handbook that contains all paperwork.
Dress Code: Docents must wear either a red or white polo shirt, khaki pants, shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), or skirts (no higher than 2 inches above the knee), closed toe and heel shoes with good traction, and a name tag; Docents have the option of having their name embroidered on their shirt. Colognes, perfumes, and strong smelling lotions are not allowed, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
Please call Carrie at 520-837-8083, or email carrie.dean@reidparkzoo.org, with questions about the docent program.
The application period to be considered for the 2018 class is now closed. The application for the 2019 class will be available in early January 2019.
Zoo Crew are teen volunteer educators. They 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. Zoo Crew volunteers interpret the animal population, information and artifact stations, and education program animals for Zoo guests. Additionally, they assist guests on grounds, and help with special events.
Reports to: Volunteer Program Coordinator
Specific Duties: May do some or all of the following
Length and Time Commitment: Zoo Crew Volunteers are required to commit to volunteer for a minimum of one year, volunteering a minimum of six hours per month, and complete two professional training sessions (continuing education units).
Qualifications:
Training: Zoo Crew volunteers complete a five-day course. All volunteers are required to pass a final, written exam and interpretation practical. Volunteer training covers topics such as, conservation, species specific natural history, interpretation techniques, Reid Park Zoo operations, safety procedures, animal handling policies, and customer service and experience. Zoo Crew volunteers receive the Zoo Crew Handbook that contains all paperwork.
Dress Code: Zoo Crew Volunteers must wear either a jade or orchid t-shirt, khaki pants, shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), 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, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
The application period to be considered for the 2018 class is now closed. Applications for the 2019 class will be available in early January 2019.
Questions? Please call Sierra at 837-8088, or email sierra.horsey@reidparkzoo.org
The Community Engagement Volunteer position is for individuals who require the assistance of an aide or job coach and for families with children between the ages of 11 and 13 years, where both the parent(s) and child(ren) are volunteering together on grounds. Community Engagement Volunteers provide a valuable resource for Zoo guests by interpreting one or two designated animal species or offering interpretive support for the Zoo Passport program (coming soon!).
Reports to: Volunteer Program Supervisor or Volunteer Program Coordinator
Specific Duties: Volunteers may do some or all of the following
Length and Time Commitment: Community Engagement Volunteers are required to commit to volunteer for a period of at least six months, volunteering a minimum of three hours per month. Additionally, volunteers must complete five continuing education units during the six-month period.
Qualifications:
Training: Community Engagement Volunteers receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures and a training to review safety protocols, Zoo background and structure, species specific natural history and conservation and education messages, interpretation skills, and guest service. Community Engagement Volunteers are also required to shadow staff on grounds twice before they may interpret on their own. All people who will be on grounds in a volunteer or assistant capacity must attend the training.
Dress Code: Must wear the volunteer shirt (provided by the Zoo), and khaki pants, shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), or skirts (no higher than 2 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. Accompanying adults must wear business casual attire, closed toe and heal shoes with good traction, and their name tag.
Applications are accepted and interviews are conducted year round, but accepted applicants will not be allowed to volunteer until they participate in one of the three annual training sessions.
Please call Sierra at 520-837-8088, or email sierra.horsey@reidparkzoo.org, with questions.
Information Booth Volunteers work in the information booth in the front plaza of the Zoo, selling coloring posters and answering guests’ questions. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, and if accepted into the program, volunteers must attend a four-hour training course, and commit to volunteer two, four-hour sessions or one, eight-hour session per week. Information Booth Volunteers do not work with any Zoo animals.
If you have questions about this position, please contact Carrie at 520-837-8083 or carrie.dean@reidparkzoo.org
Animal Care Volunteer – Goat Herd
Animal Care Volunteers work side-by-side with a zoo keeper and at times independently to help create a clean, safe and enriching habitat for our goat herd. Volunteers will be responsible for learning what a safe and clean habitat looks like and how to maintain it. Cleaning will happen around the goats and volunteers will learn how to safely clean around them. Volunteers will also learn to look for signs of goat wellness (observing animals themselves, food consumption, fecal output, water consumption, etc.). Volunteers will have opportunities to interact with goats and help maintain good goat manners. Volunteers will assist with feeding and providing enrichment for the goats, and may assist keepers with goat training as well.
Successful applicants will be able to work outdoors and be on their feet for several hours at a time. Must be able to work around hay and sand/dirt. Must be able to lift 20 pounds. Most important is the ability to communicate well and in a positive manner with keepers, other volunteers, and animal care staff. Shifts are available from 7:30am to 10:30am October through May and 6:30am to 9:30am June through September. Applicants must be 18 years of age.
Please call Carrie at 520-837-8083, or email carrie.dean@reidparkzoo.org, with questions about the Animal Care Volunteer program.
The Elephant Care Center Volunteer position at Reid Park Zoo provides an opportunity for individuals to shadow and work side-by-side with an elephant keeper. Volunteering in the elephant care facility gives volunteers the opportunity to learn how zoos care for and enrich elephants. While helping, volunteers will learn about elephant natural history, anatomy, social hierarchies, positive reinforcement training, and about our individual animals. While cleaning and physical labor are the main functions of this volunteer position, volunteers will participate in many aspects of elephant care.
Volunteers can expect to do some or all of the following:
Volunteers will NOT work directly with the elephants. From a safe distance (no exceptions), volunteers will have the opportunity to observe keepers working with elephants.
Hours
Volunteers will track their hours. The work schedule is from 6:30am until 11:30am during summer months (June-September) and 7:30am until 12:30pm in the non-summer months (October-May). Ideally, volunteers will work 2 mornings a week, with a minimum of 1 day a week. The Zoo is a 7 day a week operation and therefore volunteers can work weekdays and/or weekends. The commitment is for a minimum of 6 months.
Qualifications
The Elephant Volunteer position is a physically and mentally demanding job. Applicants must be able to do the following to be considered for the position:
Please call Carrie at 520-837-8083, or email carrie.dean@reidparkzoo.org, with questions about this position. We are not accepting applications at this time.
Event volunteers provide support to the events department by serving on a planning committee and/or assisting with aspects of event preparation and the running of events.
Reports to: Director of External Relations or Events & Outreach Supervisor
Specific Duties: Volunteers may do some or all of the following
Length and Time Commitment: Event Volunteers do not have a minimum, required, hourly time commitment but must commit to a six month volunteer period. Schedules are set with the volunteer’s direct supervisor.
Qualifications:
Training: Event Volunteers must attend a two-hour training session and will receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures. Additional on-the-job training will be appropriate to the assignment.
Dress Code: Business casual or work attire (no inappropriate text or logos) depending on assignment, a name tag, and closed toe and heel shoes with good traction. We ask that for the comfort of guests, staff, and volunteers, that strong colognes, perfumes, and lotions not be worn.
Applications are accepted and interviews are conducted year round, but accepted applicants will not be allowed to volunteer until they participate in one of the three annual training sessions.
Please call Sierra at 520-837-8088, or email sierra.horsey@reidparkzoo.org, with questions.
The Administrative Support Volunteer position at Reid Park Zoo serves to help Administrative staff with a variety of office tasks. Exact duties are assigned based on experience.
Reports to: Dependent on placement: Director of Development, Chief Philanthropy Officer, General Curator, Executive Assistant, Finance Coordinator, Membership Coordinator, or Registrar
Specific Duties: Volunteers may do all or some of the following
Length and Time Commitment: Administrative Support Volunteers do not have a minimum, required, yearly time commitment. Schedules are set with the volunteer’s direct supervisor.
Qualifications:
Training: Administrative Support Volunteers must got through a training session and will receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures. Additionally, they will receive on-the-job training appropriate to their assignment.
Dress Code: Business casual attire (no inappropriate text or logos) and a name tag. We ask that for the comfort of staff and volunteers, that strong colognes, perfumes, and lotions not be worn.
Applications are accepted and interviews are conducted year round, but accepted applicants will not be allowed to volunteer until they participate in one of the three annual training sessions.
Please call Sierra at 520-837-8088, or email sierra.horsey@reidparkzoo.org, with questions.
The application period is now closed.
Marketing & Communications Volunteers provide support to the Marketing & Communications department by assisting with all aspects of storytelling and general Zoo awareness (digital and print).
Reports to: Marketing & Communication Manager
Specific Duties: Volunteers may do all or some of the following
Length and Time Commitment: Marketing & Communications Volunteers must commit to volunteer for a minimum of one year, volunteering a minimum of 8 hours per month.
Qualifications:
Training: Marketing & Communications Volunteers will go through a training and receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures. Additionally, they will receive on-the-job training appropriate to their assignment.
Dress Code: Business casual or work attire (no inappropriate text or logos) depending on assignment and a name tag. We ask that for the comfort of guests, staff and volunteers, that strong colognes, perfumes, and lotions not be worn.
Applications are accepted and interviews are conducted year round, but accepted applicants will not be allowed to volunteer until they participate in one of the three annual training sessions.
Please call Sierra at 520-837-8088, or email sierra.horsey@reidparkzoo.org, with questions.
The application period is now closed.
Volunteer Photographers serve a vital role in assisting the Marketing & Communications department by documenting daily Zoo activities as well as special visits and events.
Reports to: Marketing & Communication Manager
Specific Duties: Volunteers may do all or some of the following
Length and Time Commitment: Volunteer Photographers must commit to volunteer for a minimum of one year, volunteering a minimum of 4 hours per month.
Qualifications:
Training: Marketing & Communications Volunteers must attend one training session and will receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures. Additional, on-the-job training appropriate to the assignment is also given.
Dress Code: Business casual or work attire (no inappropriate text or logos) depending on assignment and a name tag. We ask that for the comfort of guests, staff and volunteers, that strong colognes, perfumes, and lotions not be worn.
Applications are accepted and interviews are conducted year round, but accepted applicants will not be allowed to volunteer until they participate in one of the three annual training sessions.
Please call Sierra at 520-837-8088, or email sierra.horsey@reidparkzoo.org, with questions.
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. This is a physically demanding position. The Grounds Volunteer position is open to organizations interested in group volunteer days.
Reports to: Grounds Supervisor
Specific Duties: Volunteers may do all or some of the following
• Clean sidewalks and easements of trash and debris
• Assist with routine maintenance
• Move large brush piles
• Rake debris and brush
• Empty trashcans
• Help with landscape projects, including trimming, tilling, mulching etc.
• Deliver browse to habitats
• Assist with tool clean up
Length and Time Commitment: Grounds Volunteers do not have a minimum, required, yearly time commitment. Schedules are set with the volunteer’s direct supervisor.
Qualifications:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to work on your feet for long periods
• Repetitive lifting of 20 to 50 pounds
• Be able to work in extreme weather conditions
• Be able to work around flies, mosquitoes, and other insects
• Be able to follow directions well
• Remember tasks from one week to the next
• Get along with staff and volunteers
• Be able to work in a fast paced environment
• General knowledge of tool use
Training: Grounds Volunteers must attend a two-hour training session and will receive hard copies of the safety policies and procedures. Additionally, volunteers will receive on-the-job training by Grounds Staff.
Dress Code: Must wear the volunteer shirt (provided by the Zoo), jeans, work pants (yoga and exercise pants or leggings are not allowed), shorts (minimum 5-inch inseam), 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.
Applications are accepted and interviews are conducted year round, but accepted applicants will not be allowed to volunteer until they participate in one of the three annual training sessions.
Please call Sierra at 520-837-8088, or email sierra.horsey@reidparkzoo.org, with questions.
The application period is now closed.
