We offer several ways for you to be involved! You can check out position descriptions and application dates within the Adult Volunteering and Community Science pages. Please note that some positions are seasonal in nature and will not be open year-round. Others may not be open due to program capacity.

In general, applications are open:

January, adult volunteers only: Visitor Services Assistant, Wildlife Champions Assistant, Horticulture Assistant, Aquarium Diver

February: Spot the Swallows, Explore the Shore (open to youth with parental supervision)

August, adult volunteers only: Guest Engagement Interpreter, Visitor Services Assistant, Wildlife Champions Assistant, Horticulture Assistant, Aquarium Diver

December, youth volunteers only: Zoo Guides

You can sign up at the following link to receive an email update when applications are open again: Volunteer Waitlist Form. Please note that this form is not an application! You will still need to complete an application during the application window.

• Zoo Guides: 14 – 18 years of age and currently in grades 9 through 12.
• Spot the Swallows: 14 years of age or older (with parental supervision if under 18)
• Explore the Shore: 16 years of age or older
• All other positions: 18 years of age or older and able to pass a standard background check.

In general, volunteering requires a commitment of at least one year. You can learn more about requirements and hour commitments on the individual types of volunteering pages.

We utilize protected contact in caring for many of our larger animals, including our tigers, polar bears, and muskoxen. In protected contact, there is always a barrier between keepers and animals. This creates a safe environment for both our keepers and animals and allows our animals to participate in their own care. Volunteers do not work in protected contact areas.

We recruit volunteer animal handlers on an as-needed basis from our pool of active and dedicated volunteers.

Volunteers working in animal areas are recruited on an as-needed basis from our pool of active and dedicated volunteers.

Volunteers do not assist with animal health care.

We do not offer job shadowing or short-term volunteer opportunities. Most volunteer positions require a minimum commitment of one year.