Adult Volunteers

Applications open July 27 – August 31

Summary

Guest experience interpreters serve as informal educators. Interpreters interact with guests of all ages, telling the stories of animals, explaining conservation actions, and increasing guests’ general knowledge of nature. Interpreters also lead activities and conduct presentations with specific themes.

*Note: Interpreters do not handle or care for animals.

What to expect in this role

This position operates seven days a week. Shifts are 2 hours long and occur in all weather conditions, though some volunteers may opt to work in indoor spaces. This job may require prolonged periods of standing or walking. At busy times, volunteers may speak to over 200 guests during a shift. During the off-season, volunteers may only speak to 10 guests per shift. Loud noises and conversations are common. The staff and volunteers present will be different each shift.

Training

• Required: Supervisor meeting and Zoo Orientation (7.5 hours)
  • Zoo orientation: October 4 OR October 7
  • Supervisor meeting: September 20 OR 23
• Required: Interpretation Skills and Red Wolf Woods training (6.5 hours in person, 30 minutes virtual, 2 hour in person mentoring shift)
• Optional: Four additional trainings at 6.5 hours each (26 hours total)

Commitment

• 96 hours per year
• Commitment of at least one year to the program

Applications open July 27 – August 31

Summary

Volunteers support Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium horticulture staff in the maintenance of the landscaped beds on zoo grounds.

What to expect in this role

This position operates in early mornings (7am – 10am) on Wednesdays. Shifts are 3 hours long and occur outdoors in all weather conditions. This job involves lifting heavy objects and standing, sitting, or kneeling, for prolonged periods of time. The work varies heavily based on season. This position requires minimal public engagement, though volunteers may be asked questions by Zoo visitors during their shift. Loud noises from landscaping equipment are common. The volunteers and staff each shift tend to be the same.

• Required: Zoo orientation (6 hours total)
  • Orientation: October 4 OR 7
• Required: Supervisor meeting (1 – 2 hours)
• On-the-job training

Commitment

• One 3-hour on Wednesday mornings, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Applications open July 27 – August 31

Volunteers assist with husbandry of the major aquarium exhibits by diving under the direction of the dive safety officers.

Responsibilities

(under the direction of aquarium staff and dive safety officers)

• Remove and document invasive species accumulating on exhibit viewing windows and coral heads
• Lessen exhibit bio‐load through the use of sand filtration equipment and exchange of artificial coral
• Use a full-face dive mask with communication system to talk to guests about the animals

Qualifications

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Must be certified by a nationally recognized scuba organization to the level of rescue diver or willing to achieve this certification prior to beginning in-water training at PDZA
• Must have a minimum of 12 dives in Washington or similar cold-water environment
• Must have a current scientific dive physical
• Must have scientific diver training from an AAUS Organizational Member
• Supply all dive gear for initial checkout dive(s). For regular shifts, only cold water exposure protection (wetsuit or drysuit, boots, gloves, hood) and a mask are required.
• Supply cost of dive physical
• Maintain current CPR and Oxygen Administration Certification
• Abide by all standards of the PDZA dive manual, including logging all PDZA dives and volunteer hours
• Able and willing to talk with guests in a positive manner
• Ability to take verbal and written directions well

Training

• Required: Supervisor meeting and  Zoo orientation (7 hours total)
  • Zoo orientation: October 4 OR October 7
• Required: Assessment Dive
• Required: On the job training

Application Process

• Complete the dive application
• Complete the medical waiver
• Submit dive application and online application through My Impact
• After attending a supervisor interview, you’ll complete an assessment dive with our dive team. Final acceptance as a volunteer is contingent upon the assessment dive and attending Zoo Orientation
• Priority consideration will be given to those with weekday availability or Scientific Diver training

Time Commitment

• One dive shift (about 2‐3 hours) every other week OR every week depending on dive schedule
• Minimum of 60 hours per year
• Commitment of at least one year to the program

Applications closed. 

Visitor Services Assistants welcome Zoo guests by providing directional assistance, assistance with entering and exiting the Zoo, and answering questions about the Zoo. Visitor Services Assistants talk with guests of all ages and assist during school field trip season, at Zoo events, on days with high attendance, and upon request.

What to expect in this role

This position operates seven days a week, though shifts times may be adjusted to align with high-attendance times. Shifts are 2 hours in length and occur in all weather conditions. This position requires prolonged periods of standing in one place. At busy times, volunteers may speak to over 200 guests during a shift. During the off-season, volunteers may only speak to 10 guests during a shift. Loud noises and conversations are common. The staff and volunteers present will be different each shift.

Training

• Required: Zoo orientation (6 hours total)
• Required: On-the job training

Commitment

• One 2-hour shift per week

Applications open July 27 – August 31

Park Assistants support the Wildlife Champions program staff in teaching outdoor lessons that instill empathy for wildlife and stewardship for nature with Tacoma public school students (Arlington Elementary/Lister Elementary) through visits to neighboring natural areas (Oak Tree Park/Swan Creek Park).

Responsibilities

(under the direction of Wildlife Champions Instructors)

• Pre-reading lesson plans before the day of teaching. Lesson plans will be emailed to you once you have been approved to assist
• Assist in prepping materials and helping students put on their Wildlife Champions all-weather coats
• Help to safely walk students to and from their classroom, across a busy street, and into Oak Tree Park and Swan Creek Park (0.2 miles; 15 minutes)
• Help the primary instructors in leading classes (K-5th) in student management/supervision and in various activities from the pre-read lesson plans. Approximately 28 students for 50 minutes
• Assisting in the cleaning of materials used in the lesson

Qualifications

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Ability to take verbal and written direction well
• Ability to work with children in kindergarten through fifth grade

Training

• Required: Zoo orientation (6 hours total)
• Required: Virtual training (1.5 hours)
• Required: On-site training (2 hours)

Time Commitment

• Minimum of 2 days per park week (approximate time 9:30 am-3:30 pm), with a minimum of 4 shifts completed before December 31.  PLEASE NOTE: This is a weekday-only opportunity.
• Shift times are arranged based on class schedules and are generally 1.5 – 2 hours long.
• Park weeks will be announced before Zoo orientation

Arlington Elementary School
7202 South Pine Street, Tacoma, WA 98409

Oak Tree Park
7633 South Montgomery Street, Tacoma, WA (Intersection of S. Cedar and S. 74th Streets)

Lister Elementary School 
2106 East 44th Street, Tacoma, WA 98404

Swan Creek Park
3997 East Roosevelt Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98404

Community science volunteers support a variety of projects, from helping others explore the shore at low tide to contributing to scientific research. Volunteers can:

• Teach beachgoers about marine life at low tide while collecting data.
• Study local Purple Martin breeding colonies for recovery.
• Support community science events like the City Nature Challenge.
• Support urban carnivore research by reporting observations or analyzing wildlife camera photos.

Questions? Please contact the volunteer office at [email protected] or 253-404-3800 ext. 3761

Applications closed.

Summary

Rocky Shores/Tundra Zoological Volunteers provide support in the food preparation facility for Rocky Shores/Tundra as directed by Rocky Shores/Tundra Staff. Volunteers weigh and prepare food, thaw frozen seafood, and help maintain a clean facility.

What to expect in this role

This position operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Shifts occur indoors, in a facility that ranges in temperature from 65 to 68 degrees F, with brief visits to a walk-in refrigerator and freezer. The facility may be noisy at times and may smell strongly of seafood. Volunteers in this position will be asked to lift large boxes of frozen seafood (up to 50 pounds) and move a wheeled cart weighing up to 250 pounds. This position requires standing in place for up to 2 hours or more. Volunteers in this role will work alongside animal care staff to maintain a clean kitchen facility and observe all quarantine protocols. The staff and volunteers present each shift will be the same. Volunteers in this position do not care for or interact with animals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Able to lift 50 pounds unassisted
• Able to push/pull a wheeled cart weighing up to 250 pounds
• Able to stand for periods of 2 hours or more

Application process

• Complete a volunteer application on My Impact
• Complete a Rocky Shores/Tundra volunteer application and submit to [email protected] by September 3, 2025.
  • Download the application PDF here
• Selected applicants will be invited for a 1-hour job shadow of the position before final selections are made
• Selected applicants will be invited to attend Zoo orientation

Training

• Required: Supervisor meeting and Zoo orientation (10 hours total)
• Required: On the job training for food preparation facility and Rocky Shores/Tundra area

Time Commitment

• One 3 – 4 hour shift per week
• Commitment of at least one year

Applications open July 27 – August 31

Summary

Volunteers support the Asia Animal Care Team by aiding in diet preparation, basic area support, tasks, and general upkeep as directed by the Asia staff.

*Note: Volunteers will not perform husbandry care for the animals and must follow all safety, biosecurity, and quarantine protocols.

What to expect in this role

Volunteers in this role will work alongside animal care employees to maintain a clean kitchen facility and observe all quarantine protocols. This position operates on Friday and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Training shifts may occur on consecutive days or multiple days in one week. Shifts occur mostly indoors and may be hot and/or humid, with a variety of odors (seafood, raw meat, tropical fruits, and insects). Volunteers will use sharp knives to prepare large fruits & vegetables and raw meat. Animal noises are common within the facility and may at times be loud. Volunteers in this position will be asked to lift 25 pounds unassisted. This position requires standing in place for up to 4 hours or more and requires that volunteers adhere to strict biosecurity protocols. Biosecurity protocols may include (but are not limited to): footbaths, masks, and other personal protection equipment. The staff and volunteers will be the same for most shifts. Tasks will shift from shift to shift, depending on department and animal needs.

Application process

• Complete a general volunteer application on My Impact
• Complete an Asia Zoological volunteer application and submit to [email protected] by August 31, 2026.
  • Download the PDF here
• Selected applicants will be invited for a 1-hour job shadow of the position before final selections are made
• Selected applicants will be invited to attend Zoo orientation

Training

• Required: Supervisor meeting and Zoo orientation (10 hours total)
• Zoo orientation: October 4 OR October 7
• Required: On the job training

Commitment
One, 4 – 5 hour shift per week with a commitment of 1 year to the program.