High School Volunteer

Make a difference

As a Youth Volunteer, you will increase and share your knowledge of animals, conservation and the environment while gaining valuable volunteer experience in a zoo and aquarium setting.

Check out the current openings and sign up now!

Applicants are welcome to apply for both opportunities if desired. Keep in mind that space is limited and that not all applicants will be interviewed or accepted.

Questions? Please contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@pdza.org or call (253) 404-3687.

Volunteer Opportunities

Zoo Guide

Talk with Zoo Guests about the animals in our exhibit areas.
Educate Zoo Guests on a variety of animal, conservation and environmental issues.
Guide activities in exhibit areas to encourage both children and adults to think about their place in the natural world and their role in conservation.
Interact with Zoo Guests of all ages in a fun and educational setting.
Have the option to participate in citizen science and conservation action projects at PDZA and in the community.
Have the opportunity to assist with Zoo-wide Special Events during the school year upon successful completion of the Summer season.

Applicants are required to submit an application with one reference form and attend a large group and small group interview in late February. Not all applicants will be interviewed and accepted. Once accepted, Zoo Guides must commit to attending 7 required training sessions in March-June and working one, 6-hour shift per week for 10 weeks during summer. For more details download the Job Description below.

Please Note: Zoo Guides DO NOT assist with animal care.

Zoo Guide applications are closed for 2019. We’ll open them again in December.

Meanwhile:

Read the 2019 Zoo Guide Job Description to see if this is something you want to apply for in 2020.
Check out Camp Assistant opportunities for this year instead!

Camp Assistant

Work with Camp Staff to offer an exciting learning opportunity to children ages 4 to 12.
Help set up and provide instruction with crafts, activities, and games for Camp participants.
Help Camp Staff to guide campers around zoo grounds.
Help to educate Camp participants about animals and conservation.
Interact with Camp participants in a fun and educational setting.
Have the option to participate in citizen science and conservation action projects at PDZA and in the community.

Applicants are required to submit an application with one reference form and attend a small group interview in early May. Not all applicants will be interviewed and accepted. Once accepted, Zoo Camp Assistants must commit to attending 2 required training sessions and working 2 full weeks of 8-hour shifts during the Summer Camp season.

Please Note: Zoo Camp Assistants DO NOT assist with animal care.

Zoo Camp Assistant Applications are closed for 2019. Meanwhile:

Read the 2019 Camp Assistant Job Description to see if this is something you want to apply for.
Come back in early 2020 to apply next year!