We Need You at the Zoo!
Volunteer opportunities and internships are available at Zoo Idaho in a variety of areas for people ages 14 and older who would like to work in education, events, animal care, grounds maintenance, and construction. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and training sessions are scheduled on an individual basis.
“Zoo Crew” Volunteer Information Open House
Date: Monday, June 5, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM
Adult (18+) and Youth (14–17) Volunteer Forms
All volunteers at Zoo Idaho are required to submit an Adult Application (18+) or a Youth Application (14-17) and a Volunteer Waiver Form. Some volunteer opportunities have fees associated with them in order to offset the costs required for training and materials.
Adult Volunteers (ages 18+)
Adult Application | Volunteer Waiver Form
Do you have an endless curiosity? Do you enjoy helping others learn? If so, the Zoo’s Docent Program may be the volunteer opportunity for you!
Each year volunteer teachers, referred to as docents, serve as interpretive guides and present educational programs introducing thousands of children and adults to the wonders of wildlife.
The Zoo offers docent training two times year, once in Fall/Winter, and once in Spring/Summer. Docents are trained in the art of interpretation, using interesting biofacts as well as animal observations to provoke curiosity. Docents promote learning and inspire visitors towards conserving wildlife while helping to facilitate an unforgettable Zoo experience.
Like working with animals?
Docents also serve as animal presenters for the Zoo’s animal encounter Discovery Stations (spring/summer), Wildlife Theater programs (spring/summer), and at outreach programs (all year).
Through a training program, the docent learn about the natural history of both Zoo animals on exhibit and those found in the Education Department as well as the educational programs docents conduct on and off property.
Docents must pass the training program with an 80% attendance or higher to continue as a docent for the Zoo. The Zoo will cover the costs for materials, a shirt, a background check, and a name badge.
Other Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Construction
Construction volunteers help the Zoo’s staff with all sorts of construction jobs, from basic construction activities to advanced design, depending on your skills and desires. These jobs include exhibit construction, advanced grounds maintenance, electrical installations and repairs, and plumbing repairs, all under the supervision of the Zoo’s Maintenance Supervisor.
Tracker training is not required.
Qualifications:
- Approval from Zoo Director and Maintenance Supervisor
- Safety training
- No Docent training required
Grounds and Maintenance
Grounds and Maintenance volunteers help the Zoo’s staff with basic groundskeeping and maintenance jobs. These jobs include painting, cleaning (non-exhibit), landscaping/gardening (raking, mowing, weeding), and minor repairs. If you have experience gardening, this can include planting and landscape design.
Tracker training is not required.
Qualifications:
- Approval from Zoo Director and Maintenance Supervisor
- Supervision of Maintenance Supervisor
- Safety training
- No Docent training required
Youth Volunteers: Jr. Zoo Crew (ages 14–17)
Youth Application | Volunteer Waiver Form
Hey teens! Looking for a great way to spend your summer? Youth, ages 14-17 may apply for a Jr. Zoo Crew volunteer positions at the zoo. Jr. Zoo Crew assists with animal care in the barn yard, camps, and education programs. The zoo is currently accepting applications for summer positions. All youths accepted into the program must fill out a youth volunteer application and waiver, participate in an interview, attend a training session, and provide a commitment of at least 60 hours over the summer (June – August). That works out to two 2½-hour time slots a week.
