Zookeeper Assistant
Education
Special Events
Gift Shop
Zoo Office
Horticultural
Volunteers are assigned to assist a zookeeper in one area, but may work in other
areas if the need arises. The minimum volunteer commitment is four (4) hours per
week during the school year and eight (8) hours per week during the summer.
Preferably volunteers will start their work day at 8am, when the bulk of the
daily work is carried out. Special circumstances can be taken into account upon
request to the General Curator.
Volunteers will be assigned based on the interests of the volunteer and the
needs of the Zoo.
The General Curator will work with individual volunteers to work out a schedule
that takes into account the needs of the individual and the needs of the
Greenville Zoo. Volunteers will be expected to work as scheduled; be on time;
dressed appropriately; and follow all procedural and safety rules as dictated by
the Greenville Zoo.
Volunteers will be allowed to work at the discretion of the supervisory staff
and informed of any problems that may arise. If problems cannot be resolved, a
volunteer will be informed that their service is no longer needed.
Required Knowledge and Skills: Volunteers may be as young as
sixteen (16), but preference is given to college level students with an interest
in the biological sciences; Volunteers must possess good physical strength and
endurance; Must be able to follow written and oral direction, understand, apply
good judgment, and foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to the work;
Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours
assignments as needed. If accepted as a volunteer, you must provide proof of a
negative TB test given within the last year, and an current Tetanus vaccination.
Volunteers will be responsible for logging their own hours. Volunteer hours will
be logged daily in the Volunteer Log located in the staff break room.
Process for Volunteering
To apply as a volunteer, download the
volunteer application.
Volunteers will be interviewed by the General Curator and/or assigned staff
member(s) based on their interests. Once approved, the volunteer will work out a
schedule and begin their work with the Greenville Zoo staff.
SATURDAY PROGRAMS - Morning and afternoon sessions are held
most Saturdays during fall, winter, and spring. Volunteers are needed for Zoo
Tots (ages 2-3) and Saturday Safaris (ages 4-9). Volunteers will help children
make crafts, play games, assist with animals, and accompany children on
adventures in the zoo. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
SCHOOL & HOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS - These classes, designed for grades K-12,
occur on weekdays during the school year. Help engage young minds with
the world of animals in formal classes. Assist staff with props, biofacts, and
live animals in teaching an appreciation of the natural world and the value of
conservation. They help with artifacts, materials, and animals. Volunteers must be
at least 14 years old.
ZOO CAMP - Morning and afternoon sessions are held from June
through mid August. Volunteers assist with crafts, games, and animals as the
campers explore the animal world at our zoo. Visit with staff behind-the-scenes
to show how a modern zoo works. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
DOCENTS - Year round. Docents interact with visitors to answer
questions regarding animals. May also help zookeepers with special projects such
as behavioral observation of animals. Docents must be 18 years or older.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Volunteers may be as young as fourteen (14); Volunteers must possess good
endurance; must be able to follow both written and oral direction, understand,
apply good judgment, foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to work
environment. If accepted as a volunteer, you must provide proof of a negative TB
test given within the last year and a current Tetanus vaccination.
Docents may be as young as eighteen (18); Docents must possess good endurance;
must feel comfortable communicating with public in group setting and one on one;
must be able to follow both written and oral direction, understand, apply good
judgment, foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to work environment.
If accepted as a docent, you must provide proof of a negative TB test given
within the last year and a current Tetanus vaccination.
Process for Volunteering
To apply as a volunteer, fill out the
volunteer application.
Volunteers and Docents will be scheduled for and interviewed by the Education
Department once we receive the application. Once approved, the volunteer/docent
will be assigned a training date. Fees do apply for volunteers and docent
training. The education volunteer application deadline is April 26, 2013.
Special Event Volunteers will be involved with various jobs and activities
essential to supporting the success of special events. Duties may include, but
not be limited to, meeting and directing the general public, setting up for
events, cleaning after events, and other activities designated by the zoo staff.
Special Event Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and posses good
customer service skills, the ability to follow directions in a fast paced,
changing environment and a willingness to work. A Volunteer Service Agreement
must be signed prior to volunteering.
Volunteer Application.
Volunteers are needed all days. The greatest need is weekends year round from
9:30 until 5 on Saturdays and 1 until 5 on Sundays as well as weekday mornings
(9:30-1pm) during April and May. Assist staff with the operation of the snack
bar and the gift shop by helping customers, operating registers, stocking
merchandise, preparing and serving snacks and drinks.
Minimum commitment is four hours per day and eight hours per week.
Qualifications: Must be age 15 or older, demonstrate a sense of responsibility,
and have the ability to deal with zoo visitors.
Process for Volunteering
To apply as a volunteer, download the
volunteer application.
Primarily on weekdays (hours are flexible) and a few evenings and weekends.
Assist office staff and administration with telephone inquiries, mailings,
clerical functions, preparation of newsletter, brochures, and fliers. Minimum
commitment is four hours per day and eight hours per week.
Qualifications: Adults only. Must demonstrate a sense of
responsibility, and have the the ability to deal with wide variety of
assignments and people. Some computer skills desirable.
Current Status: Volunteers are needed year round.
Process for Volunteering
To apply as a volunteer, download the
volunteer application.
Assist in the maintenance of the zoo's extensive collection of live plants.
Includes planting, pruning, and all forms of plant maintenance. Minimum
commitment is four hours per day and eight hours per week.
Qualifications: Must be age 16 or older, demonstrate a sense of
responsibility, and have an interest in and some experience with plants.
Process for Volunteering
To apply as a volunteer, download the
volunteer application.