Volunteers
Looking for internships? See our Internships page for more information (Internships are only for college-level students who are studying biological sciences).
- Education Volunteers/ Docents
- Guest services Volunteers
- Horticultural Volunteers
- Special Event Volunteers
- Zookeeper Assistant
- Zoo Admin Volunteers
- Zoo Ambassadors
- Veterinary Hospital Volunteers
Education Department Teen Volunteers
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.
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Volunteers are ages 14-17 years old
- 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
- An 80-hour commitment minimum during the summer and a 20-hour minimum commitment during the school year is required
- If accepted as a volunteer, you must provide proof of a negative TB test given within the last 90 days
- Acceptance is contingent upon passing a drug test.
- Training fees apply
Teen volunteer applications are accepted from October 1 - April 1.
Apply
To apply to be a volunteer, select the link and complete the wavier: https://greenvillezoo.com/FormCenter/Get-Involved-6/Volunteer-Application-48
Education Department Docents
Adult (18 years and older) volunteers called docents to interact with visitors to answer questions regarding animals year-round. May also help zookeepers with special projects such as behavioral observation of animals.
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Docents may be as young as 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
- Acceptance is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screening.
- If accepted as a docent, you must provide proof of a negative TB test given within the last 90 days
Docents' volunteer applications are accepted from October 1 - February 15.
Questions email zooed@greenvillesc.gov or call (864)467-4542.
Guest Services Volunteers
Greenville Zoo volunteers are important and needed every day especially weekends during the months of April – October from 10:00AM-2:00PM.
Assist attendants with customers in required areas
- Admissions rentals hand out forms for wheelchair and strollers. Demonstrate how rentals operate, answer general zoo questions and assist with admission lines
- Concessions preparing and serving food and drinks
- Gift shop stocking merchandise
- Cleaning sweeping, mopping and raking
Qualifications
Demonstrate a sense of responsibility and have the ability to communicate with zoo visitors. Provided great customer service.
- Volunteers minimum age 15 and older
- 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
- Minimum commitment is 4 hours per day and 16 hours per month.
Apply
Application for Guest Services volunteers is closed. Check back periodically for more information.
Interviews will be scheduled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions contact the Volunteer Coordinator by email omarshall@greenvillesc.gov or call (864)467-4542.
Horticultural Volunteers
Application for horticultural volunteers is closed. Check back periodically for more information.
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 4 hours per day and 8 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.
If accepted into the program you must provide proof of a negative TB test completed within the last 90 days. Clear a background check and drug screen provided by the City of Greenville.
Apply
To apply to be a volunteer, select the link and complete the wavier: https://greenvillezoo.com/FormCenter/Get-Involved-6/Volunteer-Application-48
If you have any questions, contact the Volunteer Coordinator by email omarshall@greenvillesc.gov or call (864) 467-4542.
Special Event Volunteers
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.
Volunteers for Boo in the Zoo and Holidays at the zoo events must be at least 14 years of age.
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Volunteers are ages 14 years and older
- Must be able to follow both written and oral direction, understand, apply good judgment, foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to work environment
- Good customer service skills, the ability to follow directions in a fast paced, changing environment and a willingness to work.
Apply
To apply to be a volunteer, select the link and complete the wavier https://greenvillezoo.com/FormCenter/Get-Involved-6/Volunteer-ApplicationZoo-Events-50
If you have any questions, contact the Volunteer Coordinator by email omarshall@greenvillesc.gov or call (864) 467-4542.
Zookeeper Assistant
Volunteers are assigned to assist a zookeeper in one area, but may work in other areas if the need arises. Preferably volunteers will start their work day at 8 a.m., when the bulk of the daily work is carried out. Special circumstances can be taken into account upon request to the General Curator. In which the General Curator will work with individual to work out a schedule for the needs of the individual and the needs of the Greenville Zoo.
Volunteers will be assigned based on the interests of the volunteer and the needs of the zoo. Volunteers will be expected to work as scheduled. With a minimum commitment of 16 hours per month for 4 hours a week (a total of 192 hours a year).
Required Knowledge & Skills
- Volunteers age requirement 18, 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 into the program you must provide proof of a negative TB test completed within the last 90 days. Clear a background check and drug screen provided by the City of Greenville.
- Must attend orientation on zoo operations and safety training and fees will apply.
Application Deadline
Applications for Spring must be received by January 1st, Summer applications must be received by March 15th and Fall applications must be received by June 30th. See below for application information.
Apply
To apply to be a volunteer, select the link and complete the wavier: https://greenvillezoo.com/FormCenter/Get-Involved-6/Volunteer-Application-48
Interviews will be scheduled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions contact the Volunteer Coordinator by email omarshall@greenvillesc.gov or call (864)467-4542.
Zoo Office & Administration Volunteers-Closed
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 4 hours per day and 8 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.
Process for Volunteering
We are currently not accepting applications for this position.
Zoo Ambassadors
Application for Zoo Ambassadors is closed. Check back periodically for more information.
Zoo Ambassadors will be involved with various jobs and activities assisting the Zoo’s Public Service staff. The Ambassador will be stationed at the ticket booth to welcome our visitors and provide friendly customer service. Duties may include, but not limited to, greeting and directing the visitors, interacting with visitors, answering any questions about the zoo and zoo programs, assisting zoo members through a quick check in process, handing out conservation tokens, selling memberships, and monitoring the gift shop.
Requirements
The Zoo Ambassadors must be at least 15 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. No experience necessary. Volunteers are needed March - September, Tuesday - Friday and weekends. Minimum commitment is four hours per day or eight hours per week.
Skills
Ambassadors must possess good endurance; must feel comfortable communicating with public, must be able to follow both written and oral direction, understand, apply good judgment, foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to work environment. Represent the zoo in a positive and professional manner.
Process for Volunteering
Application for Zoo Ambassadors is closed. Check back periodically for more information.
Veterinary Hospital Volunteer
Times to be determined during normal zoo hours Monday-Sunday 8am-5pm
Experience Required
Graduate with degree in Veterinary Technology from AVMA accredited program and has successfully passes VTNE and SC board exams is preferred, but not required. Person with experience in exotic animal medicine preferred.
Further Comments
This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity to assist with various duties in the hospital including clinical assistance, laboratory work, office work, and patient care. Background and drug clearances are required through the City of Greenville.
Salary
None
How to Apply
Accepting resumes: Email cover letter, resume, references, and completed application to Sarah Schwenzer, LVT/Veterinary Hospital Coordinator at sschwenzer@greenvillesc.gov. Selected candidates will be asked to formally apply through The Greenville Zoo volunteer program to complete their involvement.
The Greenville Zoo
150 Cleveland Park Drive
Greenville, SC 29601
864-467-5709