Program Fee
There is a fee to cover the purchase of a uniform shirt, ID badge, and training costs. The fee for this program is $50 and is due on the first day of training and is non-refundable.
Selection Process
Applicants will receive an email for an interview on one of the scheduled dates for a specific time that falls within the listed time frame.
- Interviews will be virtual using Zoom
- Approximately 20 minutes long
- Answer 10 questions
- Give a 3 minute prepared presentation (details will be provided with interview appointment email).
Virtual interview dates:
- Saturday, March 28, 10:00am – 2:30pm
- Tuesday, March 24, 4pm-7pm
- Thursday, March 26, 4pm-7pm
- Tuesday, April 7, 4pm-7pm
- Thursday, April 9, 4pm-7pm
Selection of Volunteer Conservation Corps will be announced through email within one week after interviews.
Training
All selected candidates are required to complete all relevant trainings for their selected area. You should consider whether or not you are available before submitting your application. Alternative dates will not be offered.
Conservation: Candidates must complete 2 online trainings (Modules 1-2) and in-person trainings 1-6 (see below).
Animal Care: Candidates will complete 3 online trainings (Modules 1-3). Additional on-the-job training will be provided by Zookeepers in assigned area. All are welcome to attend as many other trainings as desired.
Horticulture: Candidates will complete 2 online trainings (Modules 1-2) and at least in-person trainings 1, 5, and 6. All are welcome to attend as many other trainings as desired.
Special Events: Candidates should complete at least online training Module 1 and any trainings relevant to the event in which they will participate.
Online Trainings:
- Module 1: Volunteer Orientation
- Module 2: Conservation Foundations
- Module 3: Animal Area Focus (Animal Care candidates)
In-Person Trainings: There are 3 opportunities to attend all 6 in-person trainings, but candidates only need to select one of each for their training requirements on the application.
Tuesdays, 6-8 pm
- April 14 – 1. Zoo Tour & Habitat Helper
- April 21 – 3. Conservation Methods
- April 28 – 5. Pollinator Tracking (includes field hike)
- May 5 – 2. Nature Interpretation (schedule practices individually)
- May 12 – 4. Animal Behavior Observation
- May 19 – 6. Horticulture of Native/Invasive Plants
Thursdays, 6-8 pm
- April 16 – 2. Nature Interpretation (schedule practices individually)
- April 23 – 4. Animal Behavior Observation
- April 30 – 6. Horticulture of Native/Invasive Plants (includes field hike)
- May 7 – 1. Zoo Tour & Habitat Helper
- May 14 – 3. Conservation Methods
- May 21 – 5. Pollinator Tracking (includes field hike)
Saturdays, 9am-1pm
- May 9
- 9am-11am – 1. Zoo Tour/Habitat Helper
- 11am-1pm – 2. Nature Interpretation
- May 16
- 9am-11am – 3. Conservation Methods
- 11am-1pm – 4. Animal Behavior Observation
- May 23 (includes field hike)
- 9am-11am – 5. Pollinator Tracking
- 11am-1pm – 6. Horticulture of Native/Invasive Plants
Application Process
Before you apply:
- Adults: Prepare a general resume to upload to your online application.
- Youth: Acquire a letter of recommendation from a teacher or non-family member to upload a digital copy to your online application.
- All: Prepare answers to the following questions which will be in your application.
- New Applicants will answer the following:
- If given the opportunity, what do you hope to gain from your experience volunteering at the Niabi Zoo?
- How do you think people should act around animals and describe any experience you have had with animals (working with, caring for pets, etc.)
- Explain how you think the public should be treated and if you have any experience dealing with the public.
- What role do you think Zoos play and why do they matter?
- Returners will answer the following:
- What did you learn from your previous experience as a Volunteer at the Zoo?
- How can you improve your performance and service as a Volunteer?
- What you hope to achieve this year?
- Why is it important to communicate conservation messages with the public?
Applications
- Due Date: Submit your on-line application and recommendation letter no later than April 3 (preferably sooner).
- New applicants will complete a full application process. Click the top button below to apply.
- Returning Volunteers are those who have previously served as a Volunteer will complete an update application. Click the bottom button below to apply.
Nature Interpretation – Learn interpretive techniques and help educate zoo guests about animals, conservation, and nature.
Zookeeper assistance – Work alongside zookeepers in maintaining animal habitats, delivering animal diets, and providing behavioral enrichment. Be prepared to get dirty and work in all weather conditions. For the safety of our animals, those volunteer candidates interested in helping in Animal Care must provide proof of vaccination for Covid-19 and must be negative for TB.
Gardening – Get down in the dirt to help us maintain our flower beds, pollinator gardens and planting areas. Duties include routine plant care, such as watering, pruning, weeding, planting, and transplanting.
Animal event days – Help run educational activities and educate guests about featured animals on their special day (World Giraffe Day, African Painted Dog Day, and more).