The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is searching for enthusiastic, conservation-minded adults, ages 18 and older, to volunteer in our animal contact areas. By attracting and retaining quality, committed individuals, the Zoo will be able to maintain our #1 Zoo in America status! We choose volunteers who are best suited for each position and who possess the necessary skills, education, experience and qualifications to fit the requirements needed.
If you are accepted as an Adult Volunteer, placement will occur based on your availability and experience, along with our areas of need. Those areas include: Kangaroo Walkabout, Touch Pool, Reptile Keeper Lab, Lorikeets and Mainland Asia Aviary. These opportunities are primarily long-term and volunteers are assigned based on operational needs and availability. Each area will have a predetermined number of volunteers needed, with each volunteer making a commitment to volunteer at least 55 hours a year.
We are no longer taking applications for 2013. The volunteer application for 2014 will be available in September. Please check back for the application and more information.
Docents
Adult volunteers who are 21 years or older and have volunteered at the Zoo for a minimum of 20 hours are eligible to apply to the Docent Program. Docents assist in the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Animal Contact Areas, provide guided educational tours and assist Zoo staff with various duties. They are also stationed throughout the Zoo to share information with guests about the Columbus Zoo and its animal collections.
Docent training classes are generally held twice a year.
Golf Course Rangers
Adults interested in volunteering as golf course rangers must be available Saturdays or Sundays 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. A working knowledge of golf is strongly encouraged.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL ADULT POSITIONS
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must successfully complete all necessary training prior to volunteering in an animal contact area
• Able to balance multiple assignments successfully
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior
• Able to perform volunteer duties in a team and/or individually with minimal supervision
• Able to perform volunteer duties in varied weather conditions (i.e. heat, cold, snow or rain)
• Maintains friendly, positive attitude towards guests
• Able to maintain appropriate volunteer appearance
• Able to perform volunteer duties on a flexible schedule if needed, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays
• Able to adhere to all safety protocol
• Able to maintain confidentiality regarding the Zoo’s animal collection when required
• Subject to Drug-free Workplace Policy
• Subject to criminal background check