Conservation Cruise Captains

Volunteers will have the opportunity to educate Zoo Boise visitors while driving the Conservation Cruise across the lagoon into Africa. Captains will teach visitors about the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund, recently funded projects, and how they can contribute to wildlife conservation.


General Responsibilities:

  • Safely drive the Conservation Cruise boat from dock to dock
  • Educate visitors about the animal exhibit
  • Educate visitors about conservation needs, and recently funded projects
  • Generate excitement among visitors regarding their positive impact for conservation
  • Educate visitors about Zoo Boise’s conservation efforts
  • Collect Conservation Cruise fee ($1/person)

Training Sessions:

If accepted as a Zoo Boise volunteer, an initial 12 hour volunteer orientation over a Friday evening and Saturday is required prior to beginning volunteer service. Successful completion of an on-the-job training & introductory period of 24 hours is also required before full acceptance into the Conservation Cruise volunteer position. Session dates for 2010 are March 19 & 20, April 9 & 10, and September 17 & 18. The Friday evening session is from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, and the Saturday session is from 8:00am – 5:00pm.


Requirements:

  • Must be over 18 years old
  • Must commit to one shift per week for six months
  • Shift times are 10:30am – 1:30pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm; Monday through Sunday
  • Participate in a 12 hour volunteer orientation
  • Participate in boat trainings in April (TBD)
  • Successfully complete an introductory period of 24 hours
  • Pay a $35.00 training fee for manual and uniform shirt
  • Submit an application and accept offered position after an interview
  • Abide by all policies in the Volunteer Handbook
  • Submit to a Federal Background check
  • Ability to work well with visitors, good customer service
  • Interested in educating public about wildlife conservation
  • Must submit a negative TB test at own expense annually

Benefits:

  • Friends of Zoo Boise Annual Pass Holder – volunteers are eligible after a 24-hour introductory period
  • Unlimited admission to Zoo Boise for extent of active volunteer service
  • Reduced rates on Family and Grandparent passes
  • Free or reduced admission to other participating zoos
  • Subscription to Animal Tales newsletter and a subscription to our biweekly e-newsletter
  • Exclusive entrance to signature events: Easter EGGstravaganza, Zoo Daze & Boo at the Zoo
  • Discounts on education programs and purchases in the Zootique gift shop
  • Zoo Boise day passes - Volunteers can receive one day pass for every 15 volunteer hours completed

Application: Click here for conservation cruise application.
Acceptance into the program is based on quality of the application and interview. Interviews will last one hour, and will be conducted at Zoo Boise, after the application is accepted. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 1 for the spring session and September 1 for the fall session. Bring applications to Zoo Boise’s entrance or send to:
Volunteer Program
Zoo Boise
355 Julia Davis Drive
Boise, ID 83702
Applications by email or fax will not be accepted.

Return to main volunteer page