Zoo Naturalists

Zoo Naturalists combine their knowledge about animals and ecology with the use of animal artifacts, exhibits and live animals to engage zoo visitors in a wildlife learning experience.

We are not currently accepting application for this position.

ZOO NATURALIST*  - Volunteers will be working with the public in a variety of ways, and will rotate through five areas as needed.   Minimum 4 hours per week, March  – October  (With an option to run until late November).  The five areas are:

Butterfly Exhibit – Monitor entrance and exit through this walk through exhibit as well as providing light exhibit maintenance and visitor education.

Education Stations – Engage zoo visitors with the use of animal artifacts, exhibits and live animals.

Zoo Farm – Educate visitors while assisting with animal feeding and general upkeep of the station.

Giraffe Feeding Station – Assist keeper with daily feedings by answering visitor questions, collecting money and visitor line management.

Wallaby Walkabout Exhibit - Monitor walk through of the wallaby exhibit and teach visitors about wallabies, habitat and conservation.

 

*Optional – Lead and assist with tours for zoo visitors and school groups.

 



Training Sessions:

If accepted as a Zoo Boise volunteer, an initial volunteer orientation 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 Zoo Naturalist volunteer position. Orientation dates for 2012 are March 9,10,& 17. The Friday evening session is from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, and the Saturday sessions are from 8:00am – 5:00pm. There will be an additional orientation May 5 & 6. (8:00am - 5:00 pm)

Requirements:

  • Must be over 18 years old
  • Must commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week, March-October
  • Shift times are 9am-1:00pm  or 1:00pm – 5:00pm; Monday through Sunday
  • Participate in a 20 hour volunteer orientation
  • 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
  • Enjoy working with people of all ages
  • Desire to further develop customer service, public speaking, and teaching skills (training provided)
  • Interested in educating public about wildlife conservation
  • Must submit a negative TB test at own expense annually
  • Submit to a Federal background check

Benefits:

  • Friends of Zoo Boise Annual Pass – 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 many 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 gift shop or food café purchases
  • Zoo Boise day passes - Volunteers can receive one day pass for every 15 volunteer hours completed

Application: Click here for Zoo Naturalist application.
Acceptance into the program is based on quality of the application and interview. Interviews will last up to one hour, and will be conducted at Zoo Boise, after the application is accepted. 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.