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.



General Responsibilities (choose one or a combination of all):

  • Tour Guide - Escort visitors, including school groups, through Zoo Boise while educating them with natural history, behavior, and conservation of zoo animals. Tour guides are needed particularly during weekdays in April, May, September & October and for daily free tours during Summer.
  • Exhibit Interpreters - enlighten visitors with information on the natural history, behavior and habitat of animals of your favorite exhibit, Discovery Stations or the Simplot Education Center.
  • Education Center & Animal Care (optional) - Education Volunteers also have an option to care for the education animals (insects, bird, reptiles, mammals) housed in the Simplot Education Center as well as prepare the Education Center for opening each day.
  • Program Assistant - volunteers assist education staff with family and youth programs.
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 Zoo Naturalist 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 a minimum of 8 hours per month, March-October
  • Shift times are 9:30am-12:30pm (8:30am – 12:30pm optional) or 1:00pm – 5:00pm; Monday through Saturday
  • Participate in a 12 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 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.