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.

The following are volunteer opportunities available as a Zoo Naturalist with the Education Department. Zoo Naturalists can use their talents as a tour guide or exhibit interpreters, or both! Zoo Naturalists are also welcome to assist with Special Events. Minimum age for participation is 18. If you are under the age of 18, please see Special Event, Community Service Group Projects, or ZooTeen volunteer opportunities.

• Tour Guide - Escort visitors, including school groups, through Zoo Boise while educating them about natural history, behavior, and conservation of zoo animals. Tour guides are needed particularly during weekdays in April, May, September & October.

• Exhibit Interpreters enlighten visitors with information on the natural history, behavior and habitat of animals of their favorite exhibit, Discovery Station or in the Simplot Education Center.

• Education Center & Animal Care (optional) Education Volunteers also have an option to care for the education animals (insects, bird, reptiles, hedgehog, ferrets) housed in the Simplot Education Center as well as prepare the Education Center for opening each day.

Time Commitment
A total of 4 hours per week (minimum 8 hours per month), April - October; Education Center & Animal Care available all year round.

Shift Times:

• 8:30 am-12:30 pm – Zoo Naturalist with Education Center & Animal Care option
• 9:30 am-1:30 pm – Tour Guides and Exhibit Interpreters only. Zoo Naturalists are needed beginning at 9am during April, May, September, October for school field trip programs.
• 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm – Tour Guides and Exhibit Interpreters only.

Days Available:

• May - September: Tuesday - Saturday
• March, April and October: Tuesday - Friday
• Education Center and Animal Care volunteers may continue to volunteer throughout the year.

Training:
If accepted as a Zoo Boise volunteer, an initial Zoo Boise training class is required prior to beginning animal care volunteer service.

• Training class 1: April 5 and April 12, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
• Training class 2: April 26 and May 3, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Fees:
$35.00 training, manual, and t-shirt fee (non-refundable).

Age Requirement:
Minimum age for participation is 18. If you are under the age of 18, please see Special Event, Community Service Group Projects, or ZooTeen volunteer opportunities.

Application:
Click here for a Zoo Naturalist application or contact 384-4260 ext 102. Acceptance into the program is based on quality of the application and interview. Applications must be postmarked by February 29. Send applications or bring applications to Zoo Boise’s entrance at:


Applications received by fax or email will not be accepted.  Interviews will be in conducted in March.

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