Zooteen Volunteer Program

Zooteens focus on conservation education for Zoo Boise visitors and, in turn, gain experience with teaching, leadership, public speaking, animal care, and learn about animals and the wild places they inhabit!

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Zooteen Volunteer program.

What age do I have to be for the Zooteen Volunteer program?
What do Zooteen volunteers do?
What is the time commitment required for Zooteens?
How do I apply?
What happens after I apply?
What happens if I am accepted into the Zooteen program?

Return to Zooteen page.

What age do I have to be for the Zooteen Volunteer program?
Ages 13 (entering 8th grade) to 18 (entering 12th grade). Applicants must be at least 13 years of age by September 1 of the current year and have completed 7th grade.

What do Zooteen volunteers do?
Zooteens are responsible for assisting with summer camps for youth, providing educational experiences for Zoo Boise visitors, and providing care and maintenance for the Simplot Education Center and its education animal collection. For more information, please see the detailed descriptions below.


What is the time commitment required for Zooteens?
Minimum 4 hrs per week, any day of the week, with a minimum of 40 hours throughout the summer.

• AM shifts: 8am-12noon
• PM shifts: 1pm-5pm
  

How do I apply?

1. Download an application or pick up an application from the Zoo Boise main entrance between 10:00am - 5:00pm, daily.
   
2. Applications must be received no later than April 1st at 5:00pm.  Bring applications to Zoo Boise’s entrance or send to:
   
   Zooteen Program
   Zoo Boise
   355 Julia Davis Drive
   Boise, ID 83702.
3. You and a parent or guardian must attend a Zooteen Preview Hour to learn more and ask questions about the Zooteen Program. Please call 384-4260 ext 100 to register for a date. Registration required at least one day prior to Preview Hour. Parents required to attend.
   

What happens after I apply?

1. Applications will be reviewed for neatness, thoroughness, and content.
2. Based on quality of applications, applicants will be chosen for an interview. If applications do not meet standards for an interview, you will not be contacted. Interviews take place in April, Tuesday through Friday, between 3:00 pm - 5:00pm.
3. After an interview, applicants will be contacted by letter (after May 1) regarding your acceptance into the Zooteen Program.
4. If accepted, you will be required to attend training sessions at Zoo Boise. Training dates will be Thursday, June 10 & Friday June 11, from 9:00am - 4:30pm.

What happens if I am accepted into the Zooteen program?
If accepted as a ZooTeen volunteer, you will be expected to:

• Participate in all aspects of the program.
• Attend all training sessions.
• Pay a $25.00 fee to cover costs of a volunteer manual and Zoo Boise Volunteer shirt.
• Wear the Zoo Boise Volunteer shirt (provided by the zoo through a program fee) and khaki pants or shorts (no shorter than mid- thigh) that is provided by you. Closed-toe and closed-heal shoes are required. No sandals or flip-flops.