Volunteer Opportunities
Click here for a special volunteer opportunity for SunTrust Zoo Lights!
ADMISSIONS AND MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT
(SEASONAL)
Be a part of our Admissions and Membership teams and help expedite guest entry by queuing up admissions lines and keeping them flowing. Promote and sell annual memberships. Assist Membership team in answering guest questions, preparing membership promotion materials and mailings, etc.
TIME COMMITMENT: This position requires a commitment of at least one 4 hour shift per month. Shifts are from 10am-2pm and 11am-3pm on weekends and 2pm-6pm on Tuesdays.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must have good interpersonal communication skills and enjoy working with the general public. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
AGE MINIMUM: 16. ARTS AND CRAFTS DEMONSTRATORS
(SEASONAL)
Calling all folk artists! We are looking for artists to demonstrate their art or craft on our farm porch! Demonstrate folk arts and crafts that relate to farm or country living, such as bluegrass, weaving, clogging, etc.
TIME COMMITMENT: Demonstrations are held on weekends, should begin at 1:30pm and last a minimum of 30 minutes. Must commit to at least two demonstrations between the months of March and October.
SPECIAL NOTES: Demonstrations are generally held outdoors on our farm porch. Must be able to operate in outdoor weather conditions.
GUEST RELATIONS
(SEASONAL)
Help our guests maximize their time and experience at the Zoo by handing out maps/brochures, giving directions, answering guests’ questions, issuing minor first aid supplies, etc.
TIME COMMITMENT: Family volunteer shifts are 15 minutes at the entrance gate; however, you should represent the Zoo during the remainder of your visit and continue to engage our guests, telling them about the animals and answering their questions. Non-family volunteer shifts are 1 hour. Shifts must total 2 hours per month.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to stand in outdoor weather conditions. Must be knowledgeable about exhibit locations, show times, resident animals, zoo operations, etc. Must have good interpersonal communication skills and have a friendly, outgoing personality.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Families must have a minimum of 1 adult (21 or older) per 2 minors. Non-family volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.
PARTY HOST
(SEASONAL)
Do you have a friendly and outgoing personality with lots of visible energy? Would you like to be a part of the wildest parties in town? If so, you may enjoy being a part of our events team. Assist with birthday parties and picnics by escorting guests to party site, and being available to assist guests during event.
TIME COMMITMENT: Times are flexible, but must be able to commit to two 4 hour weekend shifts per month; March-November.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be friendly and outgoing. Must have excellent customer service skills. Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to work in outdoor weather conditions.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 16 years of age.
RECORD KEEPER
(ONGOING)
Do you prefer to be away from the crowds? You may enjoy record keeping! Enter animal data into our system. Communicate with animal area staff to keep records up to date.
TIME COMMITMENT: Dates and times for this position are flexible but require a commitment of at least 2 hours per week.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be meticulous and detail oriented. Must have basic computer skills. Must be able to work independently.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 16 years of age.
RETAIL
(ONGOING)
Under the direct supervision of the Elephant’s Trunk store manager, help maintain orderly check-out lines and assists with the general flow of customers throughout the retail shops. Help our retail team by stocking, pricing, monitoring inventory, maintaining merchandise displays, assisting guests in product selection, bagging items, etc.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must commit to at least two 4 hour shifts per month. This position needs to be filled from 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday and 12 pm to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to learn store merchandise quickly. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Must have general retail knowledge.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 16 years of age.
RIDES ASSISTANTS
(SEASONAL)
Assist our rides team by keeping lines queued up and flowing smoothly, helping load and secure guests and unload after ride, and operating rides.
TIME COMMITMENT: Shifts are between 10 am and 4 pm. Must commit to at least two 4 hour shifts a month.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work in outdoor weather conditions. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Must be comfortable around children.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 16 years of age.
SCHOOL GROUP TEAM
(SEASONAL)
Do you love kids? If so, come and volunteer as part of our school group team. Help expedite entry into zoo by communicating with teachers, unloading buses, guiding kids toward the appointed gates and coordinating with other team members to keep both motor vehicle and foot traffic flowing.
TIME COMMITMENT: This is a recurring opportunity that requires a commitment to work at least one 3 hour shift (9am to 12 pm) per week on weekdays during April and May.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Must be comfortable around children. Must be able to effectively communicate with others. Must be able to work in outdoor weather conditions.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years of age.
ANIMAL AREA - ONCE UPON A FARM
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Curator and/or keeper, assists with the duties involved with running Once Upon A Farm. Volunteer will encourage public interest in the animals by answering questions and interacting with the public. Work will involve, but is not limited to, cleaning lots, feeding and watering animals, cleaning barns, washing windows, sweeping pathways and making enrichments.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Requires long periods of standing, hauling materials over uneven and wet surfaces, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting items such as bags of feed (50 lbs.) and bales of hay (50-70 lbs.).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES NEEDED: Ability to work with a variety of domestic animals, ability to communicate effectively with the public, ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned. Experience with domestic animals a plus.
SPECIAL NOTE: Volunteers will not be able to work directly with the animals, for instance grooming or training, unless accompanied by a keeper.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must commit to at least two 4 hour shifts per month. Shifts are from 8am to 12 pm or 12pm to 4 pm.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 16 and older.
NUTRITION CENTER
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the direct supervision of the nutrition center supervisor, assists with diet preparation for animals throughout the zoo. Work will include, but is not limited to, chopping fruits and vegetables, washing dishes, packing foods for delivery, weighing and measuring produce, weighing out meat and fish products, unloading food deliveries, cleaning kitchen and/or hay barn and hosing floor. Working conditions: work will be performed indoors. Requires long periods of standing, hauling materials over uneven and wet surfaces, occasional bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting items such as bags of feed (50 lbs.) And bales of hay (50-70 lbs.).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES NEEDED: ability to follow written directions for diet preparation, ability to operate kitchen appliances, such as food processor, ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned. Experience with diet preparation a plus.
TIME COMMITMENT: Work in the nutrition center requires commitment to weekly shifts (approx. 3 hours per week) and volunteers are generally needed from 9 am until noon Tuesday - Saturday.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 16 and older.
SECURITY
(SEASONAL)
Under the direct supervision of the guest services managers, helps manage crowds by securing entrance gates, checking for tickets, monitoring guest activity, immediate customer service, helping direct motor vehicle traffic, patrolling the parking lots, patrolling the zoo, etc.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Must be able to work in outdoor weather conditions. Must be friendly and have excellent customer service skills.
TIME COMMITMENT: Shifts are Tuesdays from 2 pm to 6 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm, May through September and Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, April and May only. Must commit to a minimum of two 4 hour shifts per month.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 16 years of age.
ANIMAL AREA-HATCHERY
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the direct supervision of the Curator, Assistant Curator and/or keepers, assists with the duties involved with juvenile and off-exhibit birds. Volunteer will encourage public interest in the animals by answering questions and interacting with the public. Work will involve, but is not limited to, cleaning cages, feeding and watering animals, washing windows, sweeping pathways and making enrichments.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work may be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Requires long periods of standing, hauling materials over uneven and wet surfaces, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting items up to 50 lbs.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES NEEDED: Ability to work with birds, ability to communicate effectively with the public, ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned. Experience with birds a plus.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must be able to commit to at least two 4 hour shifts per month. Shifts are 8 am to 12 pm daily.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 and older.
ANIMAL AREA-HOOFSTOCK (ROUND BARN)
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the direct supervision of the Curator, Assistant Curator and/or keeper, assists with the duties involved with exotic hoofstock animals in the Round Barn. Volunteer will encourage public interest in the animals by answering questions and interacting with the public. Work will involve, but is not limited to, cleaning lots, feeding and watering animals, cleaning barns, washing windows, sweeping pathways and making enrichments.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Requires long periods of standing, hauling materials over uneven and wet surfaces, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting items such as bags of feed (50 lbs.) and bales of hay (50-70 lbs.).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES NEEDED: Ability to work with a variety of hoofed animals, ability to communicate effectively with the public, ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned. Experience with hoofed and/or animals a plus.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must be able to commit to at least two 4 hour shifts per month. Shifts are 8 am to 12 pm daily.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 and older.
HORTICULTURE
(Ongoing or Internship)
Will operate under the supervision of the Zoo Horticulturist, main duties will include daily watering and weeding in the tropical greenhouse, as well as assigned special projects (which may include taking cuttings, starting seeds, up-potting rooted cuttings and seedlings, assisting horticulture staff in planting and maintaining ornamental beds, working in the Birds and Bees Exhibit and Once Upon a Farm Exhibit, etc.). Volunteer can expect exposure to a wide variety of plants within the Zoo, including tropicals, annuals, perennials, water plants, cacti and succulents. This opportunity will give hands-on experience and firsthand knowledge of the maintenance and propagation of unusual tropical plants.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: May require long periods of standing or sitting, and frequent bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting items such as hoses and bags of soil and fertilizer. Requires ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned. Horticulture classes and/or experience with houseplants and/or gardening are a plus.
TIME COMMITMENT: Dates and times are flexible, but must commit to working at least 8 hours per month.
AGE REQUIREMENT: Must be at least 16 years of age.
ANIMAL AREA - PENGUINS
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the direct supervision of the Curator, Assistant Curator and/or keeper, assists with the duties involved with penguins. Volunteer will encourage public interest in the animals by answering questions and interacting with the public. Work will involve, but is not limited to, cleaning dens, feeding and watering animals, washing windows, sweeping pathways and making enrichments.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work may be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Requires long periods of standing, hauling materials over uneven and wet surfaces, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting items up to 50 lbs.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES NEEDED: Ability to work with penguins, ability to communicate effectively with the public, ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned. Experience with domestics and/or birds a plus.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must be able to commit to at least two 4 hour shifts per month. Shifts are 8 am to 12 pm daily.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 and older.
ANIMAL AREA - TROPICAL BIRD HOUSE
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the direct supervision of the Curator, Assistant Curator and/or keeper, assists with the duties involved with tropical birds. Volunteer will encourage public interest in the animals by answering questions and interacting with the public. Work will involve, but is not limited to, cleaning exhibits, feeding and watering birds, washing windows, sweeping pathways and making enrichments.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work may be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Requires long periods of standing, hauling materials over uneven and wet surfaces, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting items up to 50 lbs.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES NEEDED: Ability to work with birds, ability to communicate effectively with the public, ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned. Experience with birds a plus.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must be able to commit to at least two 4 hour shifts per month. Shifts are 8 am to 12 pm daily.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 and older.
ANIMAL AREA - LARGE HOOFSTOCK AND BIRDS
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the direct supervision of the Curator, Assistant Curator and/or keeper, assists with the duties involved with large exotic hoofstock and birds in the African Veldt. Volunteer will encourage public interest in the animals by answering questions and interacting with the public. Work will involve, but is not limited to, cleaning lots, feeding and watering animals, cleaning barns, washing windows, sweeping pathways and making enrichments.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Requires long periods of standing, hauling materials over uneven and wet surfaces, frequent bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting items such as bags of feed (50 lbs.) and bales of hay (50-70 lbs.).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES NEEDED: Ability to work with a variety of large hoofed mammals and large birds, ability to communicate effectively with the public, ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned. Experience with exotic or hoofed animals and/or large birds a plus.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must be able to commit to at least two 4 hour shifts per month. Shifts are 8 am to 12 pm daily.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 and older.
CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH - ANIMAL CARE
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the supervision of research staff, main duties will include care of the Research amphibian colony which involves feeding animals, water changes, cleaning cages, and helping with measurements and record keeping for individual animal health records. The Research amphibian colony includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and occasional tadpoles.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must be conscientious and careful, comfortable working with slippery frogs and handling amphibian food items (live crickets and worms), ability to follow directions and complete tasks as assigned, good record keeping skills, requires frequent bending and stooping, you may get wet or have to work on wet surfaces. Experience handling amphibians is a plus but not required.
TIME COMMITMENT: must be able to commit to a regular schedule of at least 3-4 hours a week.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 and older.
ANIMAL AREA-BIRDS AND BEES
(Ongoing or Internship)
Assist with duties involved with running
the budgie exhibit. The duties of this position change seasonally. During the
summer, the volunteer will be working outside and must be able to answer
questions about exhibit and interact with guests. Work will involve but will not
be limited to cleaning budgie exhibit, feeding and watering budgies, and helping
guests with millet feed for budgies, cleaning pathways in Birds and Bees
exhibit. Shifts are needed for each day from 9-5. Shifts may be split into half
days. During the winter, the volunteer will work in the nursery where the
budgies will be kept during the cold weather. The volunteer will be responsible
for cleaning budgie cages, giving food and water to budgies, and cleaning dishes
and counters.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will be performed outdoors in summer in
all weather conditions. Work during the winter will be performed indoors in the
nursery which may be dusty. Work will include but not limited to cleaning budgie
cages and giving food and water to budgies.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
Should be able to lift heavy objects. Must be able to work with birds, interact
with the public. Experience with birds is a plus. Must be able to follow
instructions.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must be able to work at least two 4 hour shifts
per month.
SANTA CLAUS
(SEASONAL)
See the Special Events Volunteers page and / or Zoo Lights page (coming soon) for more information. Under the supervision of the volunteer coordinators and Event staff, main duties will include meeting children and being their friend, acting jovial and happy at all times, being non judgmental, and posing for photographs all whilst staying within the character many of us know and love.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: A love for children is essential. Must be comfortable around children with special needs, be quick witted and creative, have a talent for remembering names, and be able to convincingly look and act the part. Acting experience a plus, but not required.
TIME COMMITMENT: Must be able to commit to working at least 5 evening shifts, from approx. 5-10pm, throughout the Zoo Lights event between the dates of Nov. 19 and Dec. 23.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 and older.
SPECIAL EVENTS
(SEASONAL)
See the
Special Events Volunteers page for more information. Under the direct supervision of the special events manager or events staff, assists with community and educational events throughout the year. Work will involve, but is not limited to, pre-event design and set-up, assisting demonstrators or special guests, manning activity stations (varies from event to event) during the event, and post-event clean-up.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Interest and enthusiasm for working with people-especially children. Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods. Must be able to work in outdoor weather conditions. Must be able to work independently. Ability to lift heavy loads a plus.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 14 and older. 14 and 15 year olds must have a parent or guardian volunteer with them.
Information Technology
(Ongoing or Internship)
Under the supervision of the Network Administrator and Volunteer Coordinators, volunteer or intern will be responsible for providing initial phone or email contact for first level corrective action involving computer workstation hardware and software problems, setting up AV equipment for special events and setting up system hardware including PC and IP phones. Receive assignments from Network Administrator using ticket management system to track progress. Assist Network Administrator in coordinating service with staff and volunteer computer users, diagnosing problems and needs, and performing research to troubleshoot and resolve computer and software issues. Work with Network Administrator to administer Voice-Over-IP phone systems and TCP/IP network. Review backups, intervening where necessary. Inventory and audit IT assets. Other tasks as assigned. Please click here for more information about internships.
TIME COMMITMENT: Times are flexible, but must be able to commit to two 4 hour shifts per month.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS: Must have 1-2 years of relevant experience and a thorough understanding of electronic and technological equipment, systems and controls. Must have good communication skills. Must be able to effectively discuss and resolve problems. Must have an aptitude and desire for learning new technologies. Must be able to follow instructions. May be required to bend, stoop, or lift to work on wires on other equipment.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years of age.