Current Volunteer Opportunities
Adult Volunteer applications will be processed in May 2022.
Exhibit Host
Exhibit Hosts are responsible for greeting and educating guests about the exhibits, animals, and general conservation. Exhibit Hosts will be assigned to specific areas and will train in those areas until there is an opportunity to move at the discretion of the Volunteer Department and Exhibit Guide team. The goal of this program is for each Exhibit Host to learn as much as possible about every key exhibit in the zoo. Once an Exhibit Host has been trained in each of the assigned areas, they will have the opportunity to sign-up for all Exhibit Host areas.
Train Dock Assistant
These volunteers assist our train conductors to ensure the safety of our guests while providing excellent customer service!
Event Prop Rehab
Our volunteers are directly involved in the creation and construction of our event props! These volunteers get hands-on with their work painting, sculpting, repairing, and installing various props throughout the zoo. Props are typically used for various special events, but some installations may become permanent fixtures. This is a great opportunity to leave your mark on our zoo!
Food Service Assistant
These volunteers lend a helping hand in our restaurants on busy afternoons and during night events. Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks including bussing tables, filling drinks, etc.
Special Events
Our zoo hosts a wide variety of special events! Events range in size from as large as Spooktacular or ZooLights to small weddings and meetings. Volunteer roles for special events vary based on event size and need. Some events include costume characters while others may just need an extra set of hands serving food or guiding guests throughout the park. There is something for everyone with special event volunteering!
Education Programming
Volunteers are needed to assist our Educators with programs such as homeschool, early childhood education, outreach, and zoo camp! These volunteers are tasked with helping our staff provide a fun, safe, and clean learning environment for our participants. Children in these programs range from K-8th grade. All Education Programming Volunteers over the age of 18 will be required to complete a Level 2 Background Check before signing up for these roles.
NOTE: Volunteers create their own schedules! Adult volunteers will be allowed to sign-up for any of the above opportunities at their own discretion as long as they are meeting the set hour requirements listed below. Dates and availability vary depending on the opportunity.
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Animal Care and Support Volunteers
Animal Care and Support volunteers work alongside keepers in behind-the-scenes animal areas providing day-to-day care. Once eligible, volunteers may be chosen for these areas at the discretion of the Volunteer Department based on volunteer performance and consistency in Education and Operational Support roles listed above. These opportunities are also subject to availability and will require a set weekly schedule.
All volunteers must complete 100 hours of volunteer service before they will be considered for Animal Care and Support roles.
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To be an Adult Volunteer, you must:
- Dedicate at least 8 hours per month for a minimum of 6 months
- Be 18 or older
- Pass a background check. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens does not provide community service in relation to legal and probationary requirements. All adult volunteers will be subject to a background check. Individuals who do not have a clear background check will be ineligible for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Adult Volunteer Program.
- Be comfortable with "hands-off" practices. Our goal is to create the most natural environment possible for our diverse collection of animals. For this reason, all volunteer positions are considered “hands-off” and do not involve direct handling of our animals.
NOTE: The Volunteer Engagement Department reserves the right to reject a prospective volunteer for any reason.
How to become an Adult Volunteer:
- Volunteer department staff will be in touch with applicants about any next steps after they have submitted the application below.
- Volunteers are on-boarded four times a year, our next onboarding will be in August 2022.
- Volunteers will attend one classroom training before they begin processing.
- The volunteer program fee is $20 and covers a name badge, t-shirt, and processing.
Questions?
Volunteer Engagement Department
volunteer@jacksonvillezoo.org
904-757-4463 ext. 175