Current Volunteer Opportunities
Adult Volunteer applications will be processed in August 2021.
(Click on an opportunity for a full description and requirements)
Exhibit Host (Required)
All volunteers are required to become Exhibit Hosts upon acceptance into the volunteer program. The 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.
The roles listed below are additional volunteer opportunities for those who would like to explore all areas of our zoo. Volunteers may sign-up for these opportunities in addition to their Exhibit Host duties.
Administration
Education Programming
Facilities
Special Events
Train Dock
All volunteers must complete 100 hours of volunteer service in the Education and Operational Support areas listed above before they will be considered for Animal Care and Support roles.
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.
Program Requirements
- Adult volunteers must dedicate at least 8 hours per month for a minimum of 6 months.
- Applicants must be 18 or older to apply to our Adult Volunteer Program.
- 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.
- 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. We encourage you to volunteer with us only if you are comfortable with this policy. We appreciate your understanding.
- All positions are subject to availability; the Volunteer Engagement Department must select the position that fits both the volunteer’s interests and the needs of the Zoo. 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 2021
- 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. 392