Volunteer at Zoo!

Micke Grove Zoo has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for adults and youth. Would you like to become part of the Zoo family? Perhaps you have always wanted to work closely with exotic animals, get involved in special events or act as an ambassador for a great organization? Now you can! Just review the opportunities listed below to see if any appeal to you. If they do, or if you feel you could help the Zoo in any way, just click and download the application below and return to Micke Grove Zoo. We welcome your inquiries for further information at info@mgzoo.com or call 209-331-2010 Monday through Friday.

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Animal Care

Position: Lorikeets! Exhibit Attendant

Position Description: Lorikeets! Exhibit volunteers support zoo staff in the cleaning and maintenance of the exhibit and surrounding spaces and assist with customer-bird interaction and overall guest service duties. They will participate in maintaining a healthy and safe flock of Lorikeets.
Commitment: A commitment of at least one three-hour shift per week during the five-month duration of the exhibit is required.
Requirements: Ages 16 & up, no exceptions. Attendance of a volunteer orientation, training on the job, ability to closely follow instructions and physically capable of performing cleaning-related work under all weather conditions. Not recommended for those with severe animal allergies. Professional and outgoing attitude. Must be comfortable around birds and large numbers of people.

Position: Zoo Keeper Aide

Position Description: Keeper Aide volunteers support Animal Care Specialist staff in preparation of diets, cleaning and maintenance of the zoo and exhibits, assisting with special projects and animal observation and interacting with the public.
Commitment: A commitment of at least one four-hour shift per week for a minimum of six months is required.
Requirements: Ages 16 & up, no exceptions. Attendance of a six-week volunteer training program, training on the job, ability to closely follow instructions and physically capable to perform strenuous work under all weather conditions. All Keeper Aide volunteer positions require an annual tuberculosis test. Not recommended for those with severe animal allergies.
* NOTE: There is no contact with the animals, although volunteers work in close proximity.

Education

Position: Education Program Docents

Position Description: Docent volunteers provide interpretation of exhibits for zoo visitors and school groups. They present bio-facts and hands-on props at interpretation stations throughout the zoo. Additionally, they may greet zoo visitors, providing directions and answering questions to enhance the visitors’ experiences.
Commitment: A commitment of two three-hour shifts per month for a minimum of six months is required.
Requirements: Ages 18 & up and attendance of a six-week training program. Also, training on-the-job and ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions.

Position: Zoo Ambassador Program

Position Description: ZAP volunteers (ages 12–15) interact with zoo visitors teaching them about animal conservation, habitat and adaptations. They assist in the daily care and management of the education center animals and work with zoo staff on special projects and events.
Commitment: A commitment of two, three-hour shift per month for a minimum of six months is required.
Requirements: Ages 12 to 15 years and attendance of a six-week training program. Also, training on-the-job and ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions.