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San Joaquin County Parks & Recreation

Micke Grove Zoo

Volunteer at the Zoo!   Upcoming volunteer seminar (click here)

Micke Grove Zoo has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for adults anVolunteer at Micke Grove Zood 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.

Click here for a volunteer application  

ANIMAL CARE

Position: Lorikeets! Exhibit Attendant
Position Description: Lorikeets! Exhibit Attendants support Animal Care Specialist and Fee Collection staff in cleaning and maintenance of the Lorikeets! exhibit and surrounding space, assisting with customer-bird interaction and overall guest service duties.  This is a chance to get up close with our Lorikeets and help us provide a wonderful and positive experience for the Zoo visitor.
Commitment: Exhibit runs May-September from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends. Volunteer hours are available from 9 am – 5 pm (weekdays) or 6 pm(weekends). 
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 Zoo and exhibit spaces, assisting Animal Care Specialist staff in special projects and activities, assisting in animal observation and interacting with the Zoo public.
Commitment: One four-hour shift a week for a minimum of 3 months. Typically 8am-Noon is preferred, though other shifts are available.
Requirements: Ages 16 & up, no exceptions. Attendance of a volunteer orientation, 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: Docents
Position Description: Lead interpretive tours of the zoo exhibits, tour school groups, visit classrooms and community centers.
Commitment: Four hours per week. Training is on Wednesday mornings 9-12.
Requirements: Ages 18 & up, all training classes and commit to serve a minimum of 60 volunteer hours per year.

Position: Zoo Ambassador Program
Position Description: Assist with the daily care and management of the education animals as well as assist zookeepers with various jobs. Staff education stations located within the zoo using biofacts and visual aides.
Commitment: Volunteer for a minimum of three months and commit to one four hours shift per week.
Requirements: Ages 12 & up, complete six hours of instructional training which includes interpretive skills training, general animal biology, education animal training, and safety training. Training is ongoing throughout the term.

Position: Zoo Greeters
Position Description: Provide excellent customer service to our guests by welcoming visitors into the zoo, sharing information, maps, responding to questions, and promote good will throughout the facility.
Commitment: 2 hours and up per week.
Requirements: Ages 18 & up, with a winning personality.

Position: Zoo Promoters
Position Description: Work at community events sharing zoo information, displaying biofacts and promoting our facility to the public at various events and venues in San Joaquin County.
Commitment:  Four hours per event.
Requirements: Ages 18 & up, Transportation to the event.

Position: Special Events Crew
 Position Description: Work in the zoo for special events setting up and taking down tables and chairs, serving food and beverages, prep work, decorations, maintenance and security.
Commitment: Four hours per event.
Requirements: Must be over 14 years of age.