STATEN ISLAND ZOO VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Please read over the Volunteer Guidelines that ALL ZOO Volunteers must follow.

What goes into being a Zoo Volunteer?
Volunteering at the Zoo provides valuable educational knowledge while gaining hands-on, practical work experience.

Volunteers must be available on a regularly scheduled basis. Opportunities have a minimum requirement of 3 months.Volunteerism at the zoo is highly competitive, and candidates are screened and carefully selected through submission of an application and interview.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and placement is dependent on availability.

Please review the volunteer opportunities and then apply by filling out the volunteering application form below:

All volunteers must be capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

The Staten Island Zoo volunteers may be subject to a thorough background check.

The Staten Island Zoo reserves the right to alter the volunteer program or its contents in any way without prior notice. Staten Island Zoo volunteer positions may be terminated at any time per the discretion of the Zoo and without notice. The Zoo reserves the right to dismiss any volunteer that does not comply with rules.

The Staten Island Zoo is committed to the principle of equal educational opportunities without the discrimination of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, or presence of a legally protected disability or any other legally protected status.

Unfortunately, because of the high volume of applications we receive, we aren’t able to give status updates on application. Not all applicants will be invited to an interview. Please wait for the Zoo to contact you regarding your potential interview and acceptance into the program.

Volunteer Positions

SPECIAL EVENTS CREW
Age Requirements: 14 years and older
Season: Year round
Description:
Special Event volunteers assist in crafts and games at the Zoo’s special family programs (weekend and school holidays) and tasks vary depending on the nature of the event. You might assist children with crafts, host a game, or pass out candy in costume at the Zoo’s annual Spooktacular. The Special Events Crew is a fun way to meet other people while building public speaking skills and learning how to teach.
Experience needed:
None. Just a positive outlook, patience with children, and willingness to smile, learn, and be helpful.
Commitment expected:
Help with a minimum of 4 events a year, including Spooktacular (a weekend in October). Special event volunteers must stay the entire duration of the special event they are working.

ZOOFARI SUMMER CREW
Age Requirements: 16 years and older.
Season: Application deadline is May 31. These volunteers are at the zoo in week long sessions through the Summer.
Description:
These volunteers will assist counselors with crafts, games, snacks, and preparation for the day’s activities. They are helping to create a safe, relaxed and fun environment where Zoofari kids can learn and create. Each volunteer is assigned to a specific counselor and age group for a week at a time.
Experience needed:
Previous experience working with children and/or other summer camp programs is a plus (though not required).
Commitment expected:
Zoofari volunteers must commit to at least two full weeks; Monday through Friday, 8am – 4pm.

ANIMAL NUTRITION (COMMISSARY) CREW
Age Requirements: 18 years and older
Season: Year round
Description:
Volunteers work in the Zoo’s Commissary preparing diets for a wide variety of animals.
Volunteers learn about animal nutrition and the importance of the animal diets.
Experience needed:
Must have precision to detail and be able to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to use sharp knives, food processors and the stove without incident. Willingness to use a gram scale.
Commitment expected:
Animal Nutrition Volunteers must commit to a half day shift (4 hours) per week.

CHILDREN’S CENTER CREW / ANIMAL CARE
Age Requirements: 16 years and older
Season: Year-round.
Description:
A Children’s Center volunteer works alongside zookeepers conducting daily husbandry for a variety of hoofstock, birds, and more. This includes feeding, cleaning, and routine exhibit maintenance. Volunteers who show responsibility and aptitude may also be asked to assist in behavior training for the animals in the Children’s Center.
Experience needed:
MUST BE ABLE TO LIFT 50 lbs without difficulty. Must have quick reflexes. Previous experience with animals preferred but not required. Ability to perform tasks outdoors year-round.
Commitment expected:
During the summer: Minimum of one 8 hour day/week.
During the school year: Minimum of two 8 hour days/month.
Required to bring a bag (backpack, duffel bag, tote, etc.) for work shoes labeled with name. This bag will have a pair of shoes to remain at the zoo, therefore another pair of shoes will be needed to wear home.

For questions, please contact:
Staten Island Zoo Volunteer Coordinator
614 Broadway St.Staten Island, NY 10310
Email: Education@StatenIslandZoo.org