ADULT VOLUNTEERS

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!!! Stingray Guide:
Stingray Guides volunteer in our brand new Stingray Bay exhibit located at the Dallas Zoo, where they provide information to the public about stingrays, demonstrate how to feed a stingray, and monitor the exhibit to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our stingray collection.  This placement is ideal for volunteers who enjoy interacting with both marine wildlife and the public. 

Conservation Guides
Conservation Guides are dedicated to educating Zoo visitors about animals, natural history and wildlife conservation. They serve as interpretive guides in stations throughout the Zoo, including the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Station, the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo and the Bird & Reptile Building. Conservation Guides are trained in the art of interpretation, using interesting artifacts as well as animal observations to provoke curiosity, promote learning and inspire visitors toward a conservation ethic. This placement is ideal for people who love to learn, have good verbal communication skills and like to interact with diverse audiences. These volunteers must commit to two 3 1/2-hour shifts per month.

Zoo Ambassadors
These volunteers are an integral part of the visitor experience at the Dallas Zoo. They provide a welcoming presence for all Zoo visitors, give directions, answer questions and serve as a source of information about all aspects of the Zoo. To become a Zoo Ambassador, you should be friendly, outgoing, have excellent verbal communication skills, be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and enjoy talking with people of all ages and backgrounds. These volunteers must commit to two 4-hour shifts per month.

Keeper Aide Volunteers
Keeper Aides work behind-the-scenes with our keeper staff to help care for our diverse collection of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. This position provides an opportunity to learn from Zoo professionals as you assist with many critical daily tasks that impact an animal's health and welfare. These positions require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to perform physically demanding work in all weather conditions. The work can be strenuous and dirty, and there is no animal contact. Volunteers must make a commitment of one morning shift per week, 7 a.m. to noon, on the same day each week for one year. (Flexible schedules are not available.) There may be a waiting list for placements in this area.

Research Aide Volunteers
Research Aides assist in collecting and compiling animal behavior data crucial to our conservation mission. The welfare of Zoo animals, as well as the survival of species, is impacted by conservation research conducted in zoo settings. This placement is ideal for detail-oriented people who enjoy working independently. Time commitments vary by project. Placements in this area are limited.

Commissary Volunteers
Commissary volunteers assist the Zoo's nutritionist in the preparation of animal diets. If you've always wondered what elephants and chimpanzees eat each day, this is a fascinating opportunity to participate in the behind-the-scenes care and feeding routine of our Zoo animals. Volunteers must commit to one morning shift per week.

Horticulture Volunteers
Horticulture volunteers assist the Zoo's horticulture crew in maintaining our plant collection on grounds or in the greenhouse. We also have an adopt-a-bed program - a great opportunity for corporations, garden clubs and youth groups!

Special Event Volunteers
Special event volunteers staff a wide variety of events held at the Zoo and Aquarium throughout the year. They provide hospitality and information, staff games and activities for children and may assist with set-up or preparation work. This position requires flexibility, enthusiasm and a love of people.

Special Projects Volunteering
These volunteers assist our organization in many unique ways. Individuals with special skills (welders, carpenters and electricians) are needed for projects throughout the year.

VOLUNTEER RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS

The Dallas Zoo offers introductory and advanced research internships for college student volunteers to assist researchers with on-going research projects.  These internships generally occur during the summer, but arrangements can be made for an internship to occur during the school year.  All introductory and advanced interns receive an evaluation and letter of reference upon successful completion of an internship.  Arrangements can be made for interns to earn college credit. 

Introductory Research Internship
Goal: learn research techniques by assisting the researchers with on-going research projects. 

Primary Duties: data collection, sample processing, data entry, and introductory data analysis. 

Eligibility: students must have had at least one year of introductory biology courses. 

Required Commitment: minimum of 100 hours over a period of at least 6 weeks. 

Advanced Research Internship
Goal: learn research analysis and presentation techniques by helping complete a specific project under the guidance of the Zoologists. 

Primary Duties: data analysis, literature searching, scientific writing and presentation. 

Eligibility: students must have previous research experience equivalent to an introductory research internship. 

Required Commitment: minimum of 200 hours over a period of at least 10 weeks.

Please e-mail volunteers@dalzoo.org or call 214-943-2771 x341 for more information.

If you don't find the opportunity for you in the choices above, call us to discuss your special skills and interests.

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

Junior Zookeepers
This popular program, for ages 11 and 12 only, gives young people a chance to work with zookeepers in the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo with animals such as goats, ponies, pigs and snakes. As a Junior Zookeeper, you'll have amazing animal adventures while learning all about animal care, job responsibility and teamwork. Volunteers work one 4 1/2 hour shift per week, morning or afternoon. Spring, summer and fall sessions are offered. Each session lasts approximately three months. These positions are limited and are filled only once each year. You MUST request an application in November.

Junior Conservation Guide
Teens (ages 13 and up) may apply to become Conservation Guides in the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo. As a volunteer in this area, you'll learn presentation techniques and teaching skills as you help families learn about the diversity of life, the importance of respecting animals and the environment and the need to conserve nature for future generations. Lacerte Family Children's Zoo Conservation Guides focus on animal species such as naked mole-rats, hornbills and a variety of invertebrates. These volunteers are trained in the art of interpretation, using fascinating artifacts and visual aides to stimulate interest and affect attitudes. Volunteers must commit to one 4 1/2 hour shift every week. Volunteers are accepted for this program twice yearly. Please e-mail volunteers@dalzoo.org or call 214-943-2771 x341 for application deadlines.

Junior Camp Counselors
If you are 14 years of age or older, enjoy animals and like to lead children's activities, you'll enjoy being a Junior Camp Counselor during our summer programs. You'll lead campers (Kindergarten through Grade 5) in a variety of games and crafts, as well as assist our instructors during tours and field trips. You'll also join a select group of people trained to handle our education animals. This program runs weekly during June and July. Volunteers must work in full week increments (Monday-Friday). All participants are chosen through an application and interview process. There are a limited number of positions available and you must apply in February.