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Volunteer Opportunities at Nashville Zoo
Are you looking for an exciting, challenging, and fun way to support Nashville Zoo?
You can by volunteering!
Are you a member of Nahville Zoo and want to increase your level of involvement?
You can by volunteering!
Are you looking for ways to tap into your "animal instinct?"
You can by volunteering!
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that involves being around both people and animals?
You can by volunteering!
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, maybe Nashville Zoo is the volunteer place for you! The following information gives you the tools needed to become involved with the Zoo.
Join the Nashville Zoo's Volunteer Program and "Get Wild"
Volunteers are integral components of Nashville Zoo. They are dedicated individuals who provide much of the manpower needed for daily operations, programs, special projects, and events. From fundraising to education to maintenance and assisting animal staff, you (as a Zoo volunteer) can get involved at a level that fits your time and commitment ability. Some volunteers have the time and energy to devote to overseeing a project while others prefer to be contacted only to supply manpower for a special event.
What are the Areas of Involvement for Zoo Volunteers?
The Nashville Zoo Volunteer Program consists of: Summer Camp Counselors in Training (ages 15-17), Volunteer Corps (ages 18 and older), Docents (ages 18 and older), ZooTeens (ages 12-17), Interns (ages 16 and older) Family Teams, and Group or Organizational Volunteers.
Attention Teens 15-17!
Summer Camp Counselors in Training (CIT)
Summer Volunteer Position Only
Application Deadline: June 30.
Volunteer a few weeks this summer to mentor younger kids and have some wild fun too! CIT volunteers assist camp counselors with our popular summer camp. This is a great volunteer opportunity for those who love working with children (ages 5-9) and enjoy being around animals. CIT volunteers aid with monitoring groups of children and assisting with crafts, games and other fun activities. Volunteers must be able to work at least one full week Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Qualifications:
- 15-17 years old
- Enthusiastic and Cheerful
- Strong Interest in Working with Young Children
- Team Player that Participates in All Aspects of Camp
- Reliable Transportation to and from the Zoo
Basic Duties:
- Assist camp counselors with daily activities of camp, including preparation and clean up.
- Assist with crafts, snack preparation and games/activities.
- Adhere to all guidelines established by Nashville Zoo
Training:
- Attend CIT orientation, including a review of camp guidelines.
- Additional training will occur onsite during assigned volunteer days. If you would like more information about the CIT program, please fill out our online form.
To Qualify for an Interview, Please Submit by June 30:
- CIT Volunteer Program Application
- Two Letters of Reference from Teachers, Clergy or Other Supervisors
- Letter Explaining Why You Would Like to be Considered
Mail Application and Letters by June 30 to:
Onsite Programs Manager: Summer Camp
Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Adult Volunteer Corps
The Volunteer Corps has been designed to give volunteers age 18 and older the opportunity to experience a deeper level of involvement with the Zoo. They have the privilege to volunteer alongside Zoo staff in areas throughout the Zoo - and assist them with daily operations, animal care, or simply during special events.
Volunteer involvement is divided into three service areas. The following is a general outline of those three areas:
| Education | Administrative | Animal Care and More |
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PLEASE NOTE: Due to strict animal husbandry guidelines and safety issues, there is no animal contact or inside exhibit work with the animals in the Zoo. Remember, this is for their safety and well-being as well as yours.
If you have any questions, please fill out our online form or contact the Volunteer Programs Manager at 615-833-1534 ext. 140 or e-mail volunteer@nashvillezoo.org.
If you would like to apply for the Volunteer Corp, please complete the Nashville Zoo Adult Volunteer Application and return to:
Amy Pinkston
Volunteer Programs Manager
Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Docents
Docents are a dedicated group of volunteers who are committed to educating the public about the Zoo's animals as well as about conservation and wildlife issues. A Docent's primary focus is interacting with and educating the Zoo visitors, using biofacts and other educational tools.
In order to become a Nashville Zoo Docent, you must be willing to commit to volunteer a minimum of 75 hours per year, pay a one-time training session fee of $50, and attend the Docent Training Class Series.
Docent Training is currently held annually. The classes run for approximately ten weeks, meeting once per week for 3 hours. These classes give new Docents the opportunity to learn about Nashville Zoo's history, its animals, and most importantly how to communicate effectively with the public in a dynamic and engaging manner. Nashville Zoo staff or current Docents teach all classes. At this time, there is not a Docent Training Class scheduled for 2008.
If you would like more information about the Docent program, please fill out our online form. If you are interested in applying for this program, please complete the Docent Application and return to:
Manager of Onsite Interpretation
Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Road
Nashville TN, 37211.
ZooTeens
The ZooTeen or Teen Volunteer Program gives teens ages 12-17 the opportunity to assist Nashville Zoo staff reach its goal of teaching people about the natural world. As a ZooTeen, you will learn all about the animals at the Zoo and share this information with visitors. As your participation continues, you will have the opportunity to learn about animal care and handling as well as apply for other areas of involvement.
We can only accept a limited number of applicants each season.
First Year / Returning ZooTeens
The application deadlines for First Year and Returning ZooTeens have passed. Look for next summer's application information in January 2009. Still looking to volunteer this year? Check out our Family Team program, a fun way for teens and adults to volunteer together year round!
If you have any questions concerning the ZooTeen program or applications, email the Manager of Onsite Interpretation, or call 615-833-1534 ext. 146.
Internship Program
Nashville Zoo seeks qualified students looking for hands-on learning opportunities to supplement their academic program. The Zoo offers internships in education, animal care and other operating areas at the Zoo.
We are no longer accepting applications for summer 2008 internship placement.
The deadline for fall 2008 applications is July 31.
More information on the Internship Program.
To apply for a Nashville Zoo internship, please complete the Intern Application and mail (with cover letter, resume and two letters of recommendation) to:
Volunteer Programs Manager
Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Family Team Volunteer Program
Due to overwhelming demand, we have created a unique opportunity for Parents / Grandparents / Guardian and Children to volunteer together!
Family Team Volunteers work together to assist at Special Events or as Zoo Greeters. Special Events include helping to run games, crafts and other activities. Special Events usually occur over weekends or during evening hours. Such events include: Eggstravaganzoo, Ghouls at Grassmere, Member's Nights and more. Involvements range from 6-12 times per year, or more, depending upon your interest and availability.
Zoo Greeters work in Guest Services at the Zoo Entrance to assist visitors upon entry. Greeters welcome guests and inform them of any special activities taking place at the zoo on that particular day.
In order to qualify for this program, prospective youth volunteers must be at least 10 years of age and be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult family member. Each team may consist of only one youth and one adult.
The Family Team Volunteer opportunity is limited to these types of involvements. There are no animal contact or animal care opportunities available at this time. Attendance at a brief orientation session is required.
If you would like more information about the Family Team Volunteer, please fill out our online form, or send us a completed Family Team Volunteer application.
Group or Organizational Volunteers
Is your school group or other organization looking for a fun and rewarding community service project? The Nashville Zoo Volunteer Program can accommodate groups and organizations that are looking for an exciting place to volunteer. Groups have assisted with special events and completed special projects - such as mulching the Jungle Gym area and resurfacing our park benches. If your group would like to participate in one of our group projects, please send us a complete Group Volunteer Application.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to strict animal husbandry guidelines and safety issues, there is no animal contact or inside exhibit work with the animals in the Zoo. Remember, this is for their safety and well-being as well as yours.
If you have any additional questions or would like more information, please contact the Volunteer Programs Manager at volunteer@nashvillezoo.org or (615) 833-1534 ext. 140.
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