Chicago Zoological Society

CARING! IT’S OUR NATURE!

Chicago Zoological Society Volunteer Program Information

• Guest Guide volunteers are friendly, customer-service oriented, outgoing people who enjoy being outdoors and walking about the zoo’s 216 acres in all kinds of weather. Guest Guides welcome and orient guests to Brookfield Zoo and all its attractions, make recommendations for more satisfying visits, and answer guests' questions.
• Guest Guides are on zoo grounds from early March through late October.
• Guest Guides who contribute a minimum of 50 hours of direct service to our guests in the zoo are eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Docent Program in the Hamill Play Zoo, or the generalist Docent Program, or are welcome to remain in the Guest Guide program.

• Early Childhood Docents are playful, fun-loving people who are trained to assist staff in the Hamill Family Play Zoo with early childhood play facilitation focused on animals and nature. Through nature- and animal-related activities such as costume play, crafts, storytelling, and animal interpretation, Early Childhood Docents provide young children and their families meaningful ways of connecting with animals and nature by having fun.
• Early Childhood Docents volunteer in the Play Zoo year-round.
• Early Childhood Docents may also volunteer in the generalist Docent Program.

• Genuinely interested in and care about people, animals, nature, and conservation;
• Friendly, outgoing, and dependable;
• Reliable and able to make a minimum commitment of two four-hour shifts each month (one four-hour shift each week is preferable), and able to make a minimum contribution of 50 hours of direct service to our guests annually. The four-hour shift, either morning or afternoon, is generally on the same day each week; flexible schedules also available. (We especially welcome applicants with afternoon availability.)
• Committed to providing our guests the highest standards of customer service;
• Required attendance at a one-day Volunteer Orientation/Hospitality Training Program;
• Willing to complete any required assignments and on-site training with experienced volunteers/staff;
• Able to contribute a $25 materials fee;
• Already a zoo member or able to purchase a zoo membership plan at a 50% discount upon becoming a volunteer;
• (Note: Should either or both financial commitments above cause economic hardship for you, these fees may be waived. Just let us know!)
• At least 18 years old.

• The satisfaction of a meaningful contribution of service to one of the world’s leading conservation centers;
• Networking opportunities! Make new professional contacts;
• Expand your social circle and make new friends;
• Volunteer service has proven to be good for your health and mental well-being;
• A fun experience every time you volunteer at the zoo;
• Continuing education programs designed to enhance your skills and knowledge that will benefit you both professionally and personally;
• 20% discount at zoo restaurants and gift shops;
• Free refills on soft drinks and coffee when you bring your own reusable cup;
• Annual appreciation party and presentation of service awards;
• Annual Earned Membership based on number of service hours you contribute;
• Members discount for zoo lectures, classes, and other events;
• Subscriptions to the Society’s quarterly magazine for members, Gateways, and other volunteer publications;
• Exclusive invitations to preview new exhibits before the general public;
• Access to the zoo’s on-site library;
• Tax deductions as allowed by law (for details, contact the IRS for publication “526-Charitable Contributions”).