Chicago Zoological Society

Thank you for your interest in serving the Chicago Zoological Society at Brookfield Zoo as a volunteer. All volunteer positions are currently filled. You are welcome to fill out the form below and we are happy to keep your application on our waiting list when we begin recruitment again in  2014. Thank you for your support of Brookfield Zoo!

CARING! IT’S OUR NATURE!

Become a Community Conservation Leader at Brookfield Zoo!

Chicago Zoological Society Volunteer Program Information

OUR VOLUNTEERS

OUR VOLUNTEERS

• Our 500+ incredible volunteers are passionate about Brookfield Zoo and its animals and join us for one main reason: to create extraordinary experiences for our guests!
• If you enjoy talking with people about animals, nature, and conservation, and you enjoy being outdoors, we have a volunteer program tailor-made just for you!
• Flexible scheduling is available for all volunteer opportunities!
• Volunteer service has proven to improve your physical and mental health so come join us!

GUEST GUIDE VOLUNTEERS

• Guest Guide volunteers are friendly, customer-service oriented people who enjoy being outdoors and helping people.
• Guest Guides staff our Information Kiosks and other Information Sites on zoo grounds. They welcome guests and share information about Brookfield Zoo guest amenities and all its attractions, and make recommendations for more satisfying visits.
• This is an outdoor position; Guest Guides are on zoo grounds from early March through late October, and during Holiday Magic in December.

DOCENTS (volunteer educators)
What is a Docent?

• The word "docent" is derived from the Latin word docere which means "to teach." In the United States, the word is frequently used to identify trained volunteer educators in zoos, national parks, and museums.
• At Brookfield Zoo, docents engage guests in conservation education by interpreting animals, natural history, and conservation messages in exhibits throughout our entire zoo. These informative and informal conversations inspire our guests to celebrate animals and nature. (Please note: Docents do not lead group tours or teach classes.) 
• Docents are assigned to indoor exhibits year-round, with additional assignments outdoors in the summer months. 
• We are currently redesigning our Docent Program structure and training process. Please check back in early 2014 for more information.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DOCENTS (volunteer educators)

• Early Childhood Docents are playful, fun-loving people who assist staff in the award-winning 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, from birth to aged 10, and their families, meaningful ways of connecting with animals and nature by having fun.
• All volunteer assignments are inside the Play Zoo and on its outdoor grounds.

Administrative office work, animal observations, special events, or behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunities are not available.

Is Our Volunteer Program The Right Choice For You?

Are You?

• Passionate about educating people of all ages and backgrounds about animals, nature, and conservation;
• Friendly, outgoing, and dependable;
• Committed to providing our guests the highest standards of customer service;
• Able to attend required one-day Volunteer Orientation/Hospitality Training Program;
• Willing to complete on-site training with experienced volunteers/staff and/or additional workshops, as required;
• A current zoo member or able to purchase a zoo membership plan at a 50% discount upon becoming a volunteer (Should this financial commitment cause economic hardship for you, the membership requirement can be waived.)
• At least 18 years old. 

, including volunteer opportunities for teens age 13 to 17, click HERE. 

Volunteer Recognition
In recognition of service to the Society, volunteers receive:

• The satisfaction of making a meaningful impact of service to one of the world’s leading conservation centers;
• Chances to cultivate new relationships with others who are also passionate about animals;
• Networking opportunities to connect with new professional contacts;
• Opportunities to serve on innovative project and planning teams;
• A fun experience every time you volunteer at the zoo;
• Continuing education workshops, self-directed training, and meetings designed to enhance your skills and knowledge that will benefit you both professionally and personally;
• 20% discount at zoo restaurants and gift shops;
• 10% discount on catered events such as Breakfast with Santa, Nights in the Wild, etc., and private events such as weddings, birthday parties;
• Free refills on soft drinks and coffee when you bring your own reusable cup;
• Free passes to give to family, friends, and coworkers (20 passes per year);
• Free uniform shirt; 
• Free Annual Earned Membership based on number of service hours you contribute;
• Free Annual Appreciation Dinner – bring one guest at no extra charge!;
• Service Award pins;
• Free Members’ T-shirt every year;
• Free subscriptions to the Society’s quarterly magazine for members, Gateways, and other Society publications;
• Members discount for Society lectures, classes, and other events;
• Exclusive invitations to preview new exhibits before the general public;
• Access to the zoo’s on-site library, including on-line circulation access;
• Tax deductions as allowed by law (for details, contact the IRS for publication “526-Charitable Contributions”).