Chicago Zoological Society

 

Whatever your background, if you enjoy talking with people about animals, nature, and conservation, we have a volunteer program just for you!

Volunteer Programs

• Hamill Family Play Zoo Volunteers
  Hamill Family Play Zoo Volunteers are playful, fun-loving people who assist staff with nature crafts, costume play, storytelling, gardening, and other fun nature- and animal-related activities and games. These special interactions provide children and their families meaningful ways of connecting with animals and nature by having fun.
  
  Would you like to volunteer in our Hamill Family Play Zoo?
  After a personal interview and completion of the required one-day Volunteer Orientation Program, you will train on-site with Play Zoo staff.

• Docents
  All docents complete a three-month training program that combines learner-centered group instruction with self-directed activities. The training program is followed by an on-site certification process under the guidance of an experienced Docent Mentor; certification generally takes 3-6 months to complete.
  
  Would you like to volunteer as a docent (volunteer educator)?
  Personal interviews for Docent Program candidates take place during July and August. The application deadline for this fall’s Docent Training Program is Friday, August 29, 2008.

• Guest Guide Volunteers
  Guest Guide volunteers are friendly, physically active, outgoing people who enjoy being outdoors in all kinds of weather. If you like to walk, this is your program! Guest Guides welcome and orient guests to Brookfield Zoo and all its attractions, make recommendations for more satisfying visits, and address guests' general questions and concerns.
  
  Would you like to volunteer as a Guest Guide?
  After a personal interview and completion of the required one-day Volunteer Orientation Program, you will complete your training on-site under the guidance of an experienced Guest Guide mentor.

Whatever your background, if you enjoy talking with people about animals, nature, and conservation, we have a volunteer program just for you!

Volunteer Qualifications

The Chicago Zoological Society selects people for our volunteer programs who are:

• Genuinely interested in and care about people, animals, nature and conservation;
• Friendly and outgoing;
• Enthusiastic and dependable;
• Committed to providing our guests the highest standards of customer service;
• Able to make a minimum commitment to the zoo of at least one four-hour shift each month;
• Able to contribute a minimum of 48 hours to the zoo annually (100 hours preferred);
• Willing to attend the required one-day Volunteer Orientation Program and one-day Hospitality Training Program;
• Willing to submit a materials fee of $15 ($50 materials fee for the Docent Training Program);
• Already a zoo member or willing to purchase a zoo membership plan at a 50% discount upon becoming a volunteer (Note: Should this requirement cause a financial hardship, other arrangements can be made).
• At least 18 years old.

For information on the Career Ladder for Youth, including volunteer opportunities for teens age 14 to 17, please contact our Youth Program Coordinator at (708) 688-8304, or via e-mail at YVC@czs.org.

Volunteer Benefits

In recognition of service to the Society, volunteers receive:

• The satisfaction of a meaningful contribution of service to one of the world’s leading conservation centers;
• A 20% discount at zoo restaurants and gift shops;
• Discounted refills on soft drinks and coffee;
• Member discount for zoo lectures, classes, and other events;
• Continuing education programs, at no extra charge, designed to enhance your skills and knowledge that will benefit you both professionally and personally;
• Subscriptions to the zoo’s quarterly magazine for members, Zoo Views, and other volunteer publications;
• Exclusive invitations to preview new exhibits before the general public;
• Annual appreciation dinner and presentation of service awards;
• Access to the zoo library;
• Tax deductions as allowed by law (for details, contact the IRS for publication “526-Charitable Contributions").
• Opportunities to make new friends and have a wonderful time!

**Please note that our volunteers do not handle animals and are not involved in animal husbandry. If you are interested in gaining hands-on experience with animals for your career development, and are currently enrolled in a university degree program, consider our 12-week College Experiential Learning Opportunities (C.E.L.O.) Program. If interested, send an e-mail to interns@czs.org.

READY TO SIGN UP?
For updated information on the Chicago Zoological Society Volunteer Program, call 708-688-8852. You can also submit an online application form.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with other conservation organizations in the Chicagoland area, please visit the Chicagoland Environmental Network.

Thank you for your interest in becoming  a member of the Chicago Zoological Society Family!