CARING! IT’S OUR NATURE!

Become a Community Conservation Leader at Brookfield Zoo!

Chicago Zoological Society Volunteer Program Information
Whatever your background, if you enjoy talking with people about animals, nature, and conservation, we have a volunteer program just for you!

Thank you for your interest! All available volunteer positions for 2010 have been filled. Please submit your application and we'll be happy to place you on our waiting list. For additional environmental volunteer opportunities, please visit the website of our partner, Chicagoland Environmental Network.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS

Docents (volunteer educators)
Docents engage guests in conservation education by interpreting animal exhibits throughout our entire zoo. Interpretation of our animals and their habitats inspires our guests to celebrate animals and nature.

LOOK! If you’d like to become a Docent you must first serve as a Guest Guide a minimum of three months before joining the Docent Training Program. The experience you gain during this time gives you a chance to become familiar with the zoo and make sure the docent program is the right volunteer opportunity for you. Plus it’s a lot of fun!



Guest Guides
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 guests to Brookfield Zoo and all its attractions, make recommendations for more satisfying visits, and have a great time talking with guests about our fantastic zoo!



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 in our award-winning Play Zoo. The special interactions in these exhibits provide children and their families meaningful ways of connecting with animals and nature by having fun.



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 of one four-hour shift each month (one four-hour shift each week for summer-only volunteers);
  • Able to contribute a minimum of 48 hours annually (100 hours preferred);
  • Able to attend a required one-day Volunteer Orientation Program and half-day Hospitality Training Program;
  • Able to contribute a $20 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! Our main goal is to get you involved in conservation education!)
  • 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 Conservation Leadership Program Supervisor 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;
  • Networking opportunities! Make new professional contacts;
  • Expand your social circle – make new connections and new friends;
  • Volunteer work 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 to benefit you both professionally and personally;
  • A 20% discount at zoo restaurants and gift shops;
  • Discounted refills on soft drinks and coffee;
  • 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;
  • Annual appreciation dinner and presentation of service awards (for active volunteers as of April 1 of each year);
  • Access to the zoo’s on-site library;
  • Tax deductions as allowed by law (For details, contact the IRS for publication “526-Charitable Contributions.”)
Looking for Animal Experience or a Paid Position?
Please note that our volunteers do not handle animals and are not involved in animal husbandry.
 
Internships
  • 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 Animal Care Internship Program.
  • If interested send an e-mail to zookeeper_internships@czs.org or download the internship application
    Paid Employment
  • If your true motivation in serving as a volunteer is to gain a paid position with the Chicago Zoological Society, we strongly encourage you to apply directly for your desired position.
  • Be sure to check our website at www.czs.org for current job openings.
  • You can also e-mail your resume to greatjobs@brookfieldzoo.org or fax it to 708-688-8929.

READY TO SIGN UP?
Sign up today by clicking here: Volunteer Online Application Form. We’ll contact you for an interview as positions become available.

QUESTIONS? Please contact Hina Sowinski, Volunteer Coordinator, at hina.sowinski@czs.org

Thank you for your interest in becoming a community conservation leader for the Chicago Zoological Society!

2010 National Association of Zoo & Aquarium Docents (AZAD) Conference
Our Volunteers are proud to host the 2010 National Association of Zoo & Aquarium Docents (AZAD) Conference
September 7-12, 2010.
Visit the official AZAD conference Facebook Fan Page at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Brookfield-IL/AZAD-2010/162042861445?ref=mf