Career Ladder: Rung Three
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC)

If you enjoy meeting and working with other teens, learning about animals, and talking to people about animals, then YVC may be for you!

YVC offers teens the opportunity to discover conservation, wildlife, and science through one of two tracks. Both tracks include free trips throughout the year to natural areas, museums, and other fun places. Youth Volunteers must attend all training sessions and volunteer at least 120 hours per year.

Interpretive Track—Learn first-hand about our animals and the environments in which they live. As an “interpreter,” you will use games, crafts, and your own creativity to get the message across to zoo guests. Plus, during the school year, Interpretive volunteers help at special events---like Boo at the Zoo! and Holiday Magic. This track begins in June, with most volunteering done in the summer. Open to grades 9 to 12.

Science Track—Through two years of inquiry, learn how Brookfield Zoo cares for its animals, and discover research techniques that help us learn about conservation and exhibit design. This track begins in August and continues through the school year. Open only to participants who have completed one year of the Interpretive Track and are entering grades 10, 11, or 12.

Year One—Teens receive enriching biological and physical science training while learning about the animals in the zoo’s care. Special behind-the-scenes tours of exhibits are offered as part of the program.

Year Two—Teens return to the program and are assigned a zoo staff mentor, with whom they work on a focused research project. Past projects have involved exhibit design suggestions, animal behavior enrichment opportunities, genetic analyses, nutrition studies, and more!

Ready to Apply
Brookfield Zoo is a great place to learn about careers in conservation, help our guests, and learn more about this planet’s wildest and most diverse animals.

Please use this link to download your copy of the application. All portions are due at the address listed by April 11.

Got Questions?
Check the YVC FAQ page for answers.

If you did not find you answer there, please contact:

Youth Program Coordinator
Education Department
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513

Or email: YVC@czs.org.