Detroit Zoo Job Descriptions

There are a number of volunteer opportunities at the Detroit Zoo.    All of these positions will be described in further detail at Orientation Part 1.  

Docents
Our most intensive training prepares these dedicated volunteers to be educators and interpreters at animal habitats throughout the Zoo.  In addition, they provide tours and assist with a variety of educational programs both inside the Zoo and in the local community all year long.   A twelve-session training program is offered in the spring and fall.  

Australian Outback Adventure ("Mob Squad")
Kangaroos, wallabies and emus call the Australian Outback Adventure home.  In this popular Detroit Zoo attraction, guests are able to walk through the habitat and get a closer view of the animals.  Volunteers called the "Mob Squad" interact with visitors along the winding pathway inside the animals' habitat.  One three-hour training class required.
Gallery Guides
These volunteers are based in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery and spend their time talking about butterflies and the permanent art collection in this historic building.  Two-three hour training sessions cover these topics.  

Ford Education Center Assistants
A wide variety of activities take place in the Ford Education Center and more are coming.  Volunteers help as needed and especially enjoy welcoming guests to the changing exhibit hall.  Opportunities are available throughout the year and no specific training is required.  Pre-shift briefings are provided as needed.

Special Events
Throughout the year the Zoo offers fun and interesting themed events to encourage guests to visit.  These could not happen without the helping hands and smiling faces of Zoo volunteers.  From greeters to craft assistants; face painters to storytellers; costume wearers to registration helpers, each event has its wish list of specialized assistance.  No training is provided; pre-shift briefings take place as needed.

Staff Aides
Clerical skills, phone work and weekday availability on a regular schedule would  be assets to volunteers interested in offering their services in this program.  Opportunities may become available for ongoing shifts as well as short term projects.

Arctic Ring of Life Guest Assistants
While helping with crowd control in the busy Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage, these volunteers enjoy quality time with the polar bear and seal residents of this award-winning habitat.  One three-hour training class required.  This is a seasonal opportunity, April-October.

Zoo Ambassadors
This is the ultimate “people person” position.  Spend half of a three-hour shift greeting guests as they enter the Zoo, helping them get oriented to the map, the facilities and any special events.  The rest of the time is spent walking the Zoo looking for ways to be helpful.  One full day of training is required for this seasonal opportunity, April-October.

Gardeners
Experienced green thumbs are invited to either adopt-a-site and care for it for the  entire growing season or to help the Landscape staff with the many tasks it takes  to keep the Zoo looking lush and inviting.  There is no training provided; the season runs mid-May through October.

Belle Isle Nature Zoo

The "BINZ Brigade" is a growing group of dedicated individuals who have a particular connection to the island as well as the mission of “bringing the wilds of Michigan to the heart of Detroit.”  Monthly themed programs with a craft activity, snacks and guest speaker educate families and school children and many other special events are scheduled throughout the year.  In addition, volunteers assist with the public feedings at the Deer Encounter and answer questions about the Michigan frogs, toads, turtles, bees and fish that can be seen inside the facility.  Weekend shifts are available year-round; daily shifts occur mid-June through Labor Day.

There are 3 steps to becoming a volunteer at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo (BINZ):

Attend BINZ Volunteer Orientation
Complete an Interview with Volunteer Services staff.
Shadow a current BINZ volunteer.

We have completed recruiting volunteers for the Belle Isle Nature Zoo for the 2011 season.  Please check back here for 2012 orientation dates soon.

BINZ Volunteer Orientations are held at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo Auditorium.   Please check back here in January 2011 for spring Orientation dates.