Volunteer

The Detroit Zoological Society recruits volunteers in the spring and fall.  

Thanks to the great support of the community we have filled our volunteer positions at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo for 2009.  We are in the process of preparing our spring 2010 orientation schedule.  Watch this space for updated information.

Three-Step Process
All volunteers must submit an application form and sign up to attend our orientations which are offered in spring and fall.

• Orientation Part 1 introduces prospective volunteers to the opportunities and expectations of volunteering at the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  At this session, a film on the history of the Detroit Zoo is shown, current volunteers in the available programs describe their duties and interviews are scheduled.
• An informal interview with a member of the Volunteer Services department offers the opportunity to complete paperwork, including a background check, answer any lingering questions and to sign up for any necessary training.
• Orientation Part 2 is required of all volunteers and offers emergency preparedness training, explanation of the educational mission of the Detroit Zoo and a refresher on disability etiquette. 

Ten Volunteer Programs
While volunteers do not come in direct contact with Zoo animals, there are many interesting opportunities for those who identify with our mission of “Celebrating and Saving Wildlife.”  The minimum age for all programs is 18.  We ask for a commitment of at least 20 hours per year to stay on our active roster; however, some programs require 50-75 hours per year after initial training classes.  Details will be explained at Orientation Part 1. 

Prospective volunteers with an interest in learning about animals and then sharing their knowledge with Zoo guests will enjoy opportunities such as:

Arctic Ring of Life Guest Assistants
While helping with crowd control in the busy 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.

Australian Outback Adventure
At the kangaroo walkthrough, volunteers called the “Mob Squad” interact with
visitors along the pathway inside the animals’ habitat.  One three-hour training class required.  Year-round shifts are available. 

Gallery Guides
These volunteers are based in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery and spend their time talking about butterflies, pointing out the hummingbirds, sharing fish facts and talking about the permanent art collection in this historic building.  Two-three hour training sessions cover these topics.  Both seasonal and year-round options are available.

An important aspect of volunteering at the Detroit Zoo is to ensure our guests can find their way around and are informed about the events of the day.  Those with an appreciation for customer service will enjoy the following programs:

Ford Education Center Assistants
A wide variety of activities take place in the Ford Education Center and more are  coming in 2009.  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.

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.

One reason some people volunteer is to offer their specialized skills.  These are the areas to consider:

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 and the season runs mid-May through October.

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. 

Belle Isle Nature Zoo (BINZ)

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 April-October.

There are 3 steps to becoming a Belle Isle Nature Zoo volunteer:
 
• Attend BINZ Volunteer Orientation.
• Complete an Interview with Volunteer Services staff.
• Attend BINZ Training.

For more information contact Adrienne Polumbo,

Assistant Volunteer Services Manager

Phone: (248) 541-5717, ext. 3802

Fax: (248) 542-4465

Are you interested in a full or part-time job at the Detriot Zoo?

See the latest job listings.