Denver Zoo’s Teen Volunteer Program

ZOO CREW!

Click Here to download a Teen Volunteer Application.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON MARCH 1ST, 2010

• Education Department: The primary role of our Junior Crew (first-year teens) is to support the zoo’s educators and enrich our guests' experiences in areas like Summer Safari, the zoo's summer camp, and at interpretive stations throughout the zoo.
• Marketing and Special Events: All teens can expect to assist with at least one of the zoo’s special events by running activity centers, dressing up as a character greeter, or leading interpretive stations.
• Animal Department: First-year volunteers act as junior keeper assistants, helping veteran teen volunteers who assist zookeepers with daily animal husbandry responsibilities such as cleaning, diet preparation, and animal enrichment.  Teens 16 or older may also help at the commissary, the zoo’s animal kitchen.

VOLUNTEENS (Year Two and Beyond)

After one summer of participation, teens are required to assist with one week of Summer Safari, one Special Event and to continue their work at Teen Interpretive Stations around the zoo.  In addition, the second year and beyond is a time when teens can tailor their own experience at the zoo by applying to one or more Volunteen positions in the areas that they choose.  Volunteen positions are available in a variety of departments, and are wonderful opportunities for increased responsibility and new experiences!

• Education Department: In their second year and beyond, teens can advance within the Summer Safari program, assist the wildlife show staff, help with teacher workshops, serve as editor of the teen volunteer newsletter, be appointed as a Crew Leader or Crew Trainer, or become an animal handler trained to deliver interpretive live animal demonstrations.
• Animal Department: Returning teen volunteers currently act as keeper assistants, performing husbandry (zoo-keeping) tasks in support of the zoo’s animal areas.  Teen positions are currently hosted in areas such as penguins, forest aviary, primatepanorama, and pachyderms.
• Behavioral Programs Department: Returning teen volunteers work alongside zoo staff to develop animal enrichment plans, create enrichment items, and conduct animal observations.
• Commissary: Teen volunteers 16 years and older can choose to work in the commissary, the zoo's animal kitchen, assisting staff with diet preparation and delivery to various areas of the zoo.
• Marketing Department: In their second year and beyond, teens interested in marketing careers can apply to work alongside our special events planning staff.
• Planning Department:  Denver Zoo has a large exhibit design staff and returning teens can also apply to assist these staff members with their planning and capital projects.

THE DEAL

APPLICATIONS:

• Recruitment for new Zoo Crew members occurs each winter.
• Applicants must be at least 13 years old by the first day of training and no older than a junior in high school at the time of application.
• Applications are made available in December and are accepted through March 1st of each year. If you download and send an application, please do not expect a reply until April. Not all of those who apply are selected for an interview.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

• Teen volunteers are required to commit to 25 hours per month for a three month period (June through August; pro-rated according to first and last days of school). WE DO NOT OFFER ONE-TIME VOLUNTEER OR COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL OR COURT APPOINTED TEENS.
• In addition, first-year teen volunteers must commit to three weeks (M-F, mornings or afternoons) of volunteering during the summer months to support Summer Safari, Denver Zoo's summer camp.
• Teens 15 years and older are able to apply in the fall to volunteer year-round, after participating for at least one summer season.  These teens must commit to at least one shift per month.

TEEN VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Confirm and secure all necessary means of transportation
• Commit to the areas they are assigned to and report to work on time
• Attend all mandatory training sessions at the zoo, including one mid-summer session
• Abide by all zoo rules set forth in the teen volunteer handbook
• Comply to Zoo Crew uniform specifications and wear nametag
• Attend at least one Zoo Crew “Careers & Conservation Workshop” each year

TUITION

$50 non-refundable tuition fee (due no later than May 1 of each year).
Tuition Assistance is available. Click here to download a Red Apple Tuition Scholarship form. (Scholarship requests due no later than April 15 each year.)  
                     
Tuition helps cover costs of Zoo Crew t-shirt uniforms, a name tag and water bottle, as well as daily supervision, program supplies and materials, training and continuing education programs, annual award ceremony, social events and overnights.


TEENS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH:

• All necessary training & handbooks
• Zoo Crew uniform, including t-shirts and a nametag (additional uniforms and name tags can be purchased)
• Opportunities to meet and take breaks with zoo professionals
• The chance to learn about animal related careers, conservation and zoo operations
• The opportunity to form friendships with teens who share your goals and interests
• Fun, Fun, Fun!