Adult Volunteers

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Getting involved at the KC Zoo is fun! We have multiple programs to choose from including: Adult Animal Volunteers, Zoo Docents, Team Habitat, and Zooscapers.

Volunteer Open House Events

Attend one of these Volunteer Open Houses to begin your volunteer process at the Kansas City Zoo. Check out the Special Events Calendar for upcoming Open Houses and then fill out an application online.

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Requirements for all adult volunteer programs:

• An appreciation of wildlife and commitment to conserving our natural world
• Enjoy meeting new people and providing excellent customer service to Zoo guests
• Completed Adult Volunteer application
• Attend one volunteer open house
• Meet age requirements as defined for each opportunity
• Pass a background check
• Pay the fee for training materials, shirt and background check
• Complete any on-site training and specific requirements as needed
• Agree to work one special event shift in October each year.

Due to the physical and safety aspects of all Volunteer programs, the Zoo reserves the right to suggest other volunteer opportunities that are a better fit.

Adult Animal Volunteer Program

Animal volunteers will work under the direct supervision of the Animal Care staff. They will perform routine work assignments involving the care of Zoo animals, maintenance of Zoo exhibits and enclosures. They may also participate in research and/or behavior studies.

This program requires:

• An interview questionnaire, to be conducted at the open house
• Completed background check
• Passing five online courses focused in zoo animal care and procedures
• Proof of a negative TB test required prior to volunteering
• 192 hours of service required per year (16 hours per month)
• Materials and training fee of $60
• 18 years or older
• Completion of one Special Event shift per year

Zoo Docent Program

As a Zoo Docent, your primary role will be interpreting at exhibits and facilitating tours. Docent volunteers deliver conservation messages that impact visitors and guide them to conservation action. These messages reflect a concern and respect for our natural world.

Becoming a Zoo Docent requires:

• Completed background check
• Intense training that can last up to one year
• 60 hours of direct contact with our guests each year
• High school diploma; a college degree is preferred
• A materials and training fee of $100
• 21 years or older
• Completion of one Special Event shift per year

Team Habitat Volunteer Program

Team Habitat volunteers assist with projects for all the departments at the Zoo. Projects range from light physical duty such as planting bulbs and painting doors, to more physically challenging projects such as moving deadfall, cleaning/reorganizing Zoo areas after big special events, pruning and clearing brush. This program requires:

• Completed background check
• Volunteering on the 4th Saturday of the month, March-November from 9a.m. to Noon
• At least 15 hours (5 work days) a year minimum to be considered for the next year’s program
• A materials fee of $40
• Ages 16 and older. Youth volunteers, ages 14-15, may participate when accompanied by a Team Habitat adult/parent volunteer at all times.
• Completion of one Special Event shift per year

Zooscaper Volunteer Program

ZooScaper volunteers, ages 18 or older, assists with projects for the Horticultural Department. Projects range from light physical duty such as planting, weeding, mulching, and watering, to more physically challenging projects such as moving deadfall and clearing brush. This program requires:

• Completed background check
• 30 hours of volunteer work year round in order to participate in the next year’s program
• A materials fee of $40
• Ages 18 and older
• Completion of one Special Event shift per year

Guest Ambassadors Volunteer Program

Guest ambassadors volunteers assist guests by answering their questions, directing them to various attractions in the zoo, and make suggestions for more satisfying visits. Guest Ambassadors spend their time walking on zoo grounds or stationed at high traffic areas such as the tram station, African Market area or round the penguin building and helping out with special events.

Requirements:

• Pass background check
• Complete a minimum of 30 hours a year
• 18 years or older
• Materials and training fee of $40
• Completion of several Special Events shifts per year
• A willingness to talk to people