Interested in an Internship?

Internships are only for college-level students who are studying biological sciences. If you are interested in internships, click here.

Documents

General Volunteer Application

Education Department
Volunteer Application


Docent Volunteer Application

Background Check

Volunteer Opportunities

Animal Department
Education
Gift Shop
Zoo Office
Horticultural

ANIMAL DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are assigned to assist a zookeeper in one area, but may work in other areas if the need arises. The minimum volunteer commitment is four (4) hours per week during the school year and eight (8) hours per week during the summer. Special circumstances can be taken into account upon request to the General Curator.

Volunteers will be assigned based on the interests of the volunteer and the needs of the Zoo. The General Curator will work with individual volunteers to work out a schedule that takes into account the needs of the individual and the needs of the Greenville Zoo. 

Volunteers will be expected to work as scheduled; be on time; dressed appropriately; and follow all procedural and safety rules as dictated by the Greenville Zoo. Volunteers will be allowed to work at the discretion of the supervisory staff and informed of any problems that may arise. If problems cannot be resolved, a volunteer will be informed that their service is no longer needed.

Required Knowledge and Skills: Volunteers may be as young as sixteen (16), but preference is given to college level students with an interest in the biological sciences; Volunteers must possess good physical strength and endurance; Must be able to follow written and oral direction, understand, apply good judgment, and foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to the work; Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours assignments as needed.

 If accepted as a volunteer, you must provide proof of a negative TB test given within the last year. Volunteers will be responsible for logging their own hours. Volunteer hours will be logged daily in the Volunteer Log located in the staff break room.

Volunteer Questions or To Apply
To apply as a volunteer, send a cover letter and application to:
zooinfo@greatergreenville.com, call 864-467-4311, or write to the Zoo General Curator, 150 Cleveland Park Drive , Greenville , SC 29601.
Volunteers will be interviewed by the General Curator and/or assigned staff member(s) based on their interests. Once approved, the volunteer will work out a schedule and begin their work with the Greenville Zoo staff.

Current Status: Volunteer positions are currently available.
top

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERS

SATURDAY PROGRAMS - Morning and afternoon sessions are held most Saturdays during fall, winter, and spring. Volunteers are needed for Zoo Tots (ages 2-3) and Saturday Safaris (ages 4-9). Volunteers will help children make crafts, play games, assist with animals, and accompany children on adventures in the zoo.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS - These classes, designed for grades K-12, occur on weekday mornings during the school year. Help engage young minds with the world of animals in formal classes. Assist staff with props, biofacts, and live animals in teaching an appreciation of the natural world and the value of conservation. Volunteers may also accompany staff to area schools in the ZooMobile . They help with artifacts, materials, and animals. 

ZOO CAMP - Morning and afternoon sessions are held from June through mid August. Volunteers assist with crafts, games, and animals as the campers explore the animal world at our zoo. Visit with staff behind-the-scenes to show how a modern zoo works.

DOCENTS - Year round. Docents interact with visitors to answer questions regarding animals. May also help zookeepers with special projects such as behavioral observation of animals. Qualifications: Individuals age 14 and older can participate. Volunteers 18 and older are called Docents and given a higher level of responsibility. All volunteers will be interviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator, successfully complete three training sessions, and pass a general information test. Docents must also undergo additional training to prepare them for contact with the public.

Current Status: Volunteer and Docent training sessions are held Fall and Spring. The spring Education Volunteer Training Date is April 19. Docent Training Dates are March 29, April 5 and April 12. Fees do apply for volunteer and docent training.

Questions or To Apply: Contact zooed@greatergreenville.com, call 467-4850, or write to Education Volunteer Coordinator, 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29601

Applications: Education department volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application and a Background Check
Docents must complete a Docent Application and Background Check.

top

GIFT SHOP AND CONCESSION VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are needed all days. The greatest need is weekends year round from 9:30 until 5 on Saturdays and 1 until 5 on Sundays as well as weekday mornings (9:30-1pm) during April and May. Assist staff with the operation of the snack bar and the gift shop by helping customers, operating registers, stocking merchandise, preparing and serving snacks and drinks. Minimum commitment is four hours per day and eight hours per week. Qualifications:  Must be age 14 or older, demonstrate a sense of responsibility, and have the ability to deal with zoo visitors.

Current Status:  Volunteers are needed year round.

Questions or To Apply: Contact zooinfo@greatergreenville.com, call 864-467-4311, or write to Zoo Volunteer Coordinator, 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29601 
top

ZOO OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATION VOLUNTEERS

Primarily on weekdays (hours are flexible) and a few evenings and weekends. Assist office staff and administration with telephone inquiries, mailings, clerical functions, preparation of newsletter, brochures, and fliers. Help with planning, preparation, and conducting special events such as Hot Dog Day in July or Boo In The Zoo in October. Minimum commitment is four hours per day and eight hours per week. 

Qualifications:  Must be age 16 or older, demonstrate a sense of responsibility, and have the the ability to deal with wide variety of assignments and people. Some computer skills desirable.

Current Status: Volunteers are needed year round. Questions or To Apply: Contact zooinfo@greatergreenville.com, call 467-4311, or write to Zoo Volunteer Coordinator, 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29601 
top

HORTICULTURAL VOLUNTEERS

Assist in the maintenance of the zoo's extensive collection of live plants. Includes planting, pruning, and all forms of plant maintenance. Minimum commitment is four hours per day and eight hours per week.

Qualifications: Must be age 16 or older, demonstrate a sense of responsibility, and have an interest in and some experience with plants.

Current Status: Volunteers are needed year round.

Questions or To Apply: Contact zooinfo@greatergreenville.com, call 467-4311, or write to Zoo Volunteer Coordinator, 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, SC 29601

top