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.
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.
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
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
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