Volunteer at the Zoo: 

Rides

Drive the famous Zoo train or operate the region’s only hand-carved carousel. Shifts are scheduled in four hour increments, so you won’t have to make a whole day commitment, unless you want to! Full training is provided.  To ensure a safe ride for everyone you must be 18 years of age to operate the rides. 

Zoo Store

Kids, candy, toys and smiles are what the Zoo Store is all about! If you enjoy helping kids of all ages satisfy a sweet tooth or find just the right little plush penguin or slithery lizard toy to take home, you’ll enjoy volunteering in the Zoo Store. Whether you have lots of time or just a little bit, we’d love to have your smiling face and helping hands making our visitors happy.

Concessions

Our Train Whistle Café and Carousel Corner offer a variety of eating options, from a list of hot food, snacks, refreshments, as well as some great lunch options. Volunteers will receive all of the appropriate training, no experience required! And whether you have lots of time or just a little bit, the Zoo is the place for you to help our visitors with the complete Zoo experience.

Zoo-A-Teer

The Zoo-A-Teer Volunteer Program at the Children’s Zoo is the perfect way to make a difference at your local Zoo! Under the guidance of a Staff Project Leader, Zoo-A-Teers will work to accomplish needed tasks around the Zoo, such as helping to clean up after winter, painting, gardening, and much more. Groups and individuals age 13 up are welcome (unless otherwise specified); pre-registration is required by calling the Zoo at (989) 759-1408 or filling in our Volunteer Now form below.

Zoo-A-Teer Dates (Spring 2010) Age 13 and up
March 20, 21, 27, 28
April 3, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
Shifts: 9 am - 12 pm or 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Age 18 and up
April 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
Shift:  9 am - 12 pm

Zoo Crew

 Zoo Crew is a unique opportunity for teens to experience the exciting wold at the Children's Zoo.  Teens aged 13 to 18 years can volunteer during the summer and get the opportunity to learn from the zoo staff and experience the life at the zoo. Fulfill school community service requirements and start building your resume today with the Zoo Crew program. 

Become a Zoo Crew Volunteer

Garden

Garden volunteers assist with general garden area maintenance. Approximately 12 areas have been identified as needing monthly care. This may include weeding general garden beds and pruning back shrubs. Garden volunteer work days are scheduled throughout the season. If a volunteer has been oriented by a member of the Horticulture Committee to the gardens, they may come anytime the Zoo is open to assist with routine garden maintenance care.

Volunteer now! 

Summer Employment at the Zoo:

The Children's Zoo is in need of part-time seasonal employees for our 2010 Zoo Season.  Positions available include: office (phones, data entry), admissions, concessions, and grounds.  Please fill out an application below and mail it or drop it off in person to:

Download job application

Internships:

Internships are available in the Animal Collections department.  Animal Collection Internships offer the opportunity to gain an understanding of what it takes to maintain a vibrant animal collection in a zoological park setting.

Internships in various Zoo departments may be available. If you are seeking a paid or unpaid internship, please send a letter describing the type and requirements of the internship you are seeking to: