Zoo Crew

Volunteer and learn about the behind-the-scenes world at the Zoo!

Spend your summer out in the sunshine while having fun, learning new things, and making friends! You’ll gain valuable work experience that will carry with you on your resume as you apply for colleges and future employment. Looking to enhance your experience? Complete the Crew Lead Checklist as a Zoo Crew and apply to become a Zoo Crew Lead during the same season!

Shifts

Half day shifts have a 15-minute break, full day shifts have two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch.

Morning: 9:30am-1:30pm
Afternoon: 1pm-5pm
Full Day: 9:30am-5pm

Zoo Crew Requirements

  • Ages 13-17
  • Complete a minimum of 40 hours over the course of the program
  • Obtain recommendations from two non-related adults
  • Sign a release of liability form (parent and/or guardian)
  • Have proof of current tetanus vaccine and negative TB test in the last six months
  • Abide by Zoo policies and procedures
  • Attend a volunteer orientation with a parent and/or guardian
  • Report on time for scheduled service areas
  • Wear a designated uniform while on Zoo property

Availability

  • Summer, May-October

Deadline to Apply

  • May1st

Benefits

  • Start building your resume today by learning skills needed for future employment
  • Learn time management skills
  • Participate in group activities
  • Workplace responsibility
  • Gain confidence with public presentations
  • Learn what it is like to work in various areas of the zoo, and see if there is a future in a Zoo for you
  • Spend the summer making new friends working with students from various schools in the area
  • Discounts available on food and Zoo Store merchandise while volunteering
  • Fulfill school requirements for community service (please see your school for requirements and needed paperwork)
  • Graduation certificate and celebration

Zoo Crew Roles

Onsite Volunteering

Train & Carousel: Help our train and carousel lines move smoothly and efficiently.

Habitat: Assist in greeting and educating our guests in the Kangaroo Walkabout and with animal interaction in the Goat Yard.

Conservation Station: Learn cool animal facts and share them with others! You’ll be stationed with a table or cart of biofacts around the Zoo.

Horticulture/Grounds Maintenance: Assist in maintaining the Zoo grounds and gardens by watering, weeding, and maintaining common areas.

Additional Roles: Help to create animal enrichment projects or sign up to participate in special events and conservation projects!

Virtual Volunteering

Zooniverse: This website is virtual database of over 70 citizen science projects that you can do right from your computer! Real research with real world impacts that can be felt across the globe. We’ll be happy to walk you through the process of creating your own Saginaw Children’s Zoo account. Click here to learn more about citizen science!  Hours Earned: 30 min for every 30 observations.

For more information, email volunteers@saginawzoo.com or call at (989) 759-1408.

Returning Zoo Crew? Consider becoming a Zoo Crew Leader!