Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Whether conducting tours, programs, interpreting exhibits, or assisting animal care & office staff, volunteers contribute greatly to Zoo Boise and its conservation mission. Volunteers can assist Zoo Boise staff with the education of the public, or with animal care.

The Education Volunteer's mission is to help zoo visitors develop an understanding and appreciation for all animals through a variety of education programs and up-close contact with education animals. There are three types of Education Volunteers: Tour Guides, Interpreters, and Education Center Volunteers.

Tour Guides escort visitors (including school groups) through Zoo Boise while educating them with natural history, behavior, and conservation of zoo animals. Interpreters enlighten visitors with information on the natural history, behavior and habitat of animals at an animal exhibit, bring the education animals face-to-face with the public, and provide zoo visitors with a chance to examine and touch biological artifacts. Education Center & Animal Care Volunteers help care for the education animals (insects, birds, reptiles, hedgehogs, ferrets, etc...) housed in the Simplot Education Center as well as prepare the Education Center for the opening each day.

Animal Care Volunteers help zoo staff take the best possible care of its animals and exhibits. This includes exhibit maintenance (removing feces and dirty bedding from exhibits, cleaning exhibit glass, etc..), diet preparation and feeding some animals, animal observations, and preparing animal enrichment. Animal Care positions are available in the Small Animal Kingdom, Penguin/Primate section, Small Carnivores, and Hoofstock. Due to the danger involved, volunteers do not work in enclosures of large carnivores, large hoofstock, or inside primate enclosures. Animal Care volunteers should be in good physical condition, be able to lift 50 lbs., and be willing to get dirty!

To be an adult volunteer you must be 18 years or older, turn in a completed adult volunteer application, go through an interview process and complete 16 hours of training. To receive an application you can visit Zoo Boise's website:http://www.zooboise.org/home.aspx or call 384-4260 ext. 102.

Education Volunteers:
Education Volunteers must volunteer for a total of 4 hours per week, with a minimum of 8 hours per month. Shift times include: 8:30am-12:30pm (includes Education Center animal care & maintenance), 9:30am-1:30pm (Education Only), 1:00-5:00pm (Education & Education Center closing). Times may vary for special events. Shifts are available on the following days: May - September: Tuesday - Saturday, March, April, October: Tuesday - Friday, Education Center and Animal Care volunteers may continue to volunteer throughout the year.

Education Volunteers must complete several Docent Training Classes, and pay a $35.00 Training & T-shirt fee.

Animal Care Volunteers:
Animal Care Volunteers must commit a total of 4 hours per week for a minimum of 1 year. Hours worked can occur on any day of the week, depending on Animal Care Staff needs.

Volunteers interested in animal care are required to first complete 50 volunteer hours as an Education Volunteer. Animal Care training varies depending on the zoo section, and volunteers must pay a $35.00 training and T-shirt fee. A probationary period of 60 hours is required.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Boise Parks & Recreation Department

We need volunteers who are free at these times Afternoons Weekdays Evenings Weekends Mornings Weekly This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Individual Adults (55+) Young Adults (18-25)

Contact Person: Courtney Rush, Volunteer Coordinator, (208) 384-4230, (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

355 N. Julia Davis Dr. Boise, ID 83706 (See a map)

Directions:

Zoo Boise is located in Julia Davis Park. You can access the Zoo through the park entrances off of either Capitol Blvd. or Myrtle St. Zoo is located in the center of the park.

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		Boise