Racine Zoo Volunteer

Please fill out and send this form to volunteer: Racine Zoo Volunteer Application

The Racine Zoo Volunteer Program is perfect for those who are considering a future career with animals, zoos, education, or for those just looking for an exciting volunteer opportunity! All positions require that the volunteer communicates effectively and pleasantly with the public, as well as represents the Zoo in a positive manner. Those that wish to participate in the Volunteer program will have to submit a completed application. Following a successful interview, volunteers will go through a training session.

Volunteer hours are flexible and you can sign up for shifts however often you would like. We ask that volunteers complete at least 25 hours of service per year to be a part of the program. Benefits and discounts are applied once you hit 10 hours of service. 

Types of Volunteer Shifts:
Interpretation: Volunteers will interact with guests in the Discovery Center, Main Building, and at other exhibits. They may use fact sheets and biofacts to teach zoo guests about the animals, exhibits, and conservation topics.

Hospitality: Volunteers will assist during events at various stations such as booths, passing out candy/favors, running crafts and games, etc.

Zoo Beautification: Volunteers will assist our facilities department in keeping our Zoo looking beautiful! This could include picking up trash off the grounds, weeding/gardening, or other similar tasks.

Zoo Camp Helpers: Volunteers will assist camp counselors with keeping kids together, leading games and activities, helping with crafts and snack time, grabbing supplies, etc.

Administrative Office: These volunteers assist the staff in our administrative office with tasks such as greeting guest who come into the Administrative building, typing, cutting, organizing, envelope stuffing and more. For this task we look for volunteers who are able to help consistently during a weekly half-day shift (Example: every Tuesday morning).

Conservation Education Department: Conservation Education Volunteers will assist staff in the Conservation Education Department on programs which could include passing out hand sanitizer to guests, helping with crafts, games, and activities. For those who are comfortable, CED Volunteers may be allowed to teach part of a class or tour. They also are able to help the CED with office work such as organizing or preparing craft supplies and grading post-tests after programs. Hours vary based on CED Department programs and needs.

Commissary: Commissary Volunteers are able to participate in commissary tasks with the Animal Care department. They help prepare daily animal diets in addition to cleaning dishes, doing laundry, walking the Zoo dog, and completing other work place cleanliness tasks. They will have the opportunity to gain a more detailed understanding of working within a Zoo and network with staff. Commissary shifts are open daily from 2:00-4:00pm year round.

Special Events: These Volunteers will assist the Special Event Manager with preparing for and running Zoo events. They can help before the event with tasks like putting together gift baskets or decorations. On the day of, they can assist with setting up/taking down the event, as well as tasks like taking tickets, running a particular station, or directing guests during the event. Special Events usually occur on evenings or weekends.

Zoo Choo Train Conductor: A minimum of at least 10 hours of service completed is required before becoming a Zoo Choo Train Conductor Volunteer. Train Conductor Volunteers are responsible for driving the Zoo Choo express, handling tickets, getting guests on the train, and putting the train away/taking it out. Zoo Choo Train shifts are broken into half-day shifts whenever the train is running (every day in the summer, and weekends only in the Spring/Fall). Due to the complexity of scheduling for this task, Volunteer must be able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule (Example: every Thursday morning in the summer).