GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
Ways to volunteer
We are excited for you to get involved at John Ball Zoo! Explore the different ways to make an impact for wildlife and wild places with your time.
Ready to be part of the Zoo team? Becoming a John Ball Zoo Volunteer Team member means that you or your group are making a commitment to support zoo and its mission and plan to volunteer multiple times in the same role. Volunteers support nearly every department with over 12,000 hours of service last year.
There are a large variety of assignments available, and some great perks to being a John Ball Zoo Volunteer Team Member.
Are you ready to make an impact? Join our Teen Volunteers as they help support saving wildlife and wild places! The John Ball Zoo Teen Volunteer Program runs during the summer but the volunteer opportunities extend through the fall.
Current Volunteers do not need to reapply.
If you are looking to make an impact but sure if you want to make a commitment to come on a regular basis? Come help the zoo for a one time assignment as a Zoo Volunteer Helper!
These one time opportunities are available to individuals and groups without an in depth orientation and training process, just sign up, show up and lend a hand.
Zoo Goes BOO! is our largest Volunteer Helper event with over 300 spots for volunteers!
All Zoo Helpers must be 14+ to volunteer independently, or 12+ to volunteer with an adult.
Opportunities vary greatly, please see the individual opening for qualifications and description.
Opportunities are directly linked to the registration form. If you do not see any available opportunities to sign up for there are none currently available.
Check out our current ZOO HELPER OPPORTUNITIES.
The John Ball Zoo Internship Program offers college students a unique opportunity to become actively involved in our mission. In this exciting and challenging atmosphere, interns will supplement previous experiences and apply classroom knowledge in a variety of departments. All John Ball Zoo Internship Program opportunities are during the summer semester, 40 hours per week, and paid hourly.
Once posted all Internship Program opportunities, in addition to Seasonal, and Full Time opportunities can be found on our CAREERS page. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at the zoo you can find those HERE.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Team
Thank you for considering donating your time to John Ball Zoo! We have a range of areas with volunteer team members and all go through the same process to join the team. After filling out an application, you will complete an online orientation, and attend an in person orientation before you get started.
Guest Services
- Greeters
- In zoo Wayfinding
Education
- Greeters for Interactive Exhibits
- Interactive Exhibits*: Hobby Farm, Wallabies, Budgie Bird Aviary
- Storyteller: Stationed in a specific area of the zoo you will engage in conversation with guests about a specific topic!
- Animals: tell the individual story of our animals, their journey and how guests can help.
- Conservation Initiatives: educate guests through the stories of our conservation initiatives here at the zoo, and how they can make a difference.
Conservation
- Did you know that John Ball Zoo's mission is to get people actively involved in conservation of wildlife and our natural environment? If working in the zoo is not for you but you are ready to jump into some conservation this area is for you.
- Summer 2022 positions coming soon!
Operations
- Working behind the scenes of the zoo you see on your visit is our Operations team, although they do not always directly interact with our guests they have a huge impact on the success of our zoo team. If working out of the spotlight to make the magic happen is what you are looking for, this is the place for you!
- Warehouse: from the treasures you find in the giftshop, to chicken tenders for food service, or getting the zookeepers meals for the animals, the warehouse is the heart of it all. Volunteers help in the warehouse and with deliveries into the zoo.
- Shuttle Driver: Do you have a CDL license and looking to help at the zoo? We utilize shuttles to transport guests to our Treehouse rental facility. If you are interested in the shuttle driver position please reach out to at volunteers@jbzoo.org
VOLUNTEER TEAM
Animal Team
Working behind the scenes to help support our animal care team volunteers work in a variety of assignments found in multiple departments. Please click on the assignment to see the detailed description for more information including age and commitment requirements.
- Animal Nutrition*
- Enrichment Building
- Behavioral Observations
- Keeper Help*
Under the direction of the zookeeper you will help get the zoo ready for guests in the morning. It is important to note that volunteers never have direct contact with animals.
*Indicates assignments that require yearly TB test.
- Ability to commit to position attendance requirements
- Most often 4 months with a weekly commitment for a total of 18 shifts.
- Multiple absences may result in removal from placement.
- Ability to follow area protocols
- Understanding that there is no direct animal contact with exhibit animals.
- COVID vaccination is highly recommended but not required
VOLUNTEER
Youth Volunteer Team
Are you ready to make an impact? Join our Youth Volunteers as they help support saving wildlife and wild places! Youth volunteer program runs during the summer but opportunities extend through spring and fall.
Qualities we look for when selecting volunteers:
- Positive attitude
- Enthusiasm for learning and sharing information with guests, kids and adults
- Desire to meet new friends and be part of a team
- Ready to make an impact on conservation of wildlife and wild places
- Be 14 – 17 years of age
- Completion of orientation
- Ability to maneuver to assignment location in the zoo
- Be able to attend in person assignment training sessions.
- Be able to receive important information via email.
Our youth volunteers help in most of our Guest Engagement roles found in Guest Services and Education. We also have higher commitment opportunities in our Animal Team roles.
After receiving your application you will receive a welcome email with the next steps to take in becoming part of the John Ball Zoo Volunteer Team!
VOLUNTEER
JBZoo Helpers
Events
- Zoo Goes BOO! REGISTER HERE Treat stations are run by volunteers & groups and hand out treats to our guests on the following dates: Friday, 10.21.22 - Sunday, 10.23.22 Friday, 10.28.22 - Sunday, 10.30.22 Decorating & Decoration Takedown
- Wizzarding Weekend Activity Stations Decorating, Decoration Takedown
- Event Wayfinding
- Event Parking
Special Projects
- Short term project based opportunities. Help move plants in an exhibit, paint walls, pull invasive species, or build pvc animal toys. Once the project is complete you are all done, unless you want to help with another one!
- Requirements: Must meet the minimum age for the assignment selected Must submit a signed participation waiver Be ready for working in the elements if outside assignment selected
VOLUNTEER
Zooster - Group Fundraising Opportunities
Are you part of a booster group or a small non-profit group? Are you looking for a fun and unique way to raise funds? Join the John Ball Zoo Food & Beverage team and earn money for your booster group! – Opportunities Closed for 2022
- Groups MUST be a 501 non-profit, tax-exempt entity
- Groups need at least 10 participants ages 15+ (at least 3 must be over the age of 21)
- Shifts are 5 hours or less and support Food Service Operations
- Donation to the group of $250 for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday opportunities, and $200 for Monday – Thursday opportunities.
GET INVOLVED
Internship Program
Learn more about our college level internship opportunities at the Zoo in a variety of fields!
John Ball Zoo Internship Program offer college students a unique opportunity to become actively involved in our mission. In this exciting and challenging atmosphere, interns will supplement previous experiences and apply classroom knowledge in a variety of departments. The JBZoo Internship Program will post openings early in the new year for the Summer Semester. We currently are only running the program during the Summer Semester. Once posted all Internship Program opportunities, in addition to Seasonal, and Full Time opportunities can be found on our CAREERS page. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at the zoo you can find those HERE