Volunteer Opportunities :: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Riverbanks is recruiting enthusiastic individuals to join our growing volunteer team.

Each year, volunteers contribute more than 23,000 hours to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Volunteering is a very important part of the mission and daily workings of the Zoo and Garden. It takes an incredible team of talented people to operate one of America’s best zoos. By volunteering you can be a part of what makes Riverbanks Zoo and Garden so remarkable!

Current Volunteer Positions (last updated on November 1, 2024)

Nature Preschool Volunteer

Posted: 11/1/2024

Ambassador Commitment:Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.

Responsibilities: This volunteer teacher position will require a college student in an education field to observe and assist with the nature preschool. As a volunteer, you will follow directions set forth by preschool staff and be expected to work outdoors in all weather.

Education and Experience: 18 years of age or older, and willing to provide an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.

Apply today! Submit an online volunteer application.

Conservation Engagement Volunteer (4 hours a week (Thursday – Saturday) )

Posted: 11/1/2024

Minimum 6-month commitment (January 10- July 10)

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Conservation Engagement Volunteers connect guests to wildlife and wild places. Volunteers rotate between designated locations to engage with guests and enhance guest experience using interactive props and bio-facts. Volunteers are expected to maintain high levels of enthusiasm and inclusion while interacting with groups and individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds. All members of the Conservation Engagement team maintain a positive and professional work environment and work cooperatively as a team.

Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Apply today! Submit an online volunteer application.

Volunteer Requirements

Review and consider if interested in volunteering:

Be at least 14 to volunteer with the ZooTeens program, age 16 to volunteer with special events and age 18 for other areas.
Complete an online Volunteer Application.
Pass a criminal background check.
Follow the Riverbanks Appearance Policy, which includes wearing khaki shorts or pants, closed-toe shoes, socks, Riverbanks uniform shirt, and ID Badge. Uniform shirts range from $6–$20 depending on size and style; Riverbanks nametag and ID are $10.
Show proof of a tuberculin (TB) skin test–a TB test is required annually for most volunteer areas.
Commit to volunteering a minimum of six months for 4 hours a week (although you are welcome to volunteer more). We will gladly accommodate any time you need to take off.
All associated costs are covered by volunteers and not reimbursable by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.