Volunteer at the Zoo
Volunteer at the Zoo
Already a Volunteer and looking to schedule a shift?
Your login name is the e-mail address that you gave us in your application and your password is your Zoo Crew ID Number (which is the last four digits of your phone number).
Become a Volunteer Now
Adults (ages 18+): Get an application now >
Teens (8th – 12th grade): See our ZooCrew page >
Do you like to learn something new every day? Do you have a passion for animals and the environment? Do you enjoy being around people who share your passion? Roger Williams Park Zoo’s volunteer program may just be right for you! Our volunteer ranks are over 200 strong and collectively give thousands of hours of service in support of our Zoo every year. Our volunteers are critical to achieving our mission and are an indispensable part of the Zoo team; their enriching interactions with Zoo visitors, along with their endless enthusiasm, dedication and support are priceless.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is Looking for Play Partner volunteers (ages 16 and up)!
Please join us for a Play Partner Volunteer Information Night on March 14 , 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Education Center. When you arrive for the orientation please enter the Zoo through via the Elmwood Avenue entrance to the Park at Gate#3. This can be tricky the first time so please call our volunteer manager if you get lost or have any questions. She can be reached at 401-785-3510 x356. There will be a security guard posted at the gate – let them know you are here for the new volunteer orientation and they will show you the way to the Education Center.
Please remember to fill out your volunteer application!
Volunteer Opportunities & Service Areas:
Guest Services
Our Guest Services volunteers help out at the admissions gates, outside new exhibits and at certain events to make sure the needs of our guests are met. Volunteers in Guest Services help to assure that the Zoo experience is safe and fun for all.
Conservation
Typically, this is a project based area. Conservation-based volunteer opportunities tie in directly to the mission of Roger Williams Park Zoo. Currently, we're looking for "citizen scientist" volunteers to help monitor local amphibian populations this spring and summer as part of the FrogWatch USA program – learn more here>
Docents
Docents are volunteer educators who help to teach our guests about the Zoo's animals as well as our conservation efforts. Docents commit substantial time and effort over an extended period to develop expertise on the Zoo and its animals and agree to volunteer at least 72 hours per year in public interaction (an average of 6 hours per month). This opportunity also comes with a mandatory training that begins in January. Please fill out our docent application. All applications are due by December 15. Check back next year to apply!
Special Events
Our special event volunteers support our events both on-grounds and off. This may include helping to prepare in advance of an event at the Zoo, staffing an activity table during the event, or assisting with break-down and clean-up. It may also include traveling to other venues to staff a Zoo promotional display and answer questions from the public.
Zoo Crew
Zoo Crew is our teen volunteer program, open to teens entering or in 8th to 12th grades. Zoo Crew offers two entry-level opportunities for teens – Zoo Crew Teachers (who share information about the Zoo and our programs) or Zoo Crew Counselors in Training (CIT) at our summer ZooCamps. After the first summer of Zoo Crew, all Zoo Crew members can apply to be a Junior Keeper and work alongside our animal keepers (please note that this has limited availability). For more information on Zoo Crew please click here >
Play Partner
New volunteer opportunity for ages 16 and up!
A “Play Partner” is a volunteer who is primarily responsible for observing and facilitating children’s play experiences as well as providing resources for zoo patrons in the activity play spaces located within Hasbro’s “Our Big Backyard” children zoo. Must be enthusiastic, willing to learn, and foster a safe environment for our patrons. Total commitment is 80 hours / year which includes a mandatory 9 hour training that takes place in the Spring, and must work a 4 hour shift of your choice either weekly or bi-weekly. Play Partner enrollment is open now, check out our Job Description/Application. Deadline for application is March 21.
Have questions? Contact the Manager of Volunteer Resources at Volunteer@rwpzoo.org or (401) 785-3510 ext 356.
