The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is searching for enthusiastic, conservation-minded adults, ages 18 and older, to volunteer in a variety of areas at the Zoo. By attracting and retaining quality, committed individuals, the Zoo will be able to maintain our #1 Zoo in America status! We choose volunteers who are best suited for each position and who possess the necessary skills, education, experience and qualifications to fit the requirements needed.

If you are accepted as an Adult Volunteer, placement will occur based on your availability and experience, along with our areas of need. Those areas are Administration, Animal Encounters/Promotions, Animal Health Assistant, Education Assistant, Library Assistant, Marketing Assistant and Security.  In most cases volunteers do not have direct contact with Zoo animals. These opportunities are primarily long-term and volunteers are assigned based on operational needs and availability. Each area will have a predetermined number of volunteers needed, with each volunteer making a commitment to volunteer at least 70 hours a year. There is a $80 orientation fee which covers the cost of the volunteer polo, name badge, lanyard, training supplies and background check. 

Join us!  Please complete the ADULT VOLUNTEER APPLICATION and mail it to Volunteers/Education Department, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, P.O. Box 400, Powell, Ohio  43065.  If you have any questions, please e-mail Volunteer@columbuszoo.org.

ADMINISTRATION
  • Performs typing, data entry, filing and general office duties for designated areas
  • Answers phones and processes calls in accordance to protocol
  • Develops spreadsheets and word processing documents
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • See the minimum requirements

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS/PROMOTIONS
  • Prepares animal diets and drinks.
  • Maintains records and monitors health status of animals.
  • Cleans animal enclosures, including but not limited to raking, hosing, sweeping, disinfecting, manure removal, washing windows and building clean-up.
  • Observes animals and reports any behavioral changes to Keepers and Vets.
  • Delivers educational interpretation to the general public regarding animal behavior, habitat and conservation issues.
  • Adheres to all safety protocol including but not limited to proper handling and interpretative procedures for handling of live animals during presentations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • See the minimum requirements

     

ANIMAL HEALTH ASSISTANT
  • Assists Animal Health department in data entry and filing.
  • Enters select medical reports into MedARKS.
  • Files accessioned and deaccessioned entered medical reports.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • See the minimum requirements

EDUCATION ASSISTANT
  • Assists with instruction of planned lessons and activities for assigned aged children.
  • Assists with overall safety and well-being of assigned groups by being aware of any medical problems or special needs of the children.
  • Delivers programming and actively participates in activities.
  • Adheres to all safety protocol including but not limited to proper handling of live animals used for assigned programs.
  • Assists with preparation of classroom, teaching materials and art supplies prior to students’ arrival.
  • Able to assist with proper check-in and check-out procedures and assists in enforcing rules of the program.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • See the minimum requirements
LIBRARY ASSISTANT
  • Arranges and shelves library’s books and magazines;  shifts books when shelves get crowded; checks shelves to see all books are correctly shelved according to title, author and number.
  • Checks books in and out.
  • Answers phones and processes calls in accordance to protocol.
  • Operates standard library equipment such as audio-visual equipment, copiers, microform machines, typewriters, calculators and adding machines.
  • Assists patrons with routine location questions, offering other appropriate assistance such as reference specialists, inter-library loan, staff or manual and automated information databases  as needed.
  • Assists patrons in the use of library equipment.
  • Prepares library materials for circulation (book jacket or audio-visual case, labels, book cards and pockets, stamps, etc.).
  • Mends library materials.
  • Able to perform volunteer duties in a pleasant and effective manner with customers, co-workers, other departments and agencies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • See the minimum requirements

MARKETING ASSISTANT
  • Aids with costume character ambassador appearances as escort.
  • Assists with creation, organization and clean-up of event signs.
  • Helps with special events on weekends, weekdays, evenings and holidays as necessary.
  • Assists with group events on weekends, weekdays, evenings and holidays as necessary.
  • See the minimum requirements

SECURITY/DISPATCHER ASSISTANT
  • Interacts with guests.
  • Answers phones and processes calls in accordance to protocol.
  • Keeps orderly logbooks on all security-related activities.
  • Monitors internal security systems and takes appropriate action when needed.
  • Performs typing, data entry, filing and general office duties.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • See the minimum requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL POSITIONS
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • PC skills required (knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Word preferred)
  • Good organizational skills
  • Able to balance multiple assignments successfully
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior
  • Able to perform volunteer duties in a team and/or individually with minimum supervision
  • Able to perform volunteer duties in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, snow or rain)
  • Maintains friendly, positive attitude towards guests and follows “We Promise” guest service guidelines (see “We Promise” in Volunteer Handbook)
  • Able to maintain appropriate employee appearance (see “Uniform Guidelines” in Volunteer Handbook)
  • Able to perform volunteer duties on a flexible schedule if needed, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays
  • Able to adhere to all safety protocol
  • Subject to Drug-free Workplace Policy (see “Drug-free Workplace Policy” in Volunteer Handbook)
  • Subject to criminal background check