Brandywine Zoo VolunTEEN Program:
Come be a part of the life of the Brandywine Zoo! We're seeking dynamic and engaging teens (14+) who are interested in education and conservation. This volunteer position rotates between various roles throughout the zoo including educating guests, helping in the barnyard, and assisting with summer camp. You’ll be a member of a critical team that assists the Brandywine Zoo staff in making sure our guests walk out of the zoo more knowledgeable and prepared to think about our animals and conservation solutions out in the world.
Applications are open from February 22nd-April 5th.
Group interviews will be conducted on April 16th (5:30pm-6:30pm) and April 18th (2:00pm-3:00pm).
Mandatory trainings will be held on May 2nd (12:00pm-5:00pm) and May 16th (9:00am-3:00pm).
Interested candidates - Respond to this opportunity by clicking on the respond button on the right and completing registration.
Candidate must also complete the Brandywine Zoo VolunTEEN Supplemental Questionnaire: https://form.jotform.com/260414930905151
All participants will rotate working in each position throughout their time as a VolunTEEN. Barynyard Monitor or Interpretation shifts occur twice a week, and teens will be scheduled as a Summer Camp Assistant for up to 2 weeks this summer. Check out the position descriptions below!
Barnyard Monitor: Assist our animal team with Barnyard shifts. This includes but is not limited to: helping children pet and interact with the animals, overseeing grooming sessions and helping keep the area clean. The person(s) in this role must be comfortable enforcing rules and creating a structure around our guests’ contact with the animals.
Responsibilities:
- Engage Zoo guests, providing exceptional guest service
- Answer guest questions about barnyard animals as well as other animals on exhibit at the zoo
- Monitor the public and animals, instruct the public on how to properly interact with the animals, and get hands-on experience with goats
- Enforce barnyard rules
- Communicate any issues with zoo keeping staff immediately
Shifts:
- 9:00am to 12:30pm
- 12:30pm to 4:00pm
Interpretation: For interpretation shifts VolunTEENs will be asked to go into the zoo and do various activity stations for the public. These activities go over various topics like plastic pollution, pollination, and different kinds of animal habitats. A volunteer in this role will support our education department and enhance visitor experience by educating them on topics they might not be familiar with. Volunteers will be trained to use interesting and valuable biofacts (animal artifacts) as educational tools to provide more hands-on learning experiences for guests.
Responsibilities:
- Interpretating conservation messages, by conducting activities in the zoo for guests.
- Provide exceptional guest service
- Interpretating and educating guests on the animals we have here at the zoo.
- Handle (often fragile) biofacts, like pelts, bones, etc.
Shifts:
- 9:00am to 12:30pm
- 12:30pm to 4:00pm
Camp Assistant: Camp shifts will be a full 8-hour shift for at a minimum of two weeks during the summer. These shifts will support camp staff with leading activities and games, assisting staff with managing campers, and contribute to an overall FUN and educational camp for our campers!
Responsibilities:
- Assist with daily activities for summer camps like games and crafts.
- Ensure a fun, educational, and safe environment for children.
- Respond to visitor questions and educate visitors about the care and handling of animals.
- Follow guidelines as outlined in our Zoo Camp Handbook for medical situations, behavior problems, and other camper situations
- Other duties as assigned
Shifts:
- 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday-Friday
