Currently Recruiting For . . .
The National Zoo is currently accepting applications for Horticulture volunteers, Zoofari Special Event volunteers, and Summer-Only positions for college-age students in our Horticulture and Exhibits departments.
For long-term assignments (interpreters, keeper aides, behavior watchers) we recommend that you only apply to the area where you are most interested in working, as you will not be eligible to volunteer with another unit for at least six months. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Horticulture
Horticulture volunteers assist the Zoo's gardeners and horticulturists. The Zoo places special emphasis on the interconnectedness of all living things. Volunteer tasks include all forms of plant care in and out of the animal exhibits. You may find yourself planting flowers at the front gate, watering the hummingbird garden or pulling weeds in the flamingo exhibit! Every day is a new experience.
Special qualifications: This position is mostly outdoors, so tolerance for all weather conditions is a must. Volunteers should be physically fit and able to lift 50 pounds. Some gardening experience is preferred.
Time commitment: In order to be considered, you must be able to make a season's commitment to the program (This program is open from March until November; winter months are closed), and must be able to work two three-hour shifts each month.
Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older to apply.
Membership and Credentialing Requirement: Once provisionally accepted into the program, you must complete the Smithsonian credentialing process, which requires fingerprinting and a background check. All new volunteers must also become a FONZ member during their first year (reduced volunteer rate available), and pay an Orientation/Training Fee which includes the cost of the volunteer shirt and namebadge. If membership fees are not manageable, please speak with the contact person listed for the position for available options.Training : Once accepted, you must attend a mandatory general orientation session, usually held on the first Saturday of the month. Additional training will be provided on the job.
For application information or questions Please click here to
email us . or call 202-633-3025.
SPecial Event: ZooFARI
Thursday, May 16, 2013, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
ZooFari is the National Zoo’s premier food tasting event, featuring food from area restaurants, music, an auction, and more—all in the unique setting of the National Zoo. Ticket sales from ZooFari benefit the Zoo’s conservation, research, and education programs. At this event, hundreds of visitors enjoy attending for the chance to socialize, relax, and try special treats prepared by well-known area restaurants while enjoying live music and entertainment.
Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers may be helping at the registration tables, acting as greeters, helping monitor tables in the VIP area, assisting at the silent auction, or working the frog pond grab bag area.
Time commitment: This event runs from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Volunteers should plan on arriving at the Zoo by 4:30pm for check-in. Dismissal time may vary depending on assignment, but please plan to remain till 10:00pm through the end of the event and clean-up.
Age Requirement:All individuals volunteering for this event must be at least 21 years old.
Please note: Volunteers may not visit the event booths to sample food and drinks.
For application information or questions Please click here to
Summer-Only Opportunities
Volunteers are needed to help staff in several areas of the Zoo such as Animal Care, Horticulture and Exhibits. Keeper aides assist the animal care staff cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and working on projects. Volunteers must be physically fit and be able to work in all kinds of weather. Horticulture volunteers assist in planting and maintaining the zoo’s grounds. In the Exhibits Department volunteers are needed to assist with archiving exhibition materials.
Limited spaces are available for each position. Please see below for information on specific needs.
Application Process: The Smithsonian Institution and FONZ are committed to providing the safest environment for our staff and volunteers, as well as for our guests. Each program has an application and interview process. Applicants will be interviewed by staff, and those who are provisionally accepted must pass a Smithsonian background check, complete initial training, become a FONZ member (reduced volunteer rate available), and pay the orientation/training fee (includes volunteer shirt and namebadge). Options are available for individuals for whom the fees and membership may not be manageable, please speak to the contact person listed for the position you are interested in for available options.
Application Deadlines: Applications for summer-only opportunities should be received by the end of April. In-person interviews will be conducted until the program is filled.
Training: Mandatory general orientation session, Saturday, May 4, 2013, Saturday, June 1, 2013 or Saturday, July 6, 2013 depending on start date. Additional training will be provided on the job.
Please Note: In order to maximize the number of available opportunities individuals may only participate in one of the following summer programs.
Zoo Help-Horticulture
Horticulture volunteers assist the Zoo's gardeners and horticulturists. The Zoo places special emphasis on the interconnectedness of all living things. Volunteer tasks include all forms of plant care in and out of the animal exhibits. You may find yourself planting flowers at the front gate, watering the hummingbird garden or pulling weeds in the flamingo exhibit! Every day is a new experience.
Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer.
Special qualifications: This position is mostly outdoors, so tolerance for all weather conditions is a must. Volunteers should be physically fit and able to lift 50 pounds. Some gardening experience is preferred.
Time commitment: Minimum commitment required is one day per week (more if desired) for 8 weeks from 7:00am-11:30am (times are not flexible). Weekday only.
For application information or questions: Please click here to. or call 202-633-3025.
Zoo Help-Exhibits
The National Zoo Office of Exhibits is seeking a volunteer to digitize and archive past exhibit materials.
Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer.
Special qualifications: Should be experienced in basic computer programs, familiarity with adobe software preferred but not required. Some experience with scanning and filing.
Time commitment: Minimum commitment is 20-24 hours per week (more if desired) Monday-Thursday for 8 weeks. Hours are flexible but should occur from 8:00am-5:00pm.For application information or questions: Please click here to
Upcoming RecruitinG
Check back frequently! Information on applying will be posted along with each recruitment.
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