Currently Recruiting For . . .
The National Zoo is currently accepting applications for Horticulture volunteers, Bird House Interpreter 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.
Bird House Interpreter
Bird House interpreters help visitors explore the world of birds through conversational interactions both inside and outside the Bird House. They also staff a special avian-oriented resource room in the heart of the exhibit, preside over a hands-on discovery cart and interpret during scheduled staff-led demos. In the Bird Resource Center, interpreters assist visitors with exploring a multitude of interactive and observable elements such as wingspans, feathers, nests, eggs, bones, beaks, and feet. The Bird Cart carries a selection of touchable objects to locations throughout the building. Visitors have the chance to feel the weight of a flamingo beak while observing the real thing.
Special qualifications: A strong interest in birds and a desire and ability to talk with a wide variety of people.
Time commitment: Three three-hour afternoon shifts (1:00pm-4:00pm) per month for a year and monthly meetings. Days of the week flexible.
Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older to apply.
Training: Two weekday evenings (6:30pm-9:00pm) and four weekend days (9:00am-3:00pm) on July 18, 20, 21, 24, 27 and 28. You must be able to attend all of the training sessions.
NOTE: We are looking to expand the number of interpretive volunteers in the afternoon hours, however due to limited afternoon parking at the zoo, candidates should only apply if they are able to use public transportation or walk to the zoo to volunteer during the busy season: May – September. Parking will be available for training sessions and in the off season.
Applications must be received by July 5, 2013.
For application information or questions please call 202-633-3056 or email us at phoebusl@si.edu.Great Cats and Bears Keeper Aide
Keeper Aide at Great Cats and Bears
Keeper aides assist keepers in their daily activities including cleaning and upkeep of enclosures and preparing food for the animals.
Special qualifications: Good health, stamina, and the ability to work inside or outside in all weather. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. TB test and tetanus shot required.
Time commitment: At least two shifts a month for a year. Shifts are 7:00am to 3:00pm. Sunday, Monday and Friday availability preferred.
Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Training: On the job
For application information or questions please call 202-633-3056 or email us at phoebusl@si.edu.
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
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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