Keeper Aide: Amazonia
Description
The Smithsonian's National Zoo's Amazonia exhibit leads visitors into the realm of the Amazon Rainforest that millions of plant and animal species call home. Amazonia is a unique exhibit that focuses on a region rather than any specific species or group of animals. Housed within the exhibit are numerous plant, fish, invertebrate, amphibian and mammal species native to South America.
Volunteers are needed to help animal care staff clean exhibits, prepare diets, make enrichment items and assist with other tasks as needed. Shifts are available Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers must be able to commit to at least one shift per week for a minimum of one year.
Application Requirements
These positions are highly competitive and there are limited spaces available. Submission of an application is not a guarantee of placement. Applicants will be interviewed by unit staff, and those who are provisionally accepted will undergo background checks, including fingerprinting, as a requirement for approval as a keeper aide. Once accepted, volunteers must submit proof of required vaccinations, including tetanus and a negative TB test, to the Zoo's health unit.
Please note: It is Smithsonian's National Zoo's policy that individuals who keep venomous animals in personal collections will not be accepted as volunteer keeper aides.
Training
Once provisionally accepted, you must complete mandatory online orientation and training. Additional training will be provided on the job. There is a probationary period for all keeper aides.