Brandywine Zoo - Become a Volunteer

Become part of a growing, committed group of volunteers at the Brandywine Zoo who make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people each year. Call the Assistant Curator of Education at 302-571-7850, ext. 209 or email DNREC_Zoo_Volunteers_SG@state.de.us. We invite you to explore the Zoo's volunteer opportunities and docent program.

Benefits include:

Continuing education opportunities
Training
Field trips
Making new friends
Helping animals and our environment through education

Have an interest in animals and the zoo?

Have an interest in conservation?

Enjoy learning and sharing information?

At least 13 years of age?

Able to donate 4 hours a month?

Willing to participate in training programs?

If you answered 'Yes' to the questions above, the Brandywine Zoo has opportunities for you to get involved!

Volunteer Opportunities

Zoo Volunteers (ages 18+)

Zoo Crew (ages 13-17)

Summer Zoo Internships

Group Volunteer Opportunities

How to Get Invloved

Saturday, February 4: 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Open House: Summer Zoo Internships for High School Students

Ages 14-18
The Brandywine Zoo's Education Department is looking for committed teens to fill a select number of internship positions for summer 2012. The Zoo's unique internship program offers teens a chance to work in the zoo assisting with summer camps and/or leading informal programs for the public. After successfully completing the application/interview process, all selected interns must attend the mandatory training session on Saturday, May 19, 2012 9am - 4pm. (No Exceptions!) Zoo staff will be on hand to answer questions and to show off the wonder that is the Brandywine Zoo! The Open House will meet in the Education Building. All high school students are welcome to attend. Registration not required. This event is free.

Saturday, February 4: 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Open House: Education Internships for College Students

College Students, ages 18 and up
The Brandywine Zoo's Education Department is looking for committed college students interested in a career in a zoo-related field to fill a select number of internship positions this spring and/or summer. The Zoo's unique internship program offers college students a chance to work in the zoo's education department assisting with school programs, public programs, camps, leading informal programs for the public, special event planning, program writing, and program evaluation. This open house is designed for college students to meet zoo educators, discuss intern projects, and ask questions. The Open House will take place in the Education Building (located next to the exotic house.) All college students are welcome to attend. To register send email to DNREC_Parks_ZooPrograms@state.de.us (include name, email address, and telephone number.) This event is free.

Volunteer Program (ages 18 & up)

The Volunteer Program was established to support the education initiatives of the Delaware Zoological Society. After a comprehensive training course that includes: zoo orientation, behind the scenes information, animal facts exhibit interpretation, program information, animal handling training and teaching methods, volunteers may provide support for education activities, school tours, live animal presentations, on-site live animal exhibit interpretation, weekend traveling zoo programs, informal public presentations and special events.

Zoo Crew (ages 13-17)

We offer teens an inside look at what zoos do for wildlife conservation and how one person really can make a difference! Some activities Zoo Crew members will participate in include, but are not limited to: Program Assistance, Biofact Interpretation, Interactive Displays, Public Speaking, Special Events, and Volunteer Meetings and Trainings. At age 16, Zoo Crew members may be eligible to begin animal handling training. Zoo Crew members may become an animal handling volunteer by meeting animal handling volunteer requirements. Check back in late summer for new opportunities this fall.

Summer Teen Internships (ages 13-18)

The Brandywine Zoo's Education Department will look for committed teens to fill a select number of internship positions for summer 2012. The Zoo's unique internship program offers teens a chance to work in the zoo assisting with summer camps and/or leading informal programs for the public. Note that interns work in the education department to assist in programs and do not handle animals or work in animal-related areas.

The Brandywine Zoo offers a unique opportunity for teens to experience many facets of working in a zoo or like institution. Our first and foremost goal is to meet our Education Mission of "enhancing and enriching peoples' understanding and respect of the complex relationships among all living things and inspire wildlife conservation." This being said, our focus is on our zoo guests and providing for them a quality experience. We do this by aptly placing individuals according to their skills, qualifications, attitude, and availability. Preference will go to those that have served with the zoo previously and have proven themselves to be a valuable part of our education team. Additional candidates are placed based on their written application, interview, and letters of recommendation. It is important for each candidate to put forth great effort to express their desirability for this internship. Candidates that score high will be asked to serve for a longer time frame and receive more experience. Candidates with lower scores will be scheduled for less amounts of time, but with the hopes of them providing them the opportunity for us to get to know them better and to enhance their qualifications and skills to be a top-notch interpreter/counselor.

Our ideal intern candidate is energetic, motivated, works well independently, works well with the public, a team player, and a wildlife enthusiast!

SUMMER TEEN INTERNSHIP POSITIONS

Intern applicants may apply for just the Zoo Naturalist position or for Zoo Naturalist and Zoo Camp Counselor position. Applicants may not apply just for the Zoo Camp Counselor position alone.

Zoo Naturalist
Zoo Naturalists have the unique responsibility of providing a fun, interactive, animal-themed learning environment for our zoo guests of all ages. Zoo Naturalists will perform informal learning presentations through the use of the Zoo's Discovery Cart, Conservation Action Station, Keeper Watching programs, and assisting with live animal presentations. We are looking for someone who is responsible, enjoys working with and can engage the public (particularly children), likes the outdoors, and passionate about the environment and wildlife conservation. Applicants must be available for their scheduled days from 9:30am to 4:00pm.

Zoo Camp Counselor
Zoo Camp Counselors have the awesome responsibility of assisting zoo staff in creating a fun and WILD environment for all of our Zoo Campers. The day will include games, crafts, and activities geared toward specific age levels and topics. We are looking for responsible, fun, child-friendly, environment loving teens to help us create a ZOOpendous summer! Accepted applicants must be present Monday through Friday, 7:45am - 4:15pm (or 5:30pm Monday through Thursday if you chose to stay to assist with the camp after care program).

For more information please email us at DNREC_Zoo_Volunteers_SG@state.de.us
OR... join us for one of our Summer Teen Internship Open House for High School Students!
Saturday, February 4th from 1:30pm to 3pm OR Saturday, April 28th from 12:30pm to 2pm. Both located in the Education Building.

To apply, please click here for a Summer Teen Internship Application.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

If you belong to a group, such as a civic, senior, school, business or recreational group, you may contact our Assistant Curator of Education at 302-571-7850, ext. 209 OR email us about one-time volunteer opportunities.

If you belong to a group, such as a civic, senior or recreational group, you may elect to take the training and become volunteers together. It's a great way to give back to the community and be involved with children of all ages!

Volunteer Requirements

Must be at least 13 years old for Zoo Crew or Summer Teen Internships; must be 18 or older for Volunteer Program
Must pass a background check.
If under 18 years old, application and background check must be signed by parent or legal guardian.
Must attend a comprehensive training course.
Must have at least 3 references returned to the zoo on or before training (e-mail, mail or bring to training).
Must purchase a shirt and name tag. Approximate cost for both is $27.00.
Attend bimonthly volunteer meetings from 6pm to 9pm. 2010 Volunteer Meeting dates to be posted.
Must adhere to the uniform policy as described in the training course.
Be friendly, enthusiastic and dependable.
Do assigned tasks as agreed upon with the Zoo Education Staff.

How to Get Involved!

To be considered for a volunteer position at the Brandywine Zoo, you must fill out an application, be interviewed, have three non-relatives write references, and pass a State of Delaware background check. Your first step is to complete the Volunteer Application and send it to the Brandywine Zoo, Attention: Volunteer Program 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802.