Volunteers

Looking for internships? See our Internships page for more information (Internships are only for college-level students who are studying biological sciences).

  1. Education Volunteers/ Docents
  2. Guest services Volunteers
  3. Horticultural Volunteers
  4. Special Event Volunteers
  5. Zookeeper Assistant
  6. Zoo Admin Volunteers
  7. Zoo Ambassadors
  8. Veterinary Hospital Volunteers

Education Department Teen Volunteers

Saturday Programs

Morning and afternoon sessions are held most Saturdays during fall, winter, and spring. Volunteers are needed for Zoo Tots (ages 2-3) and Saturday Safaris (ages 4-9). Volunteers will help children make crafts, play games, assist with animals, and accompany children on adventures in the zoo. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

School & Home School Programs

These classes, designed for grades K-12, occur on weekdays during the school year. Help engage young minds with the world of animals in formal classes. Assist staff with props, biofacts, and live animals in teaching an appreciation of the natural world and the value of conservation. They help with artifacts, materials, and animals. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

Zoo Camp

Morning and afternoon sessions are held from June through mid-August. Volunteers assist with crafts, games, and animals as the campers explore the animal world at our zoo. Visit with staff behind-the-scenes to show how a modern zoo works. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

Required Knowledge & Skills

  • Volunteers are ages 14-17 years old
  • Volunteers must possess good endurance
  • Must be able to follow both written and oral direction, understand, apply good judgment, foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to work environment
  • An 80-hour commitment minimum during the summer and a 20-hour minimum commitment during the school year is required
  • If accepted as a volunteer, you must provide proof of a negative TB test given within the last 90 days
  • Acceptance is contingent upon passing a drug test.
  • Training fees apply

Teen volunteer applications are accepted from October 1 - April 1.

Apply

To apply to be a volunteer, select the link and complete the wavier:  https://greenvillezoo.com/FormCenter/Get-Involved-6/Volunteer-Application-48 

Education Department Docents

Adult (18 years and older) volunteers called docents to interact with visitors to answer questions regarding animals year-round. May also help zookeepers with special projects such as behavioral observation of animals.

Required Knowledge & Skills

  • Docents may be as young as 18
  • Docents must possess good endurance
  • Must feel comfortable communicating with public in group setting and one on one; must be able to follow both written and oral direction, understand, apply good judgment, foresee and apply safety precautions applicable to work environment
  • Acceptance is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screening.
  • If accepted as a docent, you must provide proof of a negative TB test given within the last 90 days

Docents' volunteer applications are accepted from October 1 - February 15.

Questions email zooed@greenvillesc.gov or call (864)467-4542.