Are you looking for something fun to do that supports your community, animals and conservation, all at the same time? Look no further, the Micke Grove Zoo Education Department is recruiting individuals ages 14 and up to share their love of animals and the natural world as, “Zoo Crew Members” and “Wild Guides” for Micke Grove Zoo. Many great opportunities are available for all interests and skill levels. From interacting with the public to assisting behind the scenes, there is something for everyone at the zoo. We will be hosting two FREE informational meeting about this volunteer opportunity on Tuesday, August 16th and Thursday August 25th from 6-7:30PM, in the Alice S. Hunter building in Micke Grove Regional Park. Attendance at one of the meetings is mandatory in order to apply for the program.
Zoo Crew Members (14-18) and Wild Guides (18+) help zoo visitors connect with the animals at Discovery Stations or by leading tours and assisting Education Staff with school programs, public programs, birthday parties, outreach events and behind the scene activities. They also mentor other volunteers, and help to plan and implement special events. After additional training, they may get the opportunity to work with some of the animals in the private collection at Micke Grove Zoo.
The informational meeting will introduce candidates to the rewards and advantages of being a Zoo Education Volunteer, as well as the recruitment process, training, obligations, and responsibilities. If one chooses to become a Zoo Education Volunteer and their application is approved, mandatory training classes will be provided as well as on the job training. Training is designed to help expand the volunteer’s knowledge of the animals at Micke Grove Zoo in order to help her/him provide information to the Zoo’s guests, as well as to help one grow personally. We strive to find an area of interest that works for everyone here at Micke Grove Zoo. There is a fee that covers the docent training and training manual, t-shirt, and name badge, additionally, Wild Guides (18+) must submit a current live scan and have a negative TB test result.
Ideal candidates are responsible, have a positive attitude, and support the overall mission of Micke Grove Zoo. Successful volunteers are acknowledged at the Zoo’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony and awarded for their contributions to the organization. Visit the Micke Grove Zoo website, www.mgzoo.com, to download the volunteer job description. Specific questions can be answered by the Education Department at (209) 331-2138 or [email protected].
The Alice S. Hunter Building (Education Department) is located at 11793 N. Micke Grove Road in Lodi, behind the zoo. Candidates must enter through the back gate of the zoo and not through the main entrance (the zoo will be closed during the meeting time). Micke Grove Zoo is open every day of the year except for Christmas from 10am-5pm with last entry allowed at 4:30pm. Zoo admission is $5 for guests 14 and older, $3 for children 3-13, and free for children under the age of 2 and members of the Micke Grove Zoological Society.
Please check the website, www.mgzoo.com, for additional details. For parking fee information and additional services, please visit www.sjparks.com.