Overview
Have you ever wondered how you can become more involved with the Zoo and its animals? Becoming a Zoo Volunteer is a great way to help the Zoo and be involved in the community. Whether its animal care, educating the public, landscaping, interpretive services or office support, there’s a place for you at the Chattanooga Zoo!
Why Volunteer?
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Network with the community
- Explore career and personal interests
- Earn recommendations for future employment or college applications
- Develop marketable job skills and build your resume
- Share your time, talents and energy with others
- Uncover hidden skills and talents
- Increase your self-confidence
- Stay physically active
- Make a difference in your local community
- Share your passion of the natural world with others
- Become involved in conservation, recreation and education efforts
- Learn more about the animals and/or plants you love
- Directly support the mission of the Chattanooga Zoo
- Have fun!!!
How to Get Started!
- Check out the Volunteer section of the website and see what opportunities there are at the Chattanooga Zoo.
- Match your skills and interests with our Volunteer Opportunities Listing.
- Review our FAQs.
- Complete our online Volunteer Application.
- Attend an interview with one of our volunteer coordinators.
- Pass a background check.
- Attend an orientation to complete all paperwork and receive materials and uniform.
- Begin volunteering!
For more questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Garrett Skipper.
Attention Current Zoolunteers: Click here to find out what current volunteer opportunities exist and how to get signed up!
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions:
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
There are different levels of volunteering that require different ages of volunteers. Our youth programs begin at 12 and end at 16, and our Interpretive and Husbandry Volunteers must be at least 18. Most non-animal areas require volunteers to be at least 15. We cannot make exceptions to our age policy and a volunteer must be the required age as of their start date. You may check out the requirements on the list of Volunteer Opportunities page.
How long does the process take to become a volunteer?
Depending on available positions, orientation sessions and events going on in the Zoo, it may take anywhere from 2-8 weeks for a volunteer to begin. Group volunteers, special event volunteers, and short term volunteer activities will be handled accordingly and will not take as long to accommodate depending on openings.
How many hours do I have to commit to in order to volunteer?
Each position has a different time requirement and level of commitment. Please see the list of Volunteer Opportunities for more information.
What are the application deadlines?
To volunteer during the Summer season, your application is due by May 1st
To volunteer during the Spring season, your application is due by December 1st
Can volunteering at the Zoo lead to a paid position?
It is possible, but there are absolutely no guarantees that any volunteers will be offered a paid position. When a position becomes open, volunteers will be given equal consideration as other applicants.
