ECO-Teen Volunteers

 

Eco-Teen Volunteers

If you have ever wanted to know what goes on in a zoo, make new friends, and teach others about animals, ECO-Teens might be the place for you! ECO Teen Volunteers are eligible for our Educational Cooperative Opportunities (E.C.O.).

THE DEAL
The two-tiered ECO-Teen program operates primarily during the summer season to support the zoo in a number of ways. During their first summer, teens can expect to work in the following areas:

• Keeper Assistant: Teen volunteers assist keepers with the daily animal husbandry responsibilities such as cleaning, diet preparation, animal observation, and enrichment. During summer months, Teen volunteers help extensively with Education animal care.

• Education: Teen volunteers support Zoo Educators and enrich guests' experiences in areas like Summer Zoo Camp; weekend Zoo School; and at interpretive stations throughout the zoo. The majority of ECO-Teen volunteers are needed in Summer Zoo Camp.

THE LOW DOWN
Who Can Apply:

• Applicants must be at least 14 years old and no older than 18 years old at the time of application

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

• Teen volunteers must commit to one continuous week of volunteering to support Summer Zoo Camp. Successful completion of Summer Zoo Camp requirements is necessary before ECO-Teens may progress to Keeper Assistant duties.

• ECO-Teens are able to volunteer year-round during the school year.
  
  TEEN VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO:
• Confirm and secure all necessary means of transportation
• Attend training at the Zoo
• Abide by all Zoo rules set forth in the teen volunteer handbook
• Purchase and wear an ECO-Teen uniform and nametag ($15). Some scholarship money is available to teen volunteers for the purchase of uniforms and nametags.
  
  To apply for ECO-Teens, please contact the Education Department at (805)461-5080. Orientation is May 17, 2008 from 1-3 PM.