Jobs/Volunteer Opportunities: Adult Volunteers

If you have a sincere interest in animals and their conservation, enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and dependable, the San Francisco Zoo Adult Volunteer Program is for you! As a volunteer, you'll receive on-the-job training from staff and other volunteers in the project area you choose.

Upcoming Adult Volunteer Orientations 11 a.m. to Noon

Adult volunteer orientations always meet at the bronze tiger statue in the Entry Village circle at 11 a.m. They occur twice monthly on Thursdays and Sundays. You do not need to pay for zoo admission or parking to attend.

THURSDAYS SUNDAYS

01/10/13 01/27/13

02/07/13 02/24/13

03/07/13 03/17/13

04/11/13 04/21/13

05/09/13 05/19/13

06/06/13 06/16/13

07/11/13 07/21/13

08/08/13 08/18/13

09/05/13 09/15/13

10/10/13 10/20/13

11/07/13 11/17/13

12/05/13 12/15/13

Adult Volunteer Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age
You must attend a volunteer orientation
Background check required (non-refundable $25 admin fee applies)
Volunteer Application and Background Check forms provided at Orientation.

Volunteer Opportunities and Requirements

Renew the Zoo

Help beautify the Zoo by working in our gardens! Work gloves, tools and refreshments provided. Participants receive a free Little Puffer ride and other special benefits.

Training: On-line pre-registration required. Click here to register.
Questions: renewthezoo@sfzoo.org.
Additional Requirements: Individuals and groups of all ages Physical work, primarily outdoors
Hours: Second Saturday of March, June, September & December from 8 to 11 a.m.

Special Events

Special Events volunteers help out at all types of Zoo events.

Training: Volunteer orientation and on the job training
Questions: (415) 753-7073 or volunteers@sfzoo.org
Additional Requirements: No additional requirements
Hours: These are as-needed assignments and are usually a two- to four-hour shift

Docent Program

Would you like to lead educational tours of the Zoo for school groups and talk to Zoo visitors about our animals? Become a docent and inspire future conservationists!

Training: Docent Orientation and 10 week training course, one day per week
Questions: (415) 753-7073 or zooguide@sfzoo.org
Additional Requirements: Must be 18 years or older; Complete and pass training
Hours: 10 per month
Upcoming Docent Orientations:

2013 orientation dates coming soon!
Docent Training Class to start in Spring of 2013.

Children's Zoo

Assist staff with diet prep and care of animals, cleaning of animal quarters, and exhibit care on Family Farm.

Training: Volunteer orientation and on the job training
Questions: (415) 753-7073 or volunteers@sfzoo.org
Additional Requirements: Physical work, primarily outdoors
Hours: One full day per week for a six-month commitment

Animal Resource Center

Help with daily husbandry and care of nearly 100 educational program animals.

Training: Volunteer orientation and on the job training
Questions: (415) 753-7073 or volunteers@sfzoo.org
Additional Requirements: Volunteer season is from September to mid-June
Hours: One full day Monday through Friday for a six-month commitment

Insect Zoo

Assist with diet prep, animal care, exhibit maintenance and public tours of Insect Zoo.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Other volunteer opportunities are available for long-term volunteers, such as Office Assistants, Penguin Recorders or ZooMobile volunteers.

Training: On the job training
Questions: (415) 753-7073 or volunteers@sfzoo.org
Additional Requirements: Volunteer for more than one year
Hours: Variable