Clerical Volunteers
Clerical Volunteers provide invaluable support to many of the Zoo’s offices, including Marketing, Membership/Development, and Education. Clerical Volunteers will perform a variety of functions, including, but not limited to:
• Stuffing envelopes and preparing mailings
• Filing and alphabetizing various documents
• Photocopying various documents
• Organizing supplies and materials
• Performing other functions as necessary
Clerical Volunteers can enjoy the opportunity to volunteer in relaxed, small-office environments with deeply appreciative staff members.
Training:
Clerical Volunteers will be given an orientation regarding general Zoo policies, as well as the benefits of volunteering at the Toledo Zoo. More detailed, hands-on training will be provided by specified office staff in the area of your placement.
Time Commitment:
Clerical Volunteers are required to:
• Give approximately two to four (2 - 4) hours of service per week
• Schedule volunteer time in advance with appropriate staff
• Inform staff if you are unable to make a scheduled shift or will be absent for an extended period of time
Applications are accepted year round
Download a Volunteer Application
Exhibit Guide Program
The Exhibit Guide Program supports the Zoo’s educational and interpretive needs in specific areas within the Zoo. This year, those areas are (1) the Elephant Exhibit for our grand opening of Tembo Trail, and (2) the Nature’s Neighborhood Exhibit, which features a wide range of hands-on activities with children. Exhibit Guides will be needed from May – September and will perform a variety of functions, including, but not limited to:p> • Educating the public about our animals, including: the biology and life cycle of these animals; conservation issues, including an emphasis on everyday ways that people can help; and related topics. • Supporting various features of the Nature’s Neighborhood exhibit, including the contact yard, workshop, stream and other interactive areas. • Answering visitor questions and addressing any other visitor needs. • Maintaining a flow of visitors through the exhibits in a timely and friendly manner, • Monitoring the behavior of the viewing public to ensure the safety of the animals and the visitors as well as promote a positive viewing experience for everyone.
Training
Exhibit Guides will receive an orientation covering general Zoo policies, as well as the benefits of volunteering at the Toledo Zoo. In addition, Exhibit Guides will attend a comprehensive training program identifying the major topics of importance related to the Elephants and Nature’s Neighborhood, as well as a walk-through of the exhibits. Finally, Exhibit Guides will receive basic training on interpretive programming and informal public interaction. These training sessions will be offered throughout May and the 1st part of June, with both weekday and weekend offerings.
Time Commitment
Exhibit Guides are required to:
• Complete the required training program.
• Give at least forty (40) hours of service, including the training process, between May 1 and September 30.
• Schedule volunteer time in advance in the Program Scheduling Notebook.
• Inform the Volunteer Department if you can not make a scheduled shift.
Thank you for your interest in the Zoo’s Summer Naturalist Program!
We look forward to seeing you around the Zoo!
Zoo Ed Volunteers
The Zoo Educator program is a year-round, long-term volunteer opportunity for adults, ages 18 and above, who have great people skills and a deep love of animals, nature, and conservation.
Zoo Eds provide informal, spontaneous interactions, including
• Talking with Zoo visitors in front of exhibits
• Assisting with activity and biofact tables (biofacts are hides, skulls, or related items)
• Demonstrating live animals in open areas or near exhibits
• Off-grounds activities at community events, etc.
Zoo Eds also provide a variety of educational programs, both on and off zoo grounds.
• Programs may be planned, following structured curricula, such as:
º On-grounds programs for school and assorted youth groups, centered around specific topics
º Scripted interpretive programs at key exhibits
º Structured animal demonstrations for Saturday Zoo School or Camp sessions, or the evening Zoo Snoozin’ program
º Off-grounds programs for youth and community groups
All our education opportunities reinforce a love and respect for animals and nature, and our role as responsible stewards for our fragile world.
Training
Zoo Eds must complete a half-day orientation and series of 11 training sessions that cover every area of the Zoo. Training is provided by department staff and includes information about our exhibits, our animals and our unique heritage, as well as teaching and communication techniques. Zoo Eds may also receive specialized animal handling training and trainings for specific programs and opportunities.
Time Commitment
Zoo Eds are required to:
• Give at least eighteen (18) hours of education service every 3 months
• Attend at least six (6) Zoo Ed Meetings per year. The Zoo Ed Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Complete 10 hours of continuing education per year.
The program is designed to have structure and yet remain somewhat flexible. If you have questions or conflicts with any of these expectations please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 419-385-5721, ext. 2045, or emailus at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Please note: We do not allow job shadowing opportunties in any of our animal departments due to the dangerous nature of the positions and the large volume of requests.