The Toledo Zoo - Zoo Educators

Download A Visitor's Guide Admission, Group Rates & Zoo hours Purchase Tickets Online Host Your Party or Event at the Zoo Out-of-Town Visitor Info Driving Directions and Maps Fun Activities at the Zoo Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals Field Trips & Educational Programs Concessions and Food Service Zoo Policies

Zoo Membership EdZOOcation Conservation Efforts Support Your Zoo Adopt a Zoo PAL animal Behind-the-Scenes Tours Employment Opportunities Become a Volunteer Internships at the Zoo Travel With The Zoo

View Events for this Month Winter Events Spring Events Summer Events Fall Events View Calendar Year

Membership Information Purchase a Membership Reciprocal Zoos

The Toledo Zoo's Animals Animal Web Cams Plants and Landscaping Newsroom About the Zoo Toledo Zoo FAQs

Internships

Zoo Teens

Zoo Educators

We are currently recruiting Zoo-Ed volunteers. Applications must be post-marked by August 31 for consideration.

Program Description

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 participate variety of on-grounds programs, bringing visitors up-close to some of our education animals.

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:

On-grounds programs for school and assorted youth groups, centered around specific topics
Scripted interpretive programs at key exhibits
Structured animal demonstrations for Saturday Zoo School or Camp sessions, or the evening Zoo Snoozin’ program
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 email us at volunteer@toledozoo.org

Download a Volunteer Application

Learn more about our Exhibit Guide Program.