Opportunities From: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

Applications will be accepted Feburary 1st - April 15th annually

TEEN TEAM VOLUNTEER POSITION OVERVIEW

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Teen Team, teenagers ages 13 to 17, can make new friends, learn something new, and play a vital role in educating Zoo visitors. Teens will receive special hands-on training, including educating the public about conservation, presenting wildlife biofacts, and handling animals. They’ll participate in special events and share their new knowledge on wildlife and conservation issues with guests, learning the skills they’ll need later in life and gaining valuable work experience.

Duties:Educate members of the public of all agesFacilitate learning opportunitiesAnimal handling, interpretation, and observationsUtilize bio-facts to educate guestsEducate the public about animal conservation at Zoo eventsAssist with zoo projectsMonitor guest interactions and enforce Zoo policies to keep animals and guests safe

How to Apply:

We bring on new Teen Team volunteers once a year. The annual process starts in February when we open applications, where applications remain open for two months. You will be able to complete the application using the link below at that time. Three required documents need to be attached to the application, and those documents will be available on the application when it opens.

How it Works:

Teens must apply for the Teen Team program and complete an interview on a pre-scheduled interview date. If selected, teens must attend a multi-day training program and pass a final exam. Training classes will be during the summer, on the weekends. Upon successful completion of training, teens volunteer on select Saturdays and Sundays each month. During Summer break, teens may have the opportunity to volunteer on weekdays by assisting with Summer Camp.

For Parents & Guardians:

The Teen Team program is designed to foster independence, professionalism, and responsibility in teens. Our program is designed to provide a healthy boost to teens’ self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. While parental support is important, it’s crucial that teens take the initiative in managing their volunteer commitments just as they would in a paid position. This means they should be the primary contact for communications and be proactive in handling their schedules and responsibilities.

Please have your teen to fill out the application themselves, have them use their own email and phone number in the application, and encourage them to communicate directly with Volunteer Services staff. This experience is not only about volunteering but also about growing into responsible, professional, and self-sufficient young adults.

Important Dates

The application and onboarding process is as follows:

February – Applications OpenApril – Applications Close & Interview Invites Are Sent OutMay – Selected Applicants Will InterviewJune – Training Begins

RequirementsMust be between ages 13-17 years old at the start of the program in June.Accepted teens who turn 18 years old during the program and are finishing out their senior year are permitted to stay in the program through the end of their graduating summer. After that, they will have aged out from the program and are eligible for our adult volunteer programs.Pass training program with 80% or higher.Pay a $35 tuition fee for onboarding materials and uniform.If this fee creates a financial hardship, please contact us for assistance.Must be able to commit to volunteering 30 hours annually.Able to complete volunteer shifts during Zoo operating hours.Participate in volunteer orientation and training.Successfully completed introductory period.Abide by policies in the Volunteer Handbook.Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate the ability to work well with visitors.Must successfully pass a background check.Must be able to tolerate Florida’s weather conditions.Be interested in educating the public about conservation.

Questions? Email Volunteer Services at volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org

VOLUNTEER POSITION OVERVIEW

Our Youth Ambassador volunteer program is for high school students in 9th – 12th grade who want to complete volunteer hours for graduation, scholarships, courses, or club requirements at the Zoo. This program is approved for scholarships like the Florida Bright Futures scholarship. Students will volunteer by interacting with Zoo guests at various activity stations using animal-related biofacts and activities. This is a fun opportunity for those who enjoy talking and interacting with people.

This program is best suited for students who are looking to earn a minimum of 50 hours. It is a self-scheduled program with regular shifts starting at  2-hour increments.

Duties:Educate about animal conservation during special events throughout the year.Educate the public at several different activity stations throughout the Zoo.Utilize bio-facts and activities to educate guests at the stations.All stations are in front of animal habitats, but there is no direct contact with animals.Training Sessions:

We onboard new Youth Ambassador volunteers approximately every other month. We send out invites to attend an orientation and training session about one month before the scheduled date. These sessions occur on either Saturdays or Sundays. If accepted as a Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens volunteer, an initial volunteer orientation training session is required before beginning volunteer service. Completing on-the-job training and an introductory period is also required before full acceptance into the Youth Ambassador volunteer position.

For Parents & Guardians

Our teen programs are designed to foster independence, professionalism, and responsibility in teens. The program is designed to provide a healthy boost to teens’ self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. While parental support is important, it’s crucial that teens take the initiative in managing their volunteer commitments just as they would in a paid position. This means they should be the primary contact for communications and be proactive in handling their schedules and responsibilities.

Please have your teen fill out the application themselves, have them use their own email and phone number in the application, and encourage them to communicate directly with Volunteer Services staff. This experience is not only about volunteering but also about growing into responsible, professional, and self-sufficient young adults.

RequirementsMust be a student going into 9th – 12th grade.Volunteer shifts can be completed during the day and on select evenings, as long as it does not interfere with the student’s school schedule. Volunteers cannot skip school to volunteer at the Zoo.Must be able to commit to volunteering 20 hours annually.Participate in volunteer orientation.Successfully completed introductory period.Abide by policies in the Volunteer Handbook.Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate the ability to work well with visitors.Be interested in educating the public about conservation.Must be able to tolerate Florida’s weather conditions.

Questions? Email Volunteer Services at volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org