DOCENT VOLUNTEER POSITION OVERVIEW
The Zoo’s Docents are essential in serving as guides for all our guests during their visit. Docents present wildlife biofacts, guided tours, animal encounters, outreach programs, and spark curiosity in countless guests by sharing interesting biofacts and animal observations. This is the perfect volunteer program if you like to inspire others to learn more about the world around them.
Duties
- Educate members of the public of all ages.
- Facilitate learning opportunities.
- Animal presenting, interpretation, and observations.
- Lead tours, Wild Nights, and Night Hikes.
- Utilize bio-facts to educate guests.
- Monitor guest interactions and enforce Zoo policies to keep animals and guests safe.
Training Sessions
We onboard new Docents annually. Training begins in late winter for Docent Education Guides, and they are trained in conservation education with tours and biofacts. After 1 year of volunteer service at the Zoo, Docent Education Guides and Zoo Interpreters may apply to be trained in becoming a Docent Animal Presenter, who are trained in animal presenting with our ambassador animals.
Classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Please keep in mind that we only accept applications for Docent Education Guides because animal presenter applications are only offered internally.
Education Guide Application Process:
- November: Applications Open for Education Guide
- January: Applications Close
- February: Interviews for Education Guide
- February – May: Education Guide classes
- 5 total classes and 1 scheduled tour training day
Requirements
- Minimum 18 years old.
- Pass the training program with 80% or higher and participate in all required classes.
- Pay a $45 training fee for onboarding materials and a uniform.
- If this fee creates a financial hardship, please contact us for assistance.
- Must have the ability to volunteer for a minimum of one year.
- Must be able to commit to volunteering 50 hours annually.
- Must be able to traverse Zoo grounds on foot.
- Must successfully pass a background check.
- Must be able to tolerate Florida’s weather conditions.
- Receive and understand directions/instructions verbally, written, and audio.
- The ability to interact with a wide age range and variety of people is essential.
- Ability to learn, retain and, in turn, teach many animal facts in an effective manner.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills are necessary.
- Ability to work with a wide range of animals, including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
Questions? Email Volunteer Services at volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org
