Position Summary
Hiking Trail Team volunteers work alongside the Zoo’s staff to care for and maintain sustainable hiking trails that protect sensitive habitats while creating safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences for community guests to explore and connect with nature. This hands-on conservation role directly supports the Zoo’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places through stewardship of protected landscapes across more than 2,000 acres of conserved land.
Activities and Responsibilities
- Clear natural debris from trail corridors using hand tools
- Shape and maintain trail surfaces for safe footing and water runoff
- Remove rocks, roots, and leaf layers to define trail paths
- Support sustainable trail design that protects surrounding habitat
Opportunity Highlights
- Meaningful, hands-on conservation work
- Active outdoor experience with visible results in a peaceful natural setting
- Small team environment
- Learn sustainable trail-building practices from Zoo staff
- Discovering animals in nature
This role is a great fit for volunteers who are:
- Able to walk up to 3 miles on natural terrain
- Comfortable using basic hand tools with guidance
- Reliable and have transportation to Ward Nature Preserve
- Team-oriented and safety-minded
Safety & Preparation
- Long pants
- Closed-toe shoes
- Work gloves
- Refillable water bottle
Note: Natural setting without restroom facilities
Scheduling & Commitment
Volunteers serve in cooler months when trail conditions are best for conservation work. Summer break June–August.
- September–May (seasonal assignment)
- Wednesdays, 9:00am–12:00pm
- Self-schedule two Wednesday shifts monthly
Location
Ward Nature Preserve (near the North Carolina Zoo)
Age requirement
Minimum age requirement is 18 years old
Onboarding Timeline to Attend April Orientation
We are excited about your interest in joining our volunteer team and being part of our Zoo community. We offer multiple onboarding cycles to help match varying schedules.
To attend the April orientation, all onboarding steps listed below must be completed within the designated timeframes to ensure a smooth and successful start.
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to complete these steps at this time, additional opportunities will continue through the coming months. Beginning April 9, you’ll be able to view the onboarding timeline for the May orientation.
We appreciate your interest and look forward to connecting with you when the timing is right!
Step 1: Volunteer Interest Form
Click to submit a Volunteer Interest Form
- Deadline to submit form: April 8
Step 2: Information Session
Information Sessions will be conducted virtually.
- March (You will choose ONE date to attend)
- Thursday, April 16 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 18 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Step 3: Orientation
Orientations will be conducted virtually.
- Must complete step 2 to receive the Zoom link to attend
- April
- Saturday, April 25 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Step 4: Onsite Zoo Visit
Onsite Zoo Visit
- Must complete step 3 to attend
- May (You will choose ONE date to attend)
- Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 5 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 6 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Step 5: Begin Volunteering!
- After all onboarding steps have been completed, you can begin volunteering
Step 6: Onsite Training
- Complete training during first volunteer shift
