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Exhibit Interpreter
Prospective Exhibit Interpreter volunteers must complete an application before March 1 to participate in spring training or by May 1 to participate in June training.
Time Commitments: April – October, Sunday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m. Any variation from this schedule must be approved in advance.
- One shift per week is requested with a minimum requirement of two shifts per month.
- Shifts are 9:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m., daily
- Summer/Short-term opportunities are available May – September. Volunteers must commit to one shift per week, for a minimum of nine consecutive weeks and 90 service hours (including training)
Required Skills: An interest in conservation, plants and animals is desirable. Volunteers should be comfortable:
- Initiating interactions with visitors of all ages and should have experience in public speaking either formally or informally (e.g. teacher, scout leader, Y instructor, camp counselor, any public relations field or student in parks & recreation or education)
- Working independently
- Standing for long periods of time and able to tolerate temperature extremes
- Carefully handling animal artifacts such as hides, skulls, bones, eggs, feathers, etc.
Training: Volunteers must complete formal classroom training prior to beginning official duties. Training begins in February 2009 and will:
- Provide a clear understanding of the Zoo’s mission; introduce ecology and how all things are connected, showing human influences
- Demonstrate effective communication skills
- Teach volunteers how to incorporate conservation messages into programs at exhibit sites
Interested in becoming a Zoo volunteer? Fill out our online volunteer application and you will be contacted.