Volunteer
Come see what everyone's roaring about!
Volunteer for the Blank Park Zoo.
The Blank Park Zoo is looking for energetic individuals who want to volunteer in a fun and exotic environment. Our pride of volunteers helps with everything from educating the public on our animals to helping at Night Eyes.
You must be at least 13 years old to volunteer. If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 please read the section on Zoo Crew and complete a special Zoo Crew application.
We offer lots of great benefits, flexible hours and a large variety of things to do! Just look at a few of the opportunities we have…
Education Docent (Must be at least 18 years of age)
How many bones are in a giraffe's neck? Any of our Zoo Docents can tell you that there is seven…just like humans! As an education volunteer you can help provide information to visitors of all ages through interpretive stations within the zoo and through outreach programs. You must enjoy working with children, adults and, of course, animals. (Please note that volunteers do not work directly with animals on exhibit.)
Animal Handler (You must take our Animal Handling Class)
Do you enjoy talking to people and telling them about unique animals? Learn how to handle snakes, parrots, hedgehogs and even baby alligators! Then present animals at education programs and special events, don't worry we give you all the information you will need!
Guest Services
Do you like life in the fast lane? Then Guest Services is the habitat for you! If you enjoy helping people, then perhaps you would enjoy working at an information booth or assisting customers in the Gift Shop. Guest Services also needs volunteers to help with the train, admissions, membership sales, the Safari Grill and much more!
Horticulture
Did you know the Blank Park Zoo has the largest plant variety in the state? Did you also know that the zoo spans over 22 acres? If you prefer exotic plants to exotic animals then volunteering for the Horticulture Department may begin popping up on your calendar soon! Help with watering, pruning, planting, raking and show off your green thumb!
Kenny's Crew
Are you handy with a hammer? Perfect with a paintbrush? Then we need you! Kenny's Crew is a group of volunteers who have experience and are preferably certified in areas like plumbing, electrical, painting, and carpentry. These volunteers will help with maintenance assignments on a project-to-project basis.
Special Events
From the first beer poured at Zoo Brew to waving the last child goodbye at the end of Night Eyes our special events volunteers are working hard to make each event better than the last. These special volunteers do a variety of things from helping with crafts to working a bar at Zoo Brew. If you like to be where the fun is then volunteer for Special Events.
Here's what you need to do to get started…
PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU ONLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR NIGHT EYES, YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILL OUT THE VOLUNTEER APPLICATION. PLEASE SEE THE SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE FOR MORE INFORAMTION ON VOLUNTEEERING FOR NIGHT EYES.
- Download the
application and complete it. - Mail it to: Blank Park Zoo, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
- Wait… the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you soon to set up a meeting. If you don't hear anything within 30 days of sending in your application, please contact us at: 515-974-2551.
Zoo Crew (Between the ages of 13 and 17 only)
Zoo Crew is filled for the 2011 summer season, please check back in February for 2012 information.
ZOOCREW is a special opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to get involved at the Blank Park Zoo! As a ZOOCREW volunteer you will have the opportunity to share artifacts from our Safari Stops with zoo visitors, help us keep the zoo looking beautiful, assist Summer Safar Interns with our preschool camps and assist keepers in several areas of the zoo (please note that animal contact is extremely limited). You will also be able to help with Blank Park Zoo Special Events!
If you would like to be a part of ZooCrew here's what you need to do to get started...
1. Fill out an application. Click here for the ZooCrew application. Applications are due on April 25, 2011.
2. Interview with the Zoo Crew Coordinator so we can get to know you.
3. Attend orientation. You must attend the ZooCrew orientation before you can volunteer. Date: Saturday, May 21st
4. Begin to volunteer! Zoo Crew shifts to volunteer will begin on Monday, June 6th, 2011.
**A fee of $40 for non-members and $35 for members will be due before you start to volunteer. The cost includes a t-shirt, water bottle and an informational binder.
*Questions? Please email Chris Eckles at volunteer@blankparkzoo.net or call at 515.974.2551.
