Volunteer

Become one of Iowa’s WILDEST Volunteers & see what everyone's roaring about!

Blank Park Zoo strives for volunteer engagement that inspires conservation action. Our purpose is to engage the community in meaningful volunteer opportunities, while instilling knowledge, enhancing the zoo visitor’s experience, and inspiring an appreciation for the natural world.

You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer.  If you are between the ages of 13 and 17 please read the section below 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!  Click the links below to look at a few of the opportunities we have…

Animal Care Volunteers

Conservation & Education

Events

Guest Services

Internships

Facilities & Horticulture

UPCYCLE Stewards

Ready to Get Started?

Here's what you need to start volunteering.

• Click Here to complete the application.
• Wait… the volunteer manager 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.
• All volunteers must attend an Orientation and pass a background check.
• Background checks must be completed before applicants can volunteer and are at the cost of the volunteer.  Background checks cost $19. Information will be given to volunteer applicants before they attend orientation.
• A confirmation email with upcoming volunteer orientation dates and times will be sent after the volunteer application is received.

PLEASE NOTE – To volunteer for events only you do not need to go through the volunteer application process. For more information on how to sign up email volunteer@blankparkzoo.org.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Zoo Crew (Between the ages of 13 and 17 only)  

Zoo Crew Applications are closed for Summer 2024. Applications for Summer 2025 will be accepted January 1, 2025 - March 1, 2025. 

Zoo Crew is a special opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to volunteer at the Zoo! The purpose of the Zoo Crew programs is to engage young adults in volunteer opportunities, instill knowledge about the zoo, and inspire an appreciation for the natural world.  First year Zoo Crew volunteer opportunities include: assisting Summer Safari camp counselors with preschool campers, providing information about the zoo as guest service and education/conservation guides, and keeping the zoo beautiful.  Zoo Crew volunteers are also encouraged to volunteer during family friendly special events!

Click here for more information about Zoo Crew for the 2024 season. Zoo Crew applications are accepted between January 1 and March 1.

*Questions? Please email Erica Carnes at elcarnes@blankparkzoo.net or call at 515-974-2543.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

We have opportunities for groups to volunteer at the zoo. Volunteers must be 13 or older and adult supervision must be present for teen groups. Service projects usually involve invasive plant removal, light construction projects, painting, special event set up, and zoo clean up. To schedule a volunteer day please fill out the Group Volunteer Form and send it to the volunteer manager.

Please note: we do not have opportunities for volunteer groups to work with our animals.

Service Enterprise Certified
Service Enterprise organizations fundamentally leverage volunteers and their skills across all levels of the organization to successfully deliver on their social mission.
To learn more about Service Enterprise in Iowa, visit Volunteer Iowa’s Service Enterprise webpage.