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, and 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 handling, 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 bi-annually, hosting two courses annually. In late Winter, training begins for Education Guide Docents, who are trained in conservation education with tours and biofacts. In the Summer, training begins for Animal Presenter Docents, who are trained in animal presenting with our ambassador animals. Classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Please keep in mind that the timeframe that you apply in correlates with the Docent position you will be considered for.
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
Animal Presenter Application Process:
April: Applications Open for Animal Presenter
June: Applications Close
June/July: Interviews for Animal Presenter
July – October: Animal Presenter classes
5 total classes with additional self-scheduled training sessions
*Please keep in mind that if you apply in the Winter, you will be considered for becoming an Education Guide Docent. If you apply in the Spring, you will be considered for becoming an Animal Presenter Docent.
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 uniform.
Must have the ability to volunteer for a minimum of one year.
Must be able to volunteer, on average, once a week.
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.
