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Phone: 407.323.4450
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Teen Team

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Teen Team: Youth ages 13–17

On the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Teen Team, teenagers ages 13 to 17 can make new friends, learn something new, and play a vital role in educating Zoo visitors. Teens will receive special hands-on training, including educating the public about conservation, presenting wildlife biofacts, and handling animals. They’ll participate in special events and share their new knowledge on wildlife and conservation issues with guests, learning the skills they’ll need later in life and gaining valuable work experience.

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Duties

  • Educate members of the public of all ages
  • Facilitate learning opportunities
  • Animal handling, interpretation, and observations
  • Utilize bio-facts to educate guests
  • Educate the public about animal conservation at Zoo events
  • Assist with Zoo projects
  • Monitor guest interactions and enforce Zoo policies to keep animals and guests safe


How to Apply

We bring on new Teen Team volunteers once a year. The annual process starts in February when we open applications, where applications remain open for two months. You will be able to complete the application using the link at that time. Three required documents need to be attached to the application, and those documents will be available on the application when it opens.


How It Works

Teens must apply for the Teen Team program and complete an interview on a pre-scheduled interview date. If selected, teens must attend a multi-day training program and pass a final exam. Training classes will be during the summer, on the weekends. Upon successful completion of training, teens volunteer on select Saturdays and Sundays each month. During summer break, teens may have the opportunity to volunteer on weekdays by assisting with Summer Camp.


Important Dates

The application and onboarding process is as follows:
  • February – Applications Open
  • April – Applications Close & Interview Invites Are Sent Out
  • May – Selected Applicants Will Interview
  • June – Training Begins

For Parents & Guardians

Our teen programs are designed to foster independence, professionalism, and responsibility in teens. The program is designed to provide a healthy boost to teens’ self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. While parental support is important, it’s crucial that teens take the initiative in managing their volunteer commitments just as they would in a paid position. This means they should be the primary contact for communications and be proactive in handling their schedules and responsibilities.

Please encourage your teen to fill out the application themselves, have them use their own email and phone number in the application, and encourage them to communicate directly with Volunteer Services staff. This experience is not only about volunteering but also about growing into responsible, professional, and self-sufficient young adults.

Requirements:

  • Must be between ages 13-17 years old.
    • Must be 13 by the start of the first class in June.
  • Pay a $30 tuition fee for training materials and uniform.
  • Volunteer shifts are completed on Saturdays, Sundays, and during school breaks.
  • Participate in volunteer orientation and training.
  • Pass training program with 80% or higher.
  • Successfully complete introductory period.
  • Abide by policies in the Volunteer Handbook.
  • Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate the ability to work well with visitors.
  • Must be able to tolerate Florida’s weather conditions.
  • Be interested in educating the public about conservation.

Questions

Contact the Volunteer Office at 407.323.4450 ext. 127 or volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org.

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