Volunteens
The Volunteen Program is designed for young adults who will be ages 14-17 by June 1, 2012, and focuses on growing leadership, interpersonal, and job skills while fostering responsibility, customer service and commitment.
New Volunteens interact with the public by providing hands-on activities and answering questions related to select animal exhibits, providing our guests with enjoyable and educational experiences while visiting Zoo Atlanta. Volunteens will also have opportunities over the course of the first year to become involved in areas such as Summer Safari Day Camp, Horticulture, and Special Events, including Boo at the Zoo and Party for the Planet.
Returning Volunteens (second year and up) will have the opportunity to work alongside Zoo staff performing animal care and husbandry once their level of commitment and responsibility has been demonstrated during their first year in the program.
"The best part of the Volunteen Program is being exposed to all of the different opportunities at the zoo and getting to see how it really works, especially as someone interested in a career in zoology."
Applicants must:
- Be 14-17 years old by June 1, 2012
- Truly interested in making Volunteening a number one extracurricular activity of the year
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This program requires a one-year commitment from the teen volunteer, as well as from his or her entire family, who must provide transportation, encouragement, support and cooperation. This program is a serious time commitment and Volunteens are expected to make this program a top priority during the year.
If selected, he/she must: - Submit a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD Type) by June 1, 2012.
- Wear appropriate attire at all times, which includes khaki bottoms, the provided Volunteen T-shirt, and name badge.
- The program is based on having Volunteens keep a consistent schedule at the Zoo all year, not on gaining a certain total number of hours by the end of the year, but teens will accumulate approximately 200 or more hours a year.
- Teens are expected to have:
- 100 hours completed during the summer term – June 1 to August 31, 2012
- 50 hours completed during the fall term – September 1 to December 31, 2012
- 50 hours completed during the spring term – January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013
- Attend orientation and training sessions (see dates below)
Our application process is primarily electronic. Please be aware that most follow-up communication will occur via email. A confirmation email will be sent to the applicant when we have received a completed application. Due to the overwhelming number of applicants each year, we appreciate your patience in hearing from us.
Apply Online > (info and essay)
Please have the online application completed by March 3, 2012. In addition, please postmark one (1) letter of recommendation from a non-relative and one (1) Science Teacher Reference Form by March 3, 2012 to:
Zoo Atlanta
Volunteen Program
800 Cherokee Ave, SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Due to the competitive nature of this program and in fairness to those who comply, only applications submitted by the March 3rd deadline will be considered. Those who do not meet the deadline are encouraged to try again the following year. Please update your calendars with the following dates below.
Application complete by - March 3, 2012- Letter of recommendation and Science Teacher Reference Form postmarked by - March 3, 2012
- Interviews - March 18 or March 25, 2012
- Orientation for Teens and Parents - April 29 or May 6, 2012
- Pay an Orientation Fee of $25. This fee provides the Volunteen with a T-shirt, name badge and water bottle, and will help to defray orientation and training costs.
- Training dates - June 4 - June 8, 2012
For more information, contact the Volunteen Office at: teenvolunteer@zooatlanta.org
