What Are You Interested In?

The West Virginia Zoo is searching for friendly, enthusiastic, conservation-minded adults, ages 18 and older, to volunteer in our animal contact areas. We strive to attract and retain quality, committed individuals who share in the Zoo's philosophies and mission statement. We choose volunteers who are best suited for each position and who possess the necessary skills, education, experience and qualifications to fit the requirements needed.

Volunteers are utilized in our animal contact areas, interacting with and educating guests about animals and conservation. These opportunities are primarily long-term and volunteers are assigned based on operational needs and availability. We ask each volunteer to commit to volunteering at least 55 hours a year.

Please complete the adult volunteer application.

You will be contacted soon with information regarding an interview.

Minimum Requirements For All Positions

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must successfully complete all necessary training prior to volunteering in an animal contact area
• Able to balance multiple assignments successfully
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior
• Able to perform volunteer duties in a team and/or individually with minimal supervision
• Able to perform volunteer duties in varied weather conditions (i.e. heat, cold, snow or rain)
• Maintains friendly, positive attitude towards guests
• Able to maintain appropriate volunteer appearance
• Able to perform volunteer duties on a flexible schedule if needed, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays
• Able to adhere to all safety protocol
• Able to maintain confidentiality regarding the Zoo’s animal collection when required
• Subject to Drug-free Workplace Policy
• Subject to criminal background check

West Virginia Zoo's ZooAide Program

The West Virginia Zoo's ZooAide program is comprised of teens who demonstrate natural leadership skills, a comprehensive knowledge of animals and a high degree of professionalism and emotional maturity. Designed for teens, entering grades 8-12, the ZooAide program offers a unique look at the different aspects available to those interested in pursuing opportunities in a conservation field. Because of health and safety reasons, direct animal contact is minimal. An emphasis is placed upon the customer service side of the zoo and aquarium careers. Teens assist with over 20 jobs around the Zoo!

The application deadline for 2020 was in February 2020. Please check back in January 2021 for the 2021 application.

If you have any questions, please contact Zoo.Aides@westvirginiazoo.org.

Community volunteers are currently helping with a variety of Horticulture tasks including: weeding, raking, planting, digging, mulching and more. Activities can be of moderate to intensive activity and will be determined on the day of your event. Volunteers can expect to be bending, digging and/or kneeling for extended periods of time, and carrying 10-15 lbs. for short distances. Children are welcome to volunteer provided they are at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult.

Volunteers should be prepared with:

• Closed-toed, closed-heeled shoes
• Face covering (to be worn the entirety of the event)
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sun protection
• Water (bottles can be refilled in the park)
• Gardening gloves (recommended)
• A positive, can-do attitude