Reports to/Department: Under the supervision of the Education Curator, reports to lead Education team members as assigned.

Position Description: The Brandywine Zoo is seeking knowledgeable, self-motivated, and engaging volunteers to assist our education team by serving as Zoo Exhibit Guides! These volunteers will support our educational programming and enhance visitor experience by providing interpretation at assigned zoo exhibits. Volunteers will be trained to use interesting and valuable biofacts (animal artifacts) as educational tools to provide more hands on learning experiences for guests. This may include stationed or roving interpretation for assigned exhibit areas. We’re looking for volunteers with great people skills (especially with children!), able to work as part of a team and independently, energetic, positive, creative, and have a passion for animals and wildlife conservation!

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Lead assigned interpretive talks at various animal exhibits or areas of the zoo while maintaining crowds.
  • Perform roving interpretation while utilizing animal appropriate biofacts.
  • Provide accurate information about our animal collection in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
  • Review, study, and learn about our animal collection. This includes natural and personal histories.
  • Share animal facts and other educational information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Be able to successfully pack, present, and handle biofacts in a safe, approved manner.
  • Helping to ensure guests follow “zoo rules.” This may include contact areas, like the goat yard.
  • Perform other related assignments as agreed upon.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • 14 years of age or older.
  • Must be fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication).
  • Able to professionally represent the Brandywine Zoo in all interactions with visitors, staff, and other members of the community that may visit the zoo.
  • Able and willing to read and follow verbal and written work instructions and work independently.
  • Able and willing to learn animal facts, as provided by the Education Department.
  • Able and willing to speak in front of mixed age audiences.
  • Able and willing to complete animal and interpretive training as needed.

This Opportunity is GOOD for People Who:

  • Are good at reading body language and non-verbal cues.
  • Are outgoing and like to talk with new people.
  • Like sharing their learned knowledge with people of all ages.
  • Enjoy public speaking and teaching others in small to large groups.
  • Have any type of teaching experience, whether formal or informal. Like to read and learn interesting animal facts!

Training: Volunteer must complete New Volunteer Orientation with the Education Department, attend animal interpretation trainings for designated areas of the zoo, and shadow education staff a minimum of 2 times before their final evaluation.

Required Time Commitment: Minimum of 1 shift every other week during peak season, April through August. Minimum of 1 shift every month during the months of September, October and March.

Shift Times: 9:45AM – 12PM or 12PM – 4PM (start and end times may be flexible).

Scheduling: Shift availability in VolunteerMark

Benefits

  • Networking opportunity and access to 180+ years of professional experience and knowledge via current zoo staff.
  • Free access to all Delaware State Parks during internship or volunteer duration including Delaware Seashore and Fort Delaware.

To Apply: All volunteers must complete the DE State Parks Volunteer Application. Volunteers must also complete and pass a background check administered by DE State Parks. For more information, please visit https://destateparks.com/Volunteer.

Questions: Email danielle.levredge@delaware.gov