Volunteers at the Lehigh Valley Zoo are important members of the LVZoo family who help provide ‘Smart Fun’ to over 200,000 of our guests annually! A key role of volunteers is helping provide a fun and educational experience for our guests. We are looking for volunteers to help make a visit to LVZoo an experience for our guests to remember for a lifetime! Whether volunteering as a Docent, Crafts & Activities volunteer, Zoo Clean team member, or in one of our other volunteer positions, you are helping our Zoo further our mission of conservation and education.
Docents play an integral part of our volunteer program at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Docents are specially trained volunteers who give educational talks, act as guides, assist in interactive exhibits, and are stationed throughout the zoo to provide information to guests about the zoo and our animal collection. A background in and passion for educating others about animals, conservation, and our zoo is a must! Click to read more. Collapse.
Basic Duties
Educating and interacting with our guests by exhibit hosting, running conservation stations, sharing bio-facts, and assisting guests inside of the zoo. Volunteering as a Docent involves walking throughout the zoo grounds, standing for long periods of time, working outdoors in various types of weather conditions, and other physical tasks appropriate to the event or activity. This position involves a high degree of guest interaction and you must be comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people. *Docent positions are long-term positions that are limited in availability and may not be a good fit for all potential volunteers. Must complete 15 hours of general volunteering before being evaluated for orientation completion*Restrictions/Requirements
Time RequirementsMinimum of one day per week requirement, especially during Spring/Summer season starting April through August.TrainingMust complete online orientation and complete 15 hours of general volunteering before being evaluated for promotion to Docent. Participate in initial and ongoing training. Uniform
Supervisor
Our Crafts & Activities team plays an important role at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Our Crafts & Activities team makes sure our guests, especially the younger ones, have a memorable time while visiting our zoo. Stations may include conservation messaging, to-go crafts, decorating animal enrichment, interactive games, and other animal or seasonal related crafts and activities. A passion for animals, conservation, and our zoo is a must! Click to read more. Collapse.
Basic Duties
Working at assigned station and assisting guests with the designated craft or activity while educating guests on your stations messaging. Volunteering as a Crafts & Activities volunteer involves working outdoors, in various types of weather conditions, and completing physical tasks appropriate to the event or activity. Activities and crafts are designed for children ages 5+ and are prepackaged to take home for guests to complete. All stations include conservation messaging to share with guests. Activities can vary depending on messaging and event. Restrictions/Requirements
Time RequirementsThis is a flexible sign up volunteering position. Must be available for full volunteer shift (9:30am – 4pm April 1 to October 31 / 9:30am-3pm November 1 – March 31).TrainingMust complete online orientation trainingUniform
Supervisor
Our Zoo Clean Crew is a valuable asset to the Lehigh Valley Zoo! By making sure our zoo stays clean and free of trash you are making sure our animals and guests have a safe and spotless zoo to enjoy. A passion for animals, conservation, and our zoo is a must! Click to read more. Collapse.
Basic Duties
Joining our Zoo Clean Team is a perfect opportunity for those who are looking for ways they can help the zoo but may not have a lot of spare time. Duties include walking through guests areas picking up trash, sweeping and cleaning indoor areas and hallways accessible to guests, and other simple cleaning tasks.Restrictions/Requirements
Time RequirementsTypical Zoo Clean Crew shift is about 2 hours and a long or short term volunteer position. TrainingMust complete orientation training.
Uniform
Supervisor
Our Special Events volunteer team is a fun and flexible way to help out at the Lehigh Valley Zoo! Special Events volunteers help with our larger events such as Brew at the Zoo, Zoocoustic Night at the Zoo, and Run Wild 5K/10K. A great opportunity for those with limited availability. A passion for animals, conservation, and our zoo is a must! Click to read more. Collapse.
Basic Duties
Joining our Special Events volunteer team helps ensure our special event days run smoothly and successfully. Volunteers will be assigned to a specific station or task for event day. Actual duty will vary depending on event but may include: guest registration/check in, snack or beverage station, activity stations, and set up/clean up.Restrictions/Requirements
Time RequirementsTime requirements will vary depending on event so please thoroughly read event description before requesting to volunteer. Must be able to work full event shift.TrainingMust complete orientation training.
Uniform
Supervisor
Do you have experience working in construction, mechanics, plumbing, or general handiwork and have weekday availability? We are in the process of updating and beautifying our zoo grounds and structures and could use the skills of those with backgrounds in these area! Click to read more. Collapse.
How To Participate
If you are interested in volunteering with our maintenance department, please email klerch@lvzoo.org with a description of your area of expertise, skillset, and availability.
How do I become a volunteer?
The first step to becoming an Lehigh Valley Zoo volunteer is to complete an online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Those whose application is considered will receive an email from the volunteer office to setup an interview. Upon completion of the interview individuals invited into the volunteer services are required to complete paperwork as well as a PA criminal background check and child abuse clearance. All new volunteers attend a general orientation that includes a tour of the zoo and discussion of policies and protocols. Some positions require additional specialized training. Individuals can start signing up for shifts once these steps are complete!
How many hours are required to volunteer? What days and times are available?
Each position has a different time requirement and level of commitment. Shifts vary depending on the needs of the zoo and staff and volunteer availability. Please refer to the position descriptions for more detailed information on service requirements and scheduling.
As a volunteer, can I be trained to handle zoo animals?
Volunteers, even those with experience, do not handle any of the zoo animals nor do they have access to exhibits. While some positions allow volunteers to work more closely alongside select animals, employees are ultimately in charge of the handling, cleanliness and welfare of all zoo animals. The Lehigh Valley Zoo does offer Animal Care and Education internships for college students wishing to gain experience in a professional zoo setting. Please review the internships & jobs page for more information.
Are there short-term volunteer positions?
While our docent position is a long-term commitment we do offer short-term opportunities with our Crafts & Activities stations and Zoo Clean Team. Please refer to position descriptions for more detailed information.
Do you accept court ordered community service?
This type of volunteer service is not intended for individuals who need to complete court-mandated community service.
Will I be guaranteed a volunteer position?
There is a large demand for all of our programs and unfortunately we can not accommodate everyone who is interested. While we do not want to discourage interest in wildlife and conservation, we must have guidelines to keep our volunteer program manageable and successful.
Do I need a background check to volunteer?
If you are 18 years or older you must provide a recent background check to be considered for our volunteer program. Background checks are provided free by the state to volunteers at: http://epatch.state.pa.us
Corporate & Group Volunteer Application
General volunteer applicants must be 13 years-old or older. Docent applicants must be 16 years-old or older.
For more information, please contact Katie Lerch at klerch@lvzoo.org.
