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.
Sign up here! (clickable link).
Docents are an integral part of the organization. These are long term volunteer positions who act as informal teachers for the public and assist the zoo in connecting our guests with our mission. This may be done through interpreting exhibits across the zoo, assisting with interactive exhibits, and working alongside our education team. A passion for educating others about animals, conservation, and our zoo is a must! Click to read more. Time RequirementsMinimum of one day per week requirement, especially during Spring/Summer season.TrainingAccepted applicants must complete a mandatory orientation with the Docent Coordinator to review zoo history, policies, and safety. A thorough training period led by an education department staff member in which the trainee is taught to effectively interpret exhibits, run interactive exhibits, handle biofacts, and spread conservation messaging followed by an evaluation of these skills is then required before the applicant is considered a docent. Finally, periodic ongoing training for new opportunities or review sessions for skills already learned may be required to maintain docent status.Uniform Supervisor Collapse.
Basic Duties
Responsibilities include staffing our interactive experiences, such as our giraffe feed and lorikeet aviary, roving the zoo and assisting guests, showcasing biofacts, and ultimately using exceptional interpretation skills to educate and inspire guests in the field of wildlife conservation.
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 of all ages. * Docent positions are long-term positions that are limited in availability and may not be a good fit for all potential volunteers. A mandatory orientation and training period is required for any accepted applicants.*Restrictions/Requirements
You don’t have to be an artist to have fun in this role!
Crafts & Activities are important to us here at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. We’re passionate about wildlife, conservation, and the love of friends and family. Our team believes that we can share that enthusiasm in everyone who visits us — from energetic toddlers to our more mature and casual visitors.
With so many opportunities, you could find yourself responsible for crafts to-go, or even supervising and assisting in art-based activities for families and their kids to participate in. We’re also looking for volunteers who would be comfortable running interactive games or supervising and monitoring child safety at our play stations.
So come out – enjoy yourself! Make bracelets with the kids; cheer on winners,applaud participants… Or for the brave and courageous, sink your teeth into this: Become our next zoo-sensation by captivating our guests as they embark upon one of our exciting, one-of-a-kind adventures around the zoo! Click to read more. Once you’ve been scheduled & assigned a position, you’ll be asked to manage that station for the day. This might include assisting guests with crafts & activities, or games & contests. If there’s a specific theme, our volunteer coordinator or an ambassador will inform you of the theme’s purpose and message. Note that volunteering in Crafts & Activities will likely include most of your time being spent outdoors, with the potential of encountering various types of weather conditions. If capable, you may be asked to perform physical tasks appropriate to your assignment or activity. Opportunities vary widely, so if there are areas of interest to you, we welcome you to discuss them with our coordinator. Restrictions/Requirements Expectations of Volunteers Time RequirementsThis position is flexible. Shifts and details regarding our available opportunities can be found through the zoo volunteer portal, Better Impact.Uniform Points of Contact Collapse.
Basic Duties
At the Lehigh Valley Zoo, part of our mission is to advocate for wildlife and nature conservation. This includes our dream of inspiring local communities to participate in our mission too. Big or small, we hope to motivate everyone to get involved. …But along the way, none of us can forget the simplest, yet most important part of all!
Preserving the earth’s environment means being mindful – to think to ourselves: how did it look before, and how does it look now, afterward? Did we make an impact, and was the impression we left helpful, or harmful to the environment? If nothing changed… should something have changed?
Our Zoo Clean-Up Crews are of high value to us. By volunteering for this role, youhelp make the Zoo a healthier, happier, and safer place. The local people, plants, and animals who are here with us will all appreciate and benefit from your handiwork!
Click to read more. Expectations Time RequirementsTo be considered a volunteer upon entry into the zoo, Clean-Up Crew members must be willing to commit to 1 ½ – 2 hours minimum. This position can be either a short-term commitment (1-7 days) or a long-term commitment (ongoing). Uniform Points of Contact Collapse.
Basic Duties
Clean-Up Crew is perfect for those who are short on spare time but still want to help at the zoo. Duties include walking through guest areas, picking up after litter; sweeping and clearing our indoor areas or hallways accessible to guests, and / or other simple cleaning tasks.Restrictions/Requirements
At the Lehigh Valley Zoo, we enjoy putting together a multitude of fun, family-friendly events for all age groups to enjoy. If you’re looking to get yourself, your friends, or a team involved – volunteering for any of our special events might just be for you!
A few fan-favorite examples include: Brew at the Zoo (or our spookier seasonal events each year – Boo at the Zoo or Hallow-In-Between), Run Wild 5K/10K…and of course, our unforgettable Winter Lights Spectacular during the most wonderful time of the year. Larger events like these are “all hands-on deck!” for us. So, we appreciate everyone who comes out to volunteer their time.
But we’re always motivated to create memorable trips and engaging experiences. Which is why our team works hard to develop ideas for the smaller, but no less special occasions we put on throughout the year.
With volunteer participation, the Lehigh Valley can feature even more unique festivities to enjoy at the zoo. From holidays to days of awareness and cultural celebration, these examples are just the tip of the iceberg. We truly believe our visions are possible, but we know that we need your support!
Click to read more. Expectations Time RequirementsTime requirements will vary depending upon the event, so please utilize resources such as: Better Impact (our portal or both volunteers & docents), the Lehigh Valley Zoo Volunteer Facebook Group (link available at the bottom of this webpage), our web-posts and social media updates, or asking us your questions directly. Uniform Points of Contact Collapse.
Basic Duties
A special event(s) volunteer helps ensure that the day runs smoothly and successfully. Your assignment or position is dependent upon which event is beingheld, but a few examples include: guest assistance, snack & beverage station, activity stations with special crafts or games, set up and/or breakdown of décor, and more!Restrictions/Requirements
In the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, it’s gotten more and more difficult to find individuals who are as passionate about the planet as the staff at the Lehigh Valley Zoo . Our world has gotten busy! Big buildings, cities, and traffic-filled roads are ever-expanding across the US. …How many times have you been unable to find a recycling bin for paper or plastics in public lately? It’s tempting to just throw that can or bottle away!
But it’s important to remember: each one of us is only human, and nobody alone can save this wide, wonderful world of ours.
That’s why at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, we believe in the power of people!
Whether you’re a corporate group, a team of charitable community members, or someone responsible for multiple individuals all at once – we’re looking for you! Every volunteer’s support is important to us, no matter who they are or how they help.
Click to read more. Direct Contact Collapse.
To Get Started
Our experience has shown us that with team effort, such a wide variety of events, tasks, or projects can be done. Having had so much accomplished in the past, the best way to connect with us is by following the recommended steps. We ask that you submit a Group Application through our Volunteer Portal (Better Impact) and collaborate with our Volunteer Program Coordinator directly. From that point forward, different avenues and possibilities will be explored. Our priority is to match you and your group to assignments that will be perfectly tailored to both our needs and your skills & interests!Restrictions/Requirements
Preston’s Place is an interactive space where the education department runs programming focused on native plants. Volunteers will help the education department facilitate Nature Play activities, interact with guests, and do some light gardening . We hope to inspire kids and adults to become more connected with nature and hopefully learn about the native plants and animals they can find in their backyards. Volunteers are not required to have previous experience or extensive knowledge about gardening, native habitats, or educational programming but a passion for wildlife conservation is a must!
Click to read more. Daily Schedule 9:30-10:00 Water and weed garden as needed Set up Nature Play activity 10:00-11:30 Run Nature Play Interact with guest with informational table The information you would be sharing with guests is on pollinators, native birds, backyard habitats, and the importance of providing native plant diversity to animals. Handouts, pamphlets and other things to give to guests How to Apply Please email stabor@lvzoo.org Collapse.
Duties and Information
How do I become a volunteer?
The first step to becoming a Lehigh Valley Zoo volunteer is accessing our Volunteer and Docent portal, Better Impact. (BETTER IMPACT DIRECT LINK) After creating a user profile, you will then be able to apply for General Volunteering, Group Volunteering, or becoming a zoo Docent. Applicants interested in Docent positions and General Volunteer opportunities can apply for both sides of our Volunteering Program. After applying, you will then receive an email with more information and any potential instructions.
Can I bring a minor under the minimum age requirement (14 years of age) if I accompany them?
Minors under 14 years old with a strong desire to volunteer should have a parent or family member contact the Volunteer Program Coordinator or reach out to us at the zoo directly. In accordance with our policies and guidelines, we do not accept anyone under the age of 14 as an individual applicant.
PLEASE NOTE: because of our written policies at this time, the Lehigh Valley Zoo reserves the right to deny applicants who do not meet our minimum age requirement at any time — even when accompanied by an adult or otherwise appropriate family member.
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 day-to-day opportunities, events, staffing, and volunteer availability. Once you have been through the volunteer approval process, you will be able to access a digital calendar with available shifts, sign-ups, and descriptions showcasing all your potential opportunities!
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—particularly the Docent program—employees are ultimately in charge of the handling, cleanliness, and welfare of all zoo animals.
However, at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, we do offer Education and Animal Care internships for college students wishing to gain experience in a professional zoo setting. Please review the internships & jobs page for more information.
Do you accept court ordered community service?
We do not provide the fulfillment of any community service hours to those who are court-mandated.
Will I be guaranteed a volunteer position?
There is a large demand for all programs or the participation in certain roles and events. Unfortunately, we cannot always accommodate those who are interested. While we do not want to discourage anyone’s interest, we do encourage you instead to seek out the other facets of our programs for more potential opportunities.
Any restrictions we put in place are to ensure that our volunteer programs aremanageable and successful. We strive for excellence, including the satisfaction and welfare of our volunteers and docents.
