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Volunteer

Aviary/Barnyard Volunteer Keeper

Temporary Department Volunteer

Now accepting applications through March 15

The Aviary/Barnyard Volunteer Keeper position is a temporary volunteer position running for approximately 4 months. Volunteers are accepted for a semester long placement.

Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled at a college or university, or have graduated within 1 year with a degree, in biology, pre-vet, vet tech, environmental science, or related program
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior status, or 2nd year of an Associate’s degree program
  • Submit the following materials by the application deadline:
    • Volunteer Application
    • Resume
    • Letter of Interest highlighting the reason you are interested in this position, knowledge or experiences you hope to gain, and your personal qualities, skills, or experiences that could help you be successful in this position.

Schedule:

  • 16 hours per week minimum
  • Hours are generally completed during regular hours (7:30 – 4:30 p.m.) for 2 full days a week. Ideally, these would be 2 consecutive days.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide daily care of the animals including cleaning, feeding, and behavior enrichment. Species include a mix of domestic hoofstock and birds. There could be times this position will assist with additional exhibits in our Aviary department.
  • Assist keepers with exhibit maintenance, including lobby and guest walkways or other cleaning and miscellaneous yard maintenance.
  • Assist keepers with special projects as needed.
  • Actively engage guests in educational conversations.
  • Support office projects, including filing and updating records.

Application Periods:

  • Spring (January – May): Application deadline is October 15
  • Summer (May - August): Application deadline is February 15
  • Fall (August/September – December): Application deadline is July 15