VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are the heart of our mission to save animals
Zoo Ambassador
All Volunteers are Zoo Ambassadors
Volunteers are at the heart of Woodland Park Zoo’s mission to save animals and inspire conservation. Our dedicated volunteers serve as ambassadors, engaging with guests and fostering a deeper connection to wildlife and nature. Explore the many ways you can make a difference as part of our volunteer community!
Training - Required of All New Volunteers
New volunteers are required to apply and complete the zoo ambassador training program. The onboarding requirements are outlined in our volunteer orientation video: Starting your Volunteer Adventure on our main volunteer page: Volunteer at Woodland Park Zoo Seattle WA.
Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in participating in zoo ambassador training, contact Volunteer Program staff at volunteer@zoo.org
Zoo Ambassador Opportunities
Ambassador Shift
Welcome guests and enhance their visit by providing directions, answering questions, highlighting exhibits, and sharing your love for the zoo. This is the core role of a Zoo Ambassador!
Animal Visibility
Support our Animal Welfare Science team by collecting data on animal visibility. This research helps us balance guest expectations with the highest standards of animal welfare.
Community Science - Limited openings available
Collaborate with our Wildlife Conservation Division on projects such as amphibian monitoring, bat activity trends, and more. Note: You do not need to be a Zoo Ambassador to join these efforts. Learn more on our Community Science page.
Data Squad
Work with our Impact and Evaluation Team to gather vital information that informs the zoo’s programs and initiatives.
Exploration Stations
Engage visitors with informal presentations on topics like animal enrichment, sustainable practices, and more.
Special Events
Help create memorable experiences at zoo events by providing directions, engaging with guests, assisting with crafts, and more. Zoo Ambassadors are required to participate in at least two special events annually.
WildKeepers
Contribute to the zoo’s upkeep by assisting with physically rewarding tasks like removing invasive plants, cleaning exhibit spaces, or hauling materials.
Zoomazium
Help young visitors learn and play by facilitating activities in our early childhood space, Zoomazium.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all opportunities, including short-term and seasonal roles.
DOCENT
Docents are the Informal Educators at the Zoo
Docents are the informal educators of Woodland Park Zoo, bringing conservation to life for our guests!
As a Docent, you are both a Zoo Ambassador and a partner to zoo staff, programs, and initiatives. You’ll play a vital role in delivering educational experiences through biofacts, visual aids, and meaningful conversations that inspire conservation action. There is an additional internal application and training provided for this role.
Docent Opportunities
Discovery Station
Facilitate exploration with themed carts featuring physical objects that encourage curiosity and inspire conservation.
Conservation Connection Cart
Use props to engage visitors in conversations about global conservation efforts supported by Woodland Park Zoo.
Exhibit Interpretation
Lead interactive discussions with visitors, using biofacts and exhibits to deepen understanding of wildlife and habitats.
Horticulture Volunteer
Horticulture Volunteers support the care and maintenance of the zoo’s diverse plant life, including the Woodland Park Rose Garden.
These opportunities are available to Zoo Ambassadors aged 18+ who can commit to a weekly shift for at least six months.
Leadership Opportunities
Leadership Opportunities within the Volunteer Program
Once onboarded there are several Leadership opportunities available to those who are interested.
The Volunteer Leadership Team, or VLT, focuses on our volunteer community and making it a special and welcoming place for all our volunteers. They create social gatherings and educational opportunities, help design World Animal Days and more! You will find a creative and engaged team of volunteers who help make the program as special as possible.
The Docent Training Committee collaborates with staff and the larger docent community to create, improve, and lead docent training. You will find a wide range of docents with unique experiences, perspectives, and an overall passion for learning and growth within the docent community.
The Docent Council works with the Volunteer Office to foster an environment and culture that provides educational opportunities for docents and nourishes a sense of community. This council meets on a quarterly basis. You will find a group of volunteers who are advocates for docent activities and enjoy collaboration and idea generation.
The Volunteer Accessibility Advisory Caucus (VAAC) is a leadership opportunity within the Volunteer community to provide feedback and advise on ways to make Guest and Volunteer Engagement experiences more accessible and inclusive and provide specific and actionable feedback to other teams as requested.