Docent Training TBA. Apply Today!

Training:
You do not need any prior experience to be a Docent. Everything you need to know will be presented in an eight-week training course (class meets once a week) and in follow-up continuing education classes. An adult application form and interview must be completed prior to training.

Registration:
There is a one-time registration fee of $80 for Zoo members and $95 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of your uniform, badge, manuals, animal reference book and 40 hours of training.

Requirements
(1) 18 years of age or older, (2) Completion of application form and interview, (3) Commitment to the mission and values of the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Benefits:
Docents enjoy social events, continuing education classes, a quarterly newsletter, membership benefits, discounts throughout the Zoo, as well as a feeling of fulfillment knowing that they are making a difference towards the future of our natural world.

SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEERS
The Santa Barbara Zoo hosts special events for the public and its distinct members on a monthly basis. These special events require the help of individuals with a wide-range of interests and talents including: Face Painting, Arts & Crafts, Ticket Takers, Musicians, Construction, Event set-up and clean-up, and much more. This is an opportunity to work on a flexible schedule and contribute to a worthy cause. Special event volunteer opportunities include:

• Zoo-to-Do (April)
• El Dia del Nino (April)
• Members Night (May)
• Wonders of Water Campaign (June)
• Zoovies (July)
• Dignitarios (August)
• Zoofari Ball (August)
• Zoo-B-Que (September)
• Boo-at-the-Zoo (September & October)
• … and much, much more…

Special Events volunteers can start any time.

ANIMAL CARE AIDE
Animal Care Aides are essential to the functioning of our Zoo, providing assistance to our zoo keepers with the overall care of our animals and exhibits:

• Assist with cleaning and maintenance of animal holding areas and exhibits
• Assist with preparation of diets
• Assist with animal observations and data collection
• Work as part of a team and accomplish tasks on time meeting high standards for quality
• Represent the Zoo in a professional manner

Animal Care Aide training TBA. Apply Today!

Training:
You do not need any prior experience to be an Animal Care Aide. Everything you will need to know will be presented in a two-week training course and in follow-up continuing education classes. An adult application form and an interview must be completed prior to training.

Registration:
There is a one-time registration fee of $50 for Zoo members and $65 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of your uniform, badge, and training manual.

Requirements:
(1) 18 years of age or older, (2) Completion of application form and interview, (3) Successful completion of training, (4) Ability to perform tasks that require extensive lifting, carrying, standing, and other physically-demanding activities, (5) Documentation of negative TB test on an annual basis, (6) Commitment to the mission and values of the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Benefits:
Animal Care Aides enjoy social events, membership benefits, discounts throughout the Zoo, as well as a feeling of fulfillment knowing that they are making a difference towards the future of our natural world.

CLERICAL VOLUNTEERS
If you have filing or computer skills, or just a great attitude, we can use your help in our offices. Your weekly or monthly commitment will greatly benefit the Santa Barbara Zoo. Work behind the scenes by maintaining files and databases, assisting with mailings, photocopying, and other office-related tasks. This is a flexible opportunity that will allow you to work with a variety of departments.

Clerical volunteers can start any time.

GROUNDS BEAUTIFICATION VOLUNTEERS
Would you love working outdoors at our beautiful Zoo? Beautification volunteers keep our Zoo looking good! These volunteers work an open and flexible schedule, assisting our grounds and maintenance staff with various needs on Zoo grounds. Typical duties include: weeding, cleaning of graphics and tables, and caring for our wide assortment of plants and trees.

Grounds beautification volunteers can start any time.

C.I.T. (Counselor-in-Training) PROGRAM
C.I.T.'s are a vital part of our award-winning summer, winter, and spring Zoo Camps. C.I.T.'s work with staff counselors to ensure that our Zoo campers have a safe and fun experience at camp. C.I.T.'s assist adult counselors with the daily care and direction of campers. C.I.T.'s help with science and art projects, provide a safe environment, and serve as a role model to the campers. C.I.T.'s can earn as much as 96 hours of community service credit in as few as 3 weeks. Youths in grades 8 - 12 are encouraged to apply.

Download CIT job description.

Download a CIT job application

THEATER GONE WILD ACTORS & CREW MEMBERS
Are you an actor, singer, dancer or backstage crew member between the ages of 13 and 17? Do you love performing? Would you like to spend your summer on stage and working with animals? Then you should audition for the Santa Barbara Zoo's Theater Gone Wild program. No experience is necessary. You too can be a member of the Zooper Crew and perform for 400 to 500 people a day this summer.

Youth Volunteer application