Volunteer

Volunteer

Volunteer

 

Whether you are interested in the environment, conservation of animal habitats, or endangered species, or you like to reach out to others to teach them about these subjects, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has a variety of volunteer groups that may be just for you. Spend time with like-minded individuals while helping the Zoo accomplish its many goals by becoming a Zoo Volunteer. 
 

Adult Volunteers

There is great reward in teaching others to see the wonders of nature and watch a mind grow. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has a selection of volunteer opportunities that are both interesting and fulfilling. Some positions interact with Zoo visitors, while others may work behind the scenes. Whatever the job, each and everyone is valued and performs a service for Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium that cannot be measured in dollars and cents.

Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Be able to commit to 2 years of volunteer service
  • Meet minimum hourly requirements per year
  • Attend Volunteer Orientation 
  • Complete application and interview process

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Docents - Docents assist in the facilitation and enhancement of the Zoo's education programs, promote conservation messages, and provide a positive experience to Zoo guests. Education programs include biofact presentations, on grounds tours, and exhibit interpretations. This position plays a vital role in the visitor experience as well as the success of special events. There is no contact with animals. 
  • Wildlife Safari Park - Wildlife Safari volunteers assist in the facilitation of education programs, promote conservation messages, and provide a positive experience to Park visitors. Volunteers serve at formal and informal education stations and provide staff with additional support at special events. The Wildlife Safari Park is located off Nebraska's I-80 Exit 426. There is no contact with animals.
  • Scuba Diver - Must be a certified scuba diver to apply.

Other opportunities become available from time to time. Please check the application for these areas. 

Apply Here

Youth Volunteers

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has volunteer opportunities for all students in 4th through 12th grade. The explanation, deadlines, and meeting dates are listed below for reference. Grades and programs are determined by the date students are registered. 

XYZ (eXplore Your Zoo) - 4th through 6th Grade

XYZ is designed for students currently in 4th grade through 6th grade who have an interest in animals and want to expand their knowledge of the natural world. XYZ students enhance their knowledge and skills of the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's animals, exhibits, and conservation efforts from a unique combination of active learning and volunteering experiences with the public. 

Those interested in applying for the XYZ program need to complete an online application form and short essay. Essay questions are: "What is your favorite Zoo animal? Why is it your favorite?", and "Has there been a time you taught someone something? How did it make you feel?"

There are two classroom experiences held before summer in May. These experiences discuss the summer program and work as a get-to-know each other event. Two sessions are offered each day. 

XYZ students volunteer during June and July. After acceptance, volunteers can sign up for dates on the internet and have the opportunity for notification reminders. 

The annual fee is $50 for both Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members and non-members.

Applications for Summer 2023 are currently closed. Check back in the fall for Summer 2024 applications. 

 

Junior Crew - 7th and 8th Grade

Junior Crew is designed to challenge students in 7th and 8th grade in natural and life sciences. Junior Crew students enhance their knowledge of conservation efforts being made here at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and around the world. They also learn about different careers at the Zoo. Junior Crew students gain knowledge through active learning and share this knowledge and skills with the Zoo's guests. 

Those interested in applying for the Junior Crew program need to complete an online application form and short essay. Essay questions are: "Imagine you are designing an exhibit. What animal would you choose and what would be in the exhibit?", and "Has there been a time when you had to do a task you didn't want to do? How did you handle it?"

There are two classroom experiences held before summer in May. These experiences will discuss the summer program and work as a get-to-know each other event. Two sessions are offered each day. 

Junior Crew students volunteer during June and July. After acceptance, volunteers can sign up for dates on the internet and have the opportunity for notification reminders. 

The annual fee is $50 for both Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members and non-members.

Applications for Summer 2023 are currently closed. Check back in the fall for Summer 2024 applications. 

 

Zoo Crew - 9th through 12th Grade

Zoo Crew is a group of dedicated students who support the Zoo's mission by volunteering their time and talents year-round. They participate in educational and on-grounds programs. 

All year Zoo Crew can volunteer throughout the Zoo and showcase their information and knowledge of animals and exhibits to the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium guests. Depending on experience. Zoo Crew students gain more responsibility with biofacts and in the areas they are able to volunteer in. 

During the summer Zoo Crew students can become Day Mentors in one or more areas of the Zoo. They assist with teaching XYZ and Junior Crew their knowledge about these areas and help the younger students become proficient in presenting information and knowledge to the guests. 

There are 12 monthly meetings for Zoo Crew students. They cover new information and are given a chance to better understand the program. Zoo Crew students who meet 70 hours of volunteering, attend at least 7 of the 12 meetings, and participate in 2 special events, earn a free family membership for the following year. 

The first year fee is $85 for both Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members and non-members. The annual fee after the first year is $40 for both Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members and non-members. 

How To Apply For Zoo Crew

1. Fill out the online application. You will receive a separate notification upon acceptance to the program which contains further information which must be completed in order to join Zoo Crew.

2. You must attend the Kick-Off Meeting at the Zoo in SeptemberPlease bring a parent/guardian with you to the meeting.

The application period for 2024 will be open soon! Please check back in June. 

 

Current Volunteers

Current volunteers use Volgistics Volunteer Management System.

Access Here

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Internships and Vet Externships

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a multi-faceted operation and we try to develop internships and job shadowing opportunities to encompass all aspects of the Zoo. We currently offer the following opportunities for students 11th grade and older.

Wildlife Safari Park STEM Career Ladder Coordinator - Americorps VISTA Member

We are currently seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA Member to begin service to strengthen and diversify the volunteer program at the Wildlife Safari Park by recruiting, training, and overseeing both youth and adult volunteers. The AmeriCorps VISTA grant was awarded by the ServeNebraska Volunteer Service Commission in partnership with the AmeriCorps Federal Agency. The grant supports AmeriCorps VISTA members as they build capacity for community organizations like Omaha Zoo Foundation to grow anti-poverty programming. 

Click below for more information. Applicants must apply using this link. 

Details and Application

 

Veterinary Externship

Available to fourth-year veterinary students. Click below for more information and to apply.

Details and Application

 

Internships

Available for students in college or recent college graduates. There are three 13-week sessions for interns each year: Fall Session (mid-September to mid-December), Spring Session (late January to late April), and Summer Session (mid-May to mid-August). Please note that we do not provide a stipend for interns. 

Interns must be available to work 28-32 hours per week; unpaid.  Interns must be available to attend one weekly afternoon professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Most interns will be expected to work at least one weekend day. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Intern Coordinator and area supervisors.

Applications for Summer 2023 are currently closed. Please check back for future internship opportunities.