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
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.
The application period for Summer 2023 will be November 1, 2022-February 28, 2023.
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.
The application period for Summer 2023 will be November 1, 2022-February 28, 2023.
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 September 2022. Please bring a parent/guardian with you to the meeting.
The application period for 2023 will be open until November 1, 2022.