Career and Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in becoming more involved with the Ross Park Zoo? Please consider volunteering your time and effort to help make the zoo a better place! The Ross Park Zoo is also in need of talented and driven individuals to join our team!
Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of our zoo family!
Do you want to spend more time at the zoo? Do you love educating people about the wonders of nature and the animals that live around us? Do you love the idea of volunteering for a good cause?
We have many options for volunteers with different interests at America’s 5th zoo!
Solo Volunteers
To explore our current volunteer needs,
please click the button below.
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and may not be suitable for certain volunteer opportunities.
Group Volunteers (all ages, adult supervision required)
Is your organization looking for team building opportunities and a way to give back to the community? The Ross Park Zoo is a fun and unique place for your members to get their hands dirty for a good cause! Projects vary seasonally, but group volunteers are always appreciated during special events and zoo clean up initiatives.
Interested groups should click the button below.
Jobs & Internships
Continual Recruitment
Visitor Experience Specialist
This unique position combines the skills of customer service and education to provide exceptional experiences for our visitors. You will play a vital role in creating memorable moments, promoting wildlife conservation, and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for our animal residents, aligning with our strategic conservation plan. VE Specialists operate our Ticket Kiosk, Gift Shop, and Concession Stand. Our continual openings are for part-time seasonal staff.
Facilities Specialist
Do you have experience in maintenance, custodial, or security? Our Facilities Specialists play a vital role in keeping the zoo safe for our guests, staff, and animals, and is responsible for keeping the zoo running 24/7. If you’re handy with a set of tools, enjoy fixing things, and have some flexibility in your schedule, apply today to become a part of our Facilities team. Our continual openings are for part-time seasonal staff who are available evenings and overnight.
Current Internships
Education
The education internship program is an experience that will provide foundational knowledge and skill sets needed in a variety of educational settings. Interns are expected to do a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: the Wild Science Program, social media, organization, and educational research and resource development. The Wild Science Program is designed to inspire middle school science students through interactive learning that delves into the fascinating world of nature. As an intern, you’ll be part of a team responsible for guiding students through different educational programs, educational events, and behind the scenes work.
This internship’s goal is to provide a variety of experiences for those exploring a scientific career in education, conservation, and curation.
This is an unpaid internship. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Preference will be given to those enrolled in an undergraduate program in STEM, education, and/or the natural/social sciences. Experience with summer camp programs (or similar) and social media is ideal. Internships have a minimum 120 hour requirement. Binghamton University (SUNY) students who want college credit for their internship must apply through the Fleishman Career Center.
To apply, please email education@rossparkzoo.org your resume and availability M-F from 9am-1pm, while school is in session (January through May). Deadlines to apply are announced in the Fall.
Animal Care
The animal care internship program is a husbandry-based experience that will provide foundational knowledge and skill sets needed to enter the animal care field. Interns will rotate through the different sections of the zoo, working alongside animal care specialists as well as independently. Interns assist with the daily husbandry routines, diet preparation and distribution, enrichment distribution and evaluation, behavioral observations, and public education spotlights. Interns will also observe operant conditioning sessions with a multitude of species. This internship provides those who are new to the field of unsure of their career path an opportunity to explore the field of animal care.
Summer, Spring, and Fall internships have a 240 hour requirement, while Winter internships have a 120 hour requirement. Interns are asked to work 7:30 am to 4:30 pm or 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, depending on time of year.
This is an unpaid internship. Interns must be at least 18 years of age and enrolled in an accredited college or university. Preference will be given to those enrolled in a program relevant to animal care. Interns must provide proof of a negative TB test from within the past 12 months of their first day of the internship.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to animalcareinternships@rossparkzoo.org.
Deadlines (please indicate in your cover letter which semester you are applying for):
Join our Board of Directors
Are you interested in joining our Board of Directors? We have term-dependent openings for distinguished members of the community who are dedicated to making the zoo thrive! Please fill out the application below to submit your interest in joining our prestigious Board!