Sep

Help the National Zoo save species by becoming a Zoo Aide!

Are you a badged Smithsonian volunteer who is interested in conservation? Do you not mind getting your hands dirty? Become a Zoo Aide at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute!

A woman in a red shirt and mask sweeps the floor with two giant tortoises nearby.

A Zoo Aide Volunteer cleans an enclosure inside the Reptile Discovery Center. (Photo courtesy Michele Gelhausen)

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is looking for volunteers to join their Zoo Aide team at the National Zoo (Washington, D.C. campus). At NZCBI we save species by using cutting-edge science, sharing knowledge, and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.

Today, the National Zoo is home to more than 2,100 animals representing almost 400 different species. Zoo Aides help by assisting animal care staff, researchers, and other partners with various duties to help care for NZCBI’s living collection!

This is a targeted volunteer recruitment; it is open to current members of the Smithsonian community. Applicants must have a valid Smithsonian badge.

General Duties/Responsibilities:

Food preparation – This may include handling or being in the proximity of raw meat, whole prey, live insects, and potential allergens such as nuts, fish and eggs;
Exhibit cleaning – This may include handling or being in the proximity of animal waste and chemical cleaning agents;
Horticulture care;
Enrichment Preparation

Zoo Aides may be exposed to various substrates including hay, grasses, bamboo, soil, mulch, sand, and pine shavings.

Requirements Include:

Working both independently and in a team setting;
Following all directions and policies, as well as receiving constructive feedback;
Clearly communicating needs, questions and concerns about the volunteer assignment;
Checking in and out for shifts, as well as maintaining an updated VSys profile
Regularly checking email for essential NZCBI/Smithsonian updates, including the bi-weekly newsletter, and responding to emails in a timely manner, as needed;
Attending All-Volunteer Meetings and continuing education programs;
Completing all required initial, annual, and ongoing safety, policy, and operational trainings;
Staying up to date on annual Tb testing and tetanus vaccinations (some unit locations may have additional requirements);
Following all personal protective equipment requirements as determined by unit, including the use of face coverings, latex gloves or cut gloves;
Working in a stationary position for an elongated period of time;
Moving throughout the unit and/or NZCBI as directed;
Moving and positioning heavy objects;
Positioning self to effectively clean exhibits and/or plant beds of varied sizes;
Safely using sharp or heavy tools, such as knives to cut up food;
Working in all weather conditions (units may require work to be completed outside);
Wearing an NZCBI uniform shirt, khaki bottoms and closed toe shoes, unless otherwise directed by your unit.

Current Unit Locations with Volunteer Programs:

Amazonia
American Trail
Asia Trail
Bird House
Commissary
Elephant Herpesvirus Lab
Elephant Trails
Floating Zoo Aide
Horticulture
Lion/Tiger Hill
Pathology
Primates
Reptile Discovery Center
Small Mammal House
Wildlife Health Science

Volunteer in red shirt wearing mask holds a basket full of yellow balls

A Zoo Aide Volunteer pauses for a picture while preparing enrichment items for animals. (Photo courtesy Michele Gelhausen)

Time Commitment

Shifts are four hours in length, generally 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. or 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., once a week. Zoo Aides are expected to commit to volunteering for a minimum of one year.

To Apply:

Applicants must have a current Smithsonian Badge;
Must be 18 or older to apply and participate;
Complete the application by
- Logging into your VSys profile
- Minimize the VSys window
- Click here to fill out the application.
Participate in a minimum of two interviews (may be in-person, via a phone, or through Zoom);
Complete medical clearance with the Zoo Health Unit (TB test and Tetanus Vaccine)

Training and Supervision:

Upon selection, Zoo Aides will complete required Smithsonian trainings, NZCBI-specific online policy and safety courses, and undergo unit-specific training with Zoo Aide Liaisons (NZCBI Staff). Daily supervision is provided by Zoo Aide Unit Liaisons, with additional administrative support from the Volunteer Program Department.

Please note: Some units may have opportunities for animal interaction, but volunteers should not have the expectation of direct contact with animals.

NZCBI Benefits:

In addition to the Smithsonian Volunteer Benefits, NCZBI Volunteers receive:

Free parking at NZCBI during volunteer shifts.
Discount on membership to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Unique experience working alongside Zoo staff and scientists to further NZCBI’s mission to save species.

Applications are being accepted until October 6. Complete the application by logging into VSys, minimizing the window and then clicking here.

If you have any questions, please email NZP-Volunteers@si.edu