Put Your Passion for Wildlife to Work!
The San Diego Zoo has a world of opportunity waiting for you! Volunteers play a transformational role in providing an exciting and educational experience for the more than five million annual visitors to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park. Whether you like to share your passion for wildlife conservation with the public, help guests find their way, assist with special events, or help out in a more behind-the-scenes capacity, we are sure to find the perfect niche to utilize your talents and time to enhance our guest experience at either location. Peruse the options below and discover the perfect opportunity for you to get involved.
Interpretive Volunteers
If you enjoy helping people learn wildlife and conservation, this volunteer opportunity is for you. Interpretive Volunteers are well trained in animal information, conservation, and interpretive strategies. Once trained and assessed, Interpretive Volunteers engage guests at new interpretive stations at the Zoo and Wild Animal Park.
Information Ambassadors
Nearly all volunteers begin as Information Ambassadors, completing a fun and thorough training checklist. Information Ambassadors contribute 60 hours each year or more, interacting with visitors in a variety of ways. Greet and assist guests, answer questions at several information stations, and assist with special events while meeting people from around the world in a beautiful setting.
Volunteer Services Assistant
Looking for a short-term volunteer opportunity? Click on this option to learn more.
Conservation Research Volunteers
A limited number of volunteer positions are available each year with the San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research. All of the options require scientific backgrounds and are usually filled by applicants with degrees in related fields.
NOTE: There is no animal handling or direct animal contact involved with any of our volunteer opportunities. We currently do not have volunteer opportunities for teens under 18 years of age, but those interested may be able to get involved by visiting the Education section of our Web site. Visit the 'Teens' section on the Education home page for more information. Also, please note that our volunteer opportunities are primarily long-term. We invest a great deal of resources into our volunteer program and do not offer one-time/short-term community service projects. Thank you!
"Being a volunteer lets you meet guests from all over the country and the world. It is educational and entertaining."—Joyce Pickersgill
Current Active Volunteers
Log in to the Volunteer Information Center here.
