Volunteering at John Ball Zoo
General Information
What Do John Ball Zoo Volunteers Do? The John Ball Zoo has more than 100 volunteers who work in a variety of capacities - On-site, Off-site and at Special Events. We offer training and volunteer opportunities during weekends, evenings and weekdays to accommodate your busy schedule
Expectations of the Volunteer Program
Volunteer Educators / Docents
Click here
for an informational brochure on the various educational programs facilitated
by our team of adult volunteers!
Docents help the Zoo serve in its conservation and education mission by
interacting with our guests informing them of the wonders of wildlife and
about the animals in our collection. Mostly this is done through:
• Tours
• Discover Carts
• Exhibit Interpretations – Critter Chats
• Summer Interactive Exhibits (Rays, Budgies, Wallabies, Pygmy Goats)
• Special Events
The next training session for new docents will take place in Spring 2012. As soon as details are determined dates will be posted here. Please check this site peridically for updates.
Animal Care Team
Are you 18 years of age or older and have an interest in working with animals
or in an animal-related career? Then the Animal Care Team may be just right
for you! This volunteer program allows you to experience what it takes to
care for the animals here at John Ball Zoo. From shoveling animal waste
and cleaning animal viewing areas to observing and recording behaviors,
the animal care team is a wonderful opportunity for those who are passionate
about caring for animals. Openings are limited by schedules and staff needs.
Shifts are 2 hours minimum and must be regular and consistent. Click here
for more information!
The next training session for new animal care volunteers will take place
in Spring 2012. As soon as details are determined dates will be posted here.
Please check this site periodically for updates.
Volunteer Divers
Are you 21 years of age and SCUBA certified with at least 15 logged dives?
Volunteer Divers assist in cleaning and maintaining exhibits, preparing food for and feeding exhibit animals and assist the animal care staff in the Living Shores Aquarium. Click here for an informational brochure!
Applications for this program are received continually. Placement's are made when there is an opening in the program.
For information about certification, requirements, etc., you may contact Cheryl Dykstra, Aquarist, cheryl.dykstra@kentcountymi.gov or (616)336-8473. To apply, please contact Jim Swarts, Volunteer Manager, jim.swarts@kentcountymi.gov or (616)336-4317.
Park Volunteers
These volunteers offer services and activities in the park and gardens such as planting, raking, weeding, parking, trail work, greeting visitors, etc. The work of Park volunteers is seasonal.Park Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. For information please contact Jim Swarts (616 336-4317) or email (jim.swarts@kentcountymi.gov).
Adult Volunteer Application
We are currently not accepting applications for our volunteer program. We will again have openings in all our programs later in Spring 2012. Information and dates will be posted here. Please check back later in February or March.
Teen Volunteer Program
Have a WILD summer at John Ball Zoo... become a teen volunteer! Each summer, we look for teens entering 9th - 12th grades during the summer who have a passion for carrying out the education and conservation mission of the Zoo. Through their experiences, our teen volunteers gain knowledge and skills in a unique and rewarding environment. We will post the application for our 2012 program in March. Until then, feel free to view the brochure for our 2011 program by clicking here. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jim Swarts by phone (616) 336-4317 or email (jim.swarts@kentcountymi.gov).
