Volunteering at John Ball Zoo
General Information
What do John Ball Zoo Volunteers do? We have more than 200 volunteers who ‘work’ in a variety of capacities – educating visitors, assisting animal care staff, caring for the gardens, assisting at special events and more. We offer training in Spring, late Summer and early Winter. We ask volunteers to give us 75 hours of service each year.
We are currently training and placing our new volunteer classes. We will again offer information sessions for new volunteers in August. Dates will be posted here later in the summer. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the volunteer manager, Jim Swarts, 336-4317, jswarts@jbzoo.org.
Expectations of the Volunteer Program
Ambassadors (AKA Docents)
Ambassadors (aka docents) help the Zoo serve 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 (As Ambassador Guides)
• Discover Carts
• Exhibit Interpretations – Critter Chats
• Summer Interactive Exhibits of Rays, Budgies, Wallabies, Pygmy Goats (as Animal Ambassadors)
• Special Events
The next class for Ambassadors will be in August or September. Dates will be posted here later in the summer.
Click here for an informational brochure on the various educational programs facilitated by our team of adult volunteers!
See General Information above for application process then scroll down to Adult Volunteer Application for the link to apply.
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, i.e., every week at the same time. Click here
for more information.
The next training for animal care volunteers will take place in August or September. Dates will be posted here later in the summer..
See General Information above for application process then scroll down to Adult Volunteer Application for the link to apply.
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, cdykstra@jbzoo.org or (616)336-8473. To apply, please contact Jim Swarts, Volunteer Manager, jswarts@jbzoo.org 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 jswarts@jbzoo.org.
Adult Volunteer Application
Applications for all Adult Volunteer Opportunities will be processed later in the summer.
Teen Volunteer Program
Summers are WILD for teen volunteers at JBZ. We look for teens who will be entering 9th - 12th grade in the Fall and 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.
Applications for the 2013 program are closed. Too see the Summer 2013 program brochure, please click here.
Summer 2014 information and brochure will be posted here in late winter of 2014.
If you would like more information on the program, please do not hesitate to email Jim Swarts,Volunteer Manager, (jswarts@jbzoo.org)