Become a Volunteer Docent at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

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Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange is once again looking for energetic and enthusiastic people to join its Docent Program! Enjoy the rewarding experience of becoming a Zoo Docent.

Docents are volunteer educators who are among the most visible members of our Zoo community. Their main function is to provide the Zoo guests with quality educational and enriching experiences while they are here. Turtle Back Zoo Docents act as guides, give educational talks, staff special events and are stationed throughout the Zoo to provide information to visitors about the Zoo and its animal collection. You don’t need a background in biology or zoology, just a love of zoos and interest in public service.

Docent Volunteer Requirements:

• must be at least 18 years old
• submit an application found at http://turtlebackzoo.com/discover/docents-volunteers/ by January 12, 2019
• complete an interview held on Saturday, January 19, 2019
• complete a 7-day training course held on Sundays, beginning February 10th and running through the end of March, on Zoo grounds
• pay a one-time fee of $30 to cover training materials
• commit to volunteer a designated number of hours/events on at least two selected days a month throughout the year

Interested? Contact the Zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator at tbzdocents@yahoo.com or call 973-731-5800, Ext. 306.

** While a love of animals draws many volunteers to Turtle Back Zoo, volunteers are not directly involved with the handling and care of the Zoo's animals.