Oakland Zoo - Conservation Volunteer

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Oakland Zoo’s mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. Oakland Zoo takes Action for Wildlife by actively participating in conservation projects on-site, locally and around the world. Join our volunteer team and help us spread the message about conservation and inspire others to Take Action for Wildlife!

Conservation Volunteers work at our stations to interpret our conservation initiatives to zoo guests of all ages! Choose between our Quarters for Conservation or Beads for Chimps station, as well as additional stations at special events, such as Earth Day and fundraising events. Thanks to our Conservation Volunteers, our zoo guests truly understand the impact our zoo makes for animals all around the world.

Requirements for all ACCR Volunteers

• Be age 18 or older.
• Commit to regular attendance at the Zoo for two consecutive hours per week, weekends preferred.
• Be able to commit to volunteering for at least six months.
• Attend a New Volunteer Information Meeting. (See Application Deadlines below)
• Provide the program fee, which includes a uniform t-shirt or badge, Conservation Volunteer Handbook, and other training and informational materials all conservation aspects.
• Abide by the procedures and expectations outlines in the Oakland Zoo Volunteer Manual, as well as those set by the Department of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research.

Five Steps to becoming a Conservation Volunteer

Requirements and Application: Ensure you meet all the requirements of becoming a Conservation Volunteer, and can commit to at least one 2-hour shift per week for 6-months. If you do, download and complete the Oakland Zoo Conservation Volunteer Application.

Volunteer Application
Submit your completed application via email or mail to: Oakland Zoo Volunteer Program, P.O. Box 5238, Oakland, CA 94605.

Step 2: Attend the Volunteer Information Meeting: Meeting is on Sunday February 25th. During the info meeting you will learn about Oakland Zoo, our mission and history, the various Volunteer Programs the zoo offers, and the volunteer time commitment for each position.

Step 3: Conservation Interview: Interviews are given directly after the info meeting, where volunteer Coordinators will discuss the volunteer role you are interested in, your background, and your availability. If you are a match for our needs, you will be accepted as a new volunteer and invited to a Conservation Volunteer orientation.

Step 4: Conservation Volunteer Orientation: Volunteer orientations are held several weeks after the info meeting and interview, and are typically one-hour long. During the orientation you will learn about the Conservation department, volunteer policies and procedures, and be given time for a self-guided tour of the Zoo. At this time, we will also collect the $20 non-refundable volunteer fee and issue uniforms.

Step 5: Volunteer! Once you have attended the Conservation Volunteer orientation, you begin training and working on your assigned station. Additional information regarding station training will be given during orientation.

Application Deadlines

February 1st.
**Due to the volume of applications received, spaces are limited.**

Please call (510) 632-9525 x141 or email us if you have additional questions regarding our Conservation Volunteer Program.