Brandywine Zoo - Docent Program

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Definition
Docent = "Volunteer Teacher"

Description
Come be a part of life at the Brandywine Zoo! As a Docent, you’ll guide guests through the world of wildlife, answer questions about or narrate animal behavior and be a part of creating or sustaining the lifelong love of animals in our guests. Docents will be a large part of our changing interface here at the zoo. You’ll be a member of a critical team that assists the Brandywine Zoo staff in making sure our guests walk out of the zoo more knowledgeable and prepared to think about our animals and conservation solutions out in the world.

The Brandywine Zoo Education Department is seeking fun, mature and engaging volunteers for the Docent Program. These volunteers complete a series of 5 required formal trainings, a final exam and final presentation. The Brandywine Zoo’s Docent Program offers a new level of benefits, responsibility and commitment for individuals who can contribute consistent service and dedication to the Brandywine Zoo.

Location Brandywine Zoo - Wilmington, DE
Supervisor Education Staff and Volunteer Manager
Schedule 70 Hours/Year
Apply December - January
Training Dates February

Qualifications

• Applicants must be 18+ years old.

• Willing and able to complete a background check performed by the Division of Parks and Recreation.
• Fluent in the English language (verbally and via written communication).
• Provide proof of negative TB Test within the last 12 months before start date.

• Must have an interest in working with the general public and effective public speaking skills such as enthusiasm, voice inflection, and varied facial expressions.
• Candidates must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a punctuality, positive attitude, initiative, emotional maturity and self-responsibility.

• Able to commit to upholding all Zoo safety and personnel policies, and support the overall mission of the Brandywine Zoo.

Responsibilities

• Operate "Discovery Boxes" and handle rare (often fragile) biofacts: pelts, bones, etc.
• Conduct tours of the zoo for groups and individuals.
• Give audio-visual presentations on observations and interpretations of animal behavior.
• Participate in the zoo’s special events as schedule allows.
• Handle and present all program animals as programming dictates (this may include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates)
• Other duties as assigned

REGISTRATIONS & DUES
Pre-registration is required for the classes via resume and cover letter of interest to Volunteer Manager danielle.levredge@delaware.gov. Dues not applicable to the 2020 class.

Training:A hallmark of the program, Docents receive training from the field experts they will be working with. In addition to this formal and informal training to successfully conduct their Docent presentations, Docents will have the opportunity to build associated skills and share real-time experience with park staff and colleagues. Training will be made available to the Docents to further their personal and professional development. Additionally, the position will develop critical skills for those interested in a career in education, conservation, natural resource management, animal management, or ecological studies.

Opportunities for school credit or Continuing Education Credit are available.

San Diego Zoo Global:Full and free access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy online course-list for the duration of the internship; certificate upon completion.

Networking: Access to 180+ years of professional experience and knowledge via current zoo staff.

Activities: Docents will have the opportunity not only to visit ALL Delaware State Parks at no fee, but also participate in many of the tours, programs, and associated events for free. Delaware State Parks span the length of the state and whether it be canoeing at Trap Pond State Park, surfing at Delaware Seashore State Park, attending a concert at Bellevue State Park, or touring the living history facility at Fort Delaware, there is certainly something for everyone.

All Delaware State Parks volunteers are required to undergo and successfully complete a background check performed by the Division.