Volunteer at the Zoo
Volunteer Programs
The Buttonwood Park Zoo is seeking energetic, outgoing, and dedicated individuals to engage in exciting volunteer opportunities. Potential positions range from assisting keepers in their daily routine to helping out with fund-raising behind the scenes. If you are interested in volunteering with the zoo, please take a minute to read through the job descriptions listed below then fill out a volunteer application and return it to:
Erine Anderson,
Volunteer Coordinator
Buttonwood Park Zoological Society
425 Hawthorn St
New Bedford, MA 02740
Internship Opportunities
The Buttonwood Park Zoo provides college students and high school seniors the opportunity to delve into the exciting and fast past world of zoo careers. Interns at the zoo gain hands on experience in their chosen field of study and are considered an integral part of the day to day functions of the zoo.
If you are interested in interning with the Buttonwood Park Zoo please send a resume, cover letter, and a completed volunteer application to:
Erine Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator
Buttonwood Park Zoological Society
425 Hawthorn Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Administrative Volunteer
Administrative volunteers engage in a variety of tasks including but not limited to fund-raising (helping to identify and approach potential donors and sponsors), marketing (distributing fliers and cultivating partnerships to promote the zoo), event decoration, and general office tasks. These tasks can cover a wide variety of skill sets and commitments.
Qualifications for administrative positions include professionalism, dedication, organizational skills, computer skills, and a willingness to learn.
Animal Care Volunteer
Animal care volunteers work with animal caretakers in their areas assisting in the daily cleaning and disinfecting, diet preparation and distribution, day to day animal enrichment activities, data collection, and exhibit maintenance.
Qualifications to become an animal care volunteer include a serious interest in all animals and their behavior, habits, husbandry, enrichment and conservation. Volunteers must be at least 17 years old, physically fit (must be able to lift 50 lbs.), safety conscious, and demonstrate good communication skills, dedication and commitment. These positions require a minimum time commitment of 4 hours per week for a 6 month period.
Zoo Ambassadors
Zoo ambassadors enhance the visitors experience by relaying information and answering questions that might otherwise go unacknowledged. This is primarily achieved by working with visitors on an individual basis at specific education stations. Zoo Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to assist the zoo’s education staff with specific public programming. Individuals accepted into this program will be required to undergo a unique training experience including a site orientation, station specific animal and habitat information, zoo history, and basic presentation skills.
Qualifications for education positions include public speaking and interaction skills, a love of animals, a sense of humor, and a thirst for knowledge. Candidates with education or science backgrounds are preferred. Please note that these positions require a minimum time commitment of 4 hours per week for a 6 month period and are primarily available from early spring through late fall.
Horticulture Volunteer
Horticulture volunteers serve a crucial function within the zoo by assisting with the maintenance and upkeep of grounds. Individuals within this program will be asked to assist in planting, weeding, pruning, raking, and a variety of other activities aiding in the successful cultivation of plants and vegetation.
Qualifications for horticulture positions include an optimistic and upbeat attitude, some knowledge of gardening, willingness to work in all varieties of weather, and an ability to follow directions. This position will also require a certain level of physical exertion including the ability to lift 25 lbs.
Special Events Volunteer
Event volunteers will work on specific events like Boo at the Zoo, Holiday Lights, and DreamNight. Activities that you might be asked to participate in include group crafts, crowd control, providing site information, acting as a character performer, or taking photographs.
Qualifications for special events include a good attitude, outgoing personality, and an ability to be flexible. These positions are generally limited engagements, with most activities occurring on nights and weekends.
