Volunteer programs are usually flexible about the number of hours and days per week they expect from their volunteers.
INTERNSHIPS
In addition, many zoos and aquariums have their own internship programs that are offered to full-time students as well as recent graduates. You can check with your university department first to see what arrangements they traditionally make. If the burden is on you to arrange an internship, either during your academic program or after you've graduated, contact the zoo's internship coordinator. If the zoo has no formal internship program, talk first to a zoo staff member to determine where there might be a need. Then you can write a proposal incorporating your interests in a department where help will be appreciated.
Internships can be either paid or unpaid and are usually a more formal arrangement than volunteering. The number of hours and weeks will be structured, and the intern might be expected to complete a specific project during his or her time there. Often college credit can be given.
Later, when it comes time to job hunt, a successful internship or stint of volunteer work can open the door at the training institution or at other zoos. In addition, volunteering is often a way to learn of permanent positions. After all, if you are right there on the spot and a position opens up, you'll be one of the first to know. Most employers would hire someone they already have worked with than some unknown entity out of the blue. If you have proven yourself through your volunteer work, you come to the job inter-view with a built-in advantage.
Firsthand Account of Charles Leblanc, a Volunteer
Charles LeBlanc is Senior Zoo Corps Officer in the Department of Education at the Audubon Zoological Garden in New Orleans. He is a high school student who has been volunteering his time since 1995.
Getting started is simple. "I sent in an application and they accepted me," Charles explains. "I want to become a vet later in life, and I want to learn more about animals while learning other skills such as speaking in public and doing presentations. This job is perfect for that. I also went to the Teton Science School for two weeks to learn about nature, and I attended the Texas A&M Leadership Camp.
"I absolutely love what I do. It appeals to me in almost every way. As a volunteer, I have a very relaxed day; it is very interesting and I'm never bored. I teach visitors about the animals; it helps them realize that they can make a difference. I want people to know that they can help the endangered species list grow shorter.
"Also, for me, learning about each animal both generally and personally is like a never-ending soap opera. Each animal has his or her own unique way of acting.
"My job involves collecting the available information in the park and taking it a step beyond. Some of the smaller animals I can take out and actually let people touch while they ask questions.
"My hours, of course, vary. I can work whenever I want. The atmosphere is wonderful. Most of the keepers are happy to be around each other, and there is virtually no friction between coworkers.
"With this job, I feel as if I'm giving something to the community. It is community money, after all, that helps to keep the research going so we can protect our endangered animals. I also love to teach our visitors. The only downside to my job is when it rains or when I run into a difficult visitor who just doesn't want to follow the rules."
