Adult Volunteer Program
Adult volunteers are the Pride of Zoo Miami!
If you are looking for a fulfilling way to get involved in your local community, the zoo may be the perfect place for you. Our adult volunteers are at the forefront of guest experience, making meaningful contacts with tens of thousands of people each year.
Opportunities include assisting our Critter Connection team in the Wacky Barn, helping to prepare animal diets in our zoo kitchen, assisting guests as an Ambassador, and more!
Benefits include:
- Discounts throughout the zoo on food and souvenirs
- Free zoo admission for you and 6 others
- Volunteer exclusive events including appreciation dinners and field trips
- Free and discounted admission to other participating attractions
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And more!
Applicants are required to:
- Be 18 years or older (Check out our teen opportunities starting at 14 years old!)
- Complete an application and attend an informational session at the zoo
- Pass a national background check
- If accepted into the program, attend a two-day orientation and commit to 70 hours of volunteer service per year
Our program offers room for growth, with a tiered volunteer system designed to educate and challenge you as you spend more time at the zoo.
We welcome new volunteers weekly, applications will be accepted year round.
This program is sponsored by Zoo Miami Foundation. Further questions should be directed to volunteer@zoomiami.org
Adult Guest Experiences Volunteer
Work assignments involve working closely with zoo staff in providing customer service at the zoo admissions and revenue concession operations. Various tasks include providing information and direction to the guests, validation of tickets, assisting in preparing equipment for rental, assisting at the monorail stations, assist in crowd control and other related duties to include day or night special events.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a U.S. resident
- Must provide cover letter and resume
- Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
- Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
- Must interview, complete application and submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility
Interested applicants must register and apply on Park Link.
Adult Maintenance and Horticulture Volunteer
Participate in maintenance and horticultural projects. Various tasks include ground maintenance, painting, landscaping projects, pruning, trimming, planting, fertilizing, mulching and other related tasks.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a U.S. resident
- Must provide cover letter and resume
- Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
- Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
- Must interview, complete application and submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility
Interested applicants must register and apply on Park Link.
The Conservation Teen Scientist program (CTS) is an opportunity for 14-18 year olds to get involved at the zoo and develop practical life skills like public speaking.
CTS undergo training to develop an extensive knowledge about the animals at the zoo and interpret that information for guests throughout the park. They also get the chance to assist in zoo operations including the kitchen where they prepare animal diets, the giraffe feeding platform, and more!
The program is a yearly commitment, requiring 15 days of volunteering over the summer and 2 days per month during the school year.
This is highly competitive and only a certain number of applicants will be accepted each year.
Applications open here on the website in early spring and are due at the end of April.
This program is sponsored by Zoo Miami Foundation. Further questions should be directed to
volunteer@zoomiami.org Sponsored by:
The Wildflower Foundation, Inc.
Teen Camp Volunteer
Teen Camp Volunteers spend 3 weeks during the summer assisting our counselors to ensure zoo campers have a memorable and fun experience!
The program is a great way for 14–18 year olds to fulfill their service hours while being surrounded by the over 3,000 animals that call Zoo Miami home
Applications open here on the website in early spring and are due at the end of April.
This program is sponsored by Zoo Miami Foundation. Further questions should be directed to volunteer@zoomiami.org
Next enrollment period opens spring 2023
Teen Academic Volunteers
Great news! We are opening up our Teen Academic Volunteer program at a limited capacity by reservation only. Teen academic volunteers will have assignments that involve working closely with zoo staff in providing customer service at the revenue concession operations. Various tasks include providing information and directions, assisting in preparing equipment for rentals and assisting with crowd control.
Interested in joining our Teen Academic Volunteer Program? Email ZMVolunteers@miamidade.gov for the next orientation date and additional information.
Any questions and/or to make your reservation should be directed to the zoo front desk at (305) 251-0400.
Group Volunteer Program
We also welcome volunteers from companies, scout troops, fraternities, and other community groups to assist with one-time projects and events around the Zoo Miami. These projects provide an invaluable service to the Zoo while also providing a wonderful opportunity for groups to spend quality time together. We can tailor a program of activities that is right for your group.
Please contact ZMVolunteers@miamidade.gov or 305-251-0400 to make arrangements.