Join the Herd!
Volunteers are essential members of our team and are vital to the success of the Zoo’s mission. From teens to senior citizens, we offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities to help educate our guests about conservation and animal care.
The PZAVPP is designed for veterinary students who are in their clinical training period and possess a desire to pursue advanced training in zoological medicine to gain a foundation and/or proficiency in basic medical care and husbandry of zoological and aquarium species.
Student Requirements:
Only those in the clinical portion of their veterinary curriculum will be considered (3rd or 4th year of vet school).
- Preceptorships are scheduled in 6-8 weeklong blocks (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis).
- Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated interest in pursuing full-time zoological, aquatic animal, and/or zoological companion animal medicine.
- Must show proof of current medical insurance, up-to-date rabies vaccination or protective titer, and negative TB test within 1 year of preceptorship date.
Application Requirements and Timeline:
- Complete the application form here that will have the below requirements.
- Include two 6–8-week blocks that could work for you, in order of preference (NOTE: no preceptor time will be offered between Thanksgiving and New Years).
- Attach an up-to-date CV or resume.
- 1 letter of recommendation from a faculty mentor (1 page maximum).
- Expected timeline:
- Application windows: summer (May-Aug.; deadline March 15), fall (Sep.-Dec.; deadline July 15), and winter/spring (Jan.-Apr.; deadline Nov. 15)
- Scheduled on a first come, first served basis for students that meet the requirements.
- Once a preceptorship is scheduled, a brief phone conversation (~15 minutes) will be scheduled between the coordinator and the student (NOTE: this is NOT an interview).
Expectations/Duties:
- Preceptorship hours are Mon-Fri from 8am-5pm, but occasional deviations from this schedule may occur.
- Students will be called and offered the opportunity to take part in unexpected weekend or after-hours cases.
- Students will be expected to be active participants in case preparation, management, and clean up and should come prepared to discuss cases in an informed manner.
- Students will be primary for necropsy duty with guidance and assistance from the veterinarians
- Students will be expected to treat team members respectfully and communicate effectively, including receiving both positive and constructive feedback appropriately.
- During the final week of the preceptorship, students will be expected to deliver a presentation to the animal health and animal care teams on a topic of their choosing with guidance from program coordinators.
- Alongside a feedback meeting, there will be a brief exit interview at the conclusion of each preceptorship between the student and coordinator.
Program Coordinators:
- Ellis Wright (he/him), Associate Veterinarian
- Christine Bagtas (she/her), Animal Health Administrator
The 2024 Docent Program is fully booked. We are not currently accepting new applications.
Docents are trained volunteers, who make a valuable contribution to our mission here at the Zoo! The Docent program is for adults aged 18 and older, who can commit to volunteering for a minimum of 60 hours per year.
Docent Activities include:
- Exhibit Guiding and Guest Engagement
- Guest education opportunities such as Touch Tables
- Presentation of Ambassador Animals at birthday parties, weddings, and other special events
- Assisting with the Zoo’s Conservation Education programs
- Assisting with husbandry-related tasks such as Ambassador Animal care and penguin feedings
- Helping to lead the Zoo Teen program
We will be accepting applications for our 2025 Docent Program from December 17, 2024 through February 1, 2025. During that time, you will be able to apply online, directly through our website. Please check back! All prospective Docents must attend an orientation and will be interviewed prior to acceptance in the program. The new Docent orientation sessions will take place Feburary 15, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-3 p.m..
For more information, please contact the Volunteer Services Manager at [email protected].
Current Docents
If you are a current docent, log in to Volgistics for more information.
Volgistics LoginWe will be accepting applications for our 2025 Zoo Teen Program from December 17, 2024 through February 1, 2025. During that time, you will be able to apply online, directly through our website. Please check back!
The summer Zoo Teen Program is for teens ages 14-17, who are interested in animals and conservation. It is designed to give teens a glimpse into what it is like to work in a zoo setting, as well as teach them the importance of sharing conservation messages. Zoo Teens volunteer once a week, from 9:30am-4:00 pm for a span of six weeks.
Requirements:
- Must be 14-17 years of age (having turned 14 by June 1, 2025).
- Must commit to one day a week for at least 5 weeks of the 6-week program period.
Zoo Teen Activities include:
- Handling and care of Ambassador Animals
- Exhibit Guiding
- Guest education opportunities such as Touch Tables and informal animal presentations
- Assisting with Animal Adventures Zoo Camp
- Educational opportunities such as classes, special tours, and keeper talks.
All prospective Zoo Teens will be interviewed in person prior to acceptance into the program.
For more information, please contact the Volunteer Services Manager at [email protected].
The Zoo has temporarily paused on accepting dive applications. Please check back again!
Volunteer Divers assist with the maintenance of both warm and cold-water exhibits, including the Aquarium’s Open Ocean and Flooded Forest tanks, as well as the sea otter and pinniped exhibits in Water’s Edge. We ask that our divers commit to an average of one dive per month.
Requirements:
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must hold an open water SCUBA certification from a recognized agency such as PADI or NAUI
• All potential divers will be assessed by the Dive Safety Officer
To apply for our Volunteer Dive Program, please complete and submit the application form below. Please note that not all applicants will be accepted into the program.
Please contact Evan Gates, Dive Safety Officer, at [email protected] with any questions.
Current Divers
If you are a current volunteer diver, log in to Volgistics to schedule dives and communicate with the dive team.
Volgistics Login
2024 Group Volunteer Opportunities are fully booked. We will accept new applications in early 2025.
If your organization is looking for a “wild” way to spend a day of community service, look no further. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium can host volunteer groups on Tuesdays-Thursdays, on select dates April-October. Groups will work with Zoo Staff members from our Horticulture or Grounds Departments to assist with tasks such as seasonal planting, weeding, mulching, or helping to prepare for upcoming Special Events. You may work hard, but you will also have fun and help to keep our Zoo beautiful!
All group participants must be at least 18 years of age. The maximum group size is 20. Most group volunteer opportunities take place outside, rain or shine, and can require walking, bending, lifting, and carrying. Please see the application form below for more information, and available dates, and to submit a request to begin scheduling your day of volunteering. If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager at [email protected]. Thank you for supporting the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium!
Apply Here