Applications open on Monday, December 15, 2025. Check back for details!

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 2026 Docent Program from December 15, 2025 through January 31, 2026.  You can find the application online here.  All prospective Docents must attend an information session and will be interviewed prior to acceptance in the program.  New Docent information sessions will take place on Saturday, February 21, at 10am and Sunday, February 22 at 1pm.  New Docent classes will be held in person, at the Zoo on the following Saturdays:  March 14, March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9, May 16, and May 30, 2026.  Attendance at 5 out of 7 classes is required.  Graduation date for the New Docent class of 2026 is June 6^th.

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.

The summer Zoo Teen Program is for teens ages 14-17, who are interested in animals and conservation.  The program will run from June 15 – August 1, 2026. You can find the application online here. 

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-3:30 pm for a span of seven weeks.

Requirements:

• Must be 14-17 years of age (having turned 14 by June 1, 2026).
• Must commit to one day a week for at least 5 weeks of the 7-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

Corporate Group Volunteer applications are closed for the 2025 season. Check back next year!

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!

Please note that this application is not for individual volunteers, or for those seeking long-term or regularly scheduled volunteer opportunities