CAREERS   INTERNSHIPS   VOLUNTEER

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Now accepting applications for our 2024 season!

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 volunteer@pittsburghzoo.org. Thank you for supporting the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium!

APPLY HERE


Docents

The 2024 Docent Program is now full. We are currently not 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

If you are interested in participating in please submit an online application between December 2023 and February 2024.  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 Saturday, February 17, from 10am-12pm and Sunday, February 18, from 1pm-3pm. New Docent classes will be on the following Saturdays, from 9:30am – 3:00 pm: March 9, March 23, April 6, April 20, April 27, May 11, and May 18.

 

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Services Manager at volunteer@pittsburghzoo.org.

Current Docents

If you are a current docent, log in to Volgistics for more information.

Volgistics Log In

 


Zoo Teens

The 2024 Zoo Teen Program is now full. we are currently not accepting new applications.

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, 2024)
  • 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.

The 2024 Zoo Teen Program will run from June 18, 2024 – July 27, 2024.  Dates are subject to change.

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Services Manager at volunteer@pittsburghzoo.org.


Volunteer Divers

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 egates@pittsburghzoo.org 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 Log In