Would you like to join the dynamic team of individuals who work together to manage and operate the Hattiesburg Zoo by volunteering your time? Whether you are interested in helping the animal care, education or guest services team, the work is fun and rewarding and there is a proud tradition of ongoing volunteer support for our Zoo.
Please note your area of interest:
Guest Service volunteers are used to help enhance Zoo guests’ experiences. These volunteers assist with giving directions as to different attractions within the zoo, greet guests in areas including the “Touch Africa” Petting Zoo and Wallaby Walkabout. They watch for foot traffic and clear the tracks during train crossings and assist with crowded, guest-related areas of the zoo. Guest Services Volunteers are required to be at least 15 years of age. If organizations have younger volunteers, they must be accompanied by a chaperone. Volunteers are needed on weekends and for daytime and nighttime events.
Animal Care volunteers assist with various aspects of the keepers’ jobs including cleaning animal habitats, creating and assembling animal enrichment tools and learning about the habits, nuances and medical needs of the animals withing their care. Animal Care volunteers must either be in college for a biology or psychology degree. Shifts are 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on a set day of the week for a semester.
Requirements:
*Docents are required to volunteer a minimum of 12 hours each month for a minimum of 4 months.
*Docents must pass a background check.
*Docents must be able to stand for long periods of time.
*Docents must be willing to communicate and interact with zoo guests.
*Docents must be 16 years of age or older.