Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers can help in many ways, such as: 

Animal Care Volunteer - Under the direct supervision of an Animal Keeper, assist in daily care of animal collections, which includes but is not limited to: cleaning, feeding, and enclosure upkeep. Opportunity is limited to volunteers who are currently enrolled as a student in Santa Fe Zoo Technology Program or are currently working as an Animal Keeper in a zoological institution.

Animal Food Prep Volunteer - Under the supervision of an Animal Keeper, prepare avian and carnivore diets. Maintain and clean kitchen facility according to protocols.  Must be detail oriented. Demonstrate the ability to read and understand written directions and communicate well with others. We are currently full for the summer, but are now accepting applications for the fall for this position. 

Animal Hospital Volunteer - Under the direct supervision of an Animal Vet Tech and/or Veterinarian, assist in laboratory duties and medical data entry.  Opportunity is limited to volunteers who have previous medical knowledge such as nursing or veterinary technician experience.

Conservation Research Volunteer – Under the direct supervision of the research staff, assist in laboratory duties and data recording. Must be detail oriented and able to commit one day (at least 6 hours) per week. No previous experience required, as training will be provided.

Artists/Painters - Under the supervisor of the Volunteer Program Manager, create and restore various art works throughout the WOCC facility. Must be experienced and knowledgeable in painting interior and exterior art pieces.

Maintenance Volunteer - Under the direct supervision of the Maintenance Foreman, assist in the repair and upkeep of WOOC buildings, barns and animal enclosures. Preferred skills include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and welding. Must posses certifications/license (when required) to perform assigned duties.

Clerical Volunteer – Provides clerical and administrative support to the staff to whom they are assigned. The duties and responsibilities of this position may include,but are not limited to, the following: Assists with data entry and/or provides minimum typing when needed, sorts and alphabetizes filing, assembles information and other packets, operates the copying machine, fax machine, other office equipment in a correct and safe manner as requested, assists with telephone calls as needed and as requested, stocks supplies; pulls supplies for various exhibits, functions, or events, runs errands as needed.  Clerical volunteers can be assigned a weekly/monthly schedule or serve on as needed basis.

Conservation Tour Guide – Under the supervision of the Donor Development/Tour Manager, volunteers will provide 90 minute educational tours to visitors of WOCC.  Volunteers must posses a valid driver’s license and the ability to communicate to muti-level audiences.  After completing the general White Oak Conservation Center volunteer orientation, Conservation Tour Guides will be scheduled to attend five, four hour training sessions.  Demonstrated knowledge and appreciation of animal conservation issues a plus.

Gift Shop/Retail Volunteer – Under the supervision of the Gift Shop Manager, volunteers will stock, straighten merchandise and assist visitors who are shopping at the gift shop while visiting WOCC.  Must be good with math and managing time.  Friendly and reliable, must be able to count money and make change without the use of a computer. Volunteers can be assigned a weekly/monthly schedule or serves as need basis.

Landscaping/Gardening - Under supervision, assist in the repair and or creation of gardens and landscaping throughout common areas of WOCC.  Must posses the knowledge, skills, experience and certifications and licensing (when required) to perform assigned duties.

Special Events – Under the supervision of the Events Coordinator, volunteers will assist and in a variety of roles such as; welcoming guests, tour assistants, setting up informational tables and/or handing out newsletters.