Volunteen Program

Volunteens are able to build their own schedules and sign up for different assignments. Assignment options are available daily, except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day when the Zoo is closed. Volunteen regular shift assignments are 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Lunch from 12 – 1 p.m.; and 1 – 4 p.m. Volunteens can sign up for just an A.M. shift or just a P.M. shift or may schedule themselves for a full day. Please note that some assignments like events and special projects may have different times based on the task.  

• Habitat Interpretation: Work with other teens to educate our guests on the animals they see! Share information about the animals’ lives, behavior, diets, adaptations, and conservation efforts with diverse audiences. 
• Contact Yard: This position will have you working in our contact yard, cleaning up after the goats and sheep, educating people about them and ensuring guest and animal safety with the help of an animal care specialist. There is no “hands-on” access to animals beyond the contact yard. 
• Events: We host multiple events at the Zoo throughout the year. These events include Boo at the Zoo, Cookies with Santa, Zoo Year’s Eve, and more! Teens often have a fun time meeting new people and working with various departments. 
• Enrichment: Work with some of our longtime Volunteers to help prepare enrichment items for animals! You might be doing things like painting signs, or creating paper maché items. 
• And more!
  • We also have pop-up activities, biofact exploration, and many other special assignments that change from year to year and season to season!  
  • We also have selected assignments only for 2nd year+ teens who demonstrate professionalism and excellence in the program; this includes behavioral observations, husbandry aides, working in the Animal Nutrition Kitchen, and our Camp assistants.  
    • The Volunteen Program is designed to provide meaningful developmental experience in a single program year. Opportunities to return for additional years are limited and based on successful completion of requirements, leadership, and professionalism. 

Testimonials from current and past Volunteens!  

“Volunteering at the zoo was such a meaningful experience for me. The team in charge of the program is incredible and gave me one-of-a-kind experiences to pursue my interest in ornithology.”

“The community that shaped me the most, formed behind the habitats, during our volunteer lunch breaks.... Wherever I go, I’ll carry both the responsibility to build community through empathy and understanding, and the gratitude of having been shaped by one [community].” 

“This program has done so much for me. It taught me new skills in public speaking, communication, and confidence. I met some amazing people and made some great relationships! I also learned about career options that I hadn’t even known about.” 

This can be written by anyone except a family member. Coaches, teachers, youth group leaders, and employers are all good examples of people to ask. The form should clearly state why the applicant is a good fit for the program. The recommendation will be submitted via an online form and will not be visible to the applicant.

Applicants can copy the link below and send it to the person you would like to complete your recommendation for you. We recommend you ask someone several weeks before the deadline to allow them time to complete this for you on time.

Please only submit one recommendation form and follow up with your recommender to ensure it is completed. The quality of one strong recommendation will outweigh the quantity of many weak recommendations.  
You will receive an email within 5 business days of when all application materials are complete. 

Recommendation Form

• Applications open January 1
• Applications close January 31
• Applications are reviewed by Zoo Atlanta staff: February 1 – February 28;
  • Applicants will be notified of next steps in the process by March 1.
  • If selected for an interview, interview dates will be shared after March 1.
  • Interviews will be in person in March. 
• If selected to join the Volunteen Program, applicants will need to attend orientation with a parent. Orientation dates will be held in April. 
• Orientation will cover the required paperwork to be completed prior to the start of the program. Paperwork will be due by May 25. 
• The program year starts June 1. Required Volunteen training will be held the week of June 7-11, 2027. 
• Email communication: Be sure to check your spam/junk folder regularly for missing communications from us.