Volunteer Opportunities

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Prospective volunteers must complete an application and orientation/interview prior to acceptance into the Friends of the Zoo volunteer program. To receive a brochure and application with information on volunteer opportunities, e-mail the zoo at info@dickersonparkzoo.org (include your full name and complete mailing address). Or, call the zoo office at (417) 833-1570.

Docents assist Dickerson Park Zoo’s Education Department in several capacities on the zoo grounds and in the community. These “volunteer teachers” share their knowledge of the Zoo through touring, staffing biofact carts, presenting up-close animal encounters and giving education programs.

April through September, docents are on the zoo grounds with biofact carts and live animals from the off-exhibit education animal collection. These up-close encounters and hands-on activities enhance our guests’ zoo visit and help make a connection to nature.

Mid-September through March, docents may participate in our outreach programming for schools in Springfield and surrounding communities. These programs are designed to interpret our mission statement and augment classroom instruction. Adults age 18 and older who enjoy working with animals and people are invited to join this committee group of volunteers. No experience is necessary; training is provided. Minimum time commitments and training vary with the position and some positions are limited in availability. Volunteering as a docent involves lifting, carrying and walking somewhat strenuous distances with crated animals and biofacts.

Zoo Ambassadors (event volunteers) Are you a people-person? Then special events are for you. Help us offer an extra special atmosphere for zoo guests. Zoo Ambassadors are enthusiastic and people-oriented volunteers who supplement zoo staff and interact with the public during special events – Dreamnight at the Zoo, Pancakes in the Park and Halloween SPOOKTACULAR … just to name a few.

When the zoo hosts an event, it is almost entirely staffed by volunteers. During events Zoo Ambassadors do everything from assisting at the front gate, selling and serving concessions, staffing activity areas, to serving pancakes.

Ambassadors also host company picnics and children's birthday parties. As a Zoo Ambassador, interaction between you and the zoo guest enhances our guests' overall zoo experience, particularly during special events. This is your opportunity to positively impact our guests' zoo visit while providing an invaluable service for one of our city's best parks!

Volunteering as an Ambassador involves walking throughout the zoo grounds and other physical tasks appropriate to the event or activity.

The Zoo Ambassador program is open to anyone 18 and older (for some events, volunteers must be 21 years old). Most events are on Saturdays, with a few on weekday evenings or Sunday.

Benefits of volunteering at the zoo
30 service hours per year are required to be an active Zoo Volunteer. In return for their dedication of time and talent, Volunteers receive numerous benefits: free zoo admission, a discount in the Safari Trading Company gift shop and employee prices on food at the Bush Country Café.

Active volunteers are invited to the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Volunteers are also eligible for Friends of the Zoo memberships based on their total service hours for the year. In addition, awards for cumulative hours are given. Volunteers who give 250 hours of time and at least five years of service are honored with a name plaque on the Volunteer Wall of Honor.