Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, in West Orange, is once again looking for energetic and enthusiastic people to join its Docent Program.
Docents are volunteer educators who are among the most visible members of the Zoo community. Their main function is to provide the Zoo guests with quality, educational and enriching experiences during their visit. Turtle Back Zoo docents act as guides, give educational talks, staff special events and are stationed throughout the Zoo to provide information to visitors about the Zoo and its animals. These are highly selective and prestigious positions. You don’t need a background in biology or zoology, just a love of zoos and interest in public service.
Docent Volunteer Requirements:
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- must be at least 18 years old
- submit an application found at: http://turtlebackzoo.com/discover/docents-volunteers/ by January 13, 2023
- complete an interview held on Saturday, January 21, 2023
- complete an 8-day training course held on Sundays, beginning February 5, and running through the end of March, on Zoo grounds
- pay a one-time fee of $30 to cover training materials and processing
- commit to volunteer a designated number of hours/events on at least two selected days a month throughout the year
Questions? Contact the Zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator at tbzdocents@parks.essexcountynj.org.
** While a love of animals draws many volunteers to Turtle Back Zoo, volunteers are not directly involved with the handling and care of the Zoo's animals.**
