Volunteer Application Information
Thank you for your interest in the Virginia Zoo’s Conservation Youth Team program.
To be considered for acceptance into this program beginning Summer 2026, please complete this application by March 16, 2026. We want to get to know you, so please be thoughtful in your responses. Give us specific examples to illustrate your thoughts and opinions.
CYT Info Sessions
If you are interested in learning more about joining the program before or after you have applied please RSVP to attend one of our three info sessions listed below by emailing zoovolunteers@norfolk.gov. All info sessions will be held at the Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St. Norfolk, VA.
- February 15th @ 1PM
- March 4th @ 6PM
- March 7th @ 3PM
Invitations to interview will be sent via email to the address(es) provided by March 24, 2026 (If you are not sure if you received an invitation, please check your spam folder). If invited, you will need to be available to attend one interview session on April 11, April 12, (or April 13 if unable to attend a weekend interview date).
All accepted applicants are required to attend ALL CYT training, track dates, and Conservation Events (off-site trips) as follows:
SUMMER 2026 (required for First Year CYT members)
- CYT Mandatory Summer Training: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26 AND Monday, June 29 – Friday, July 3
- Week 1 required for First Year CYTs, Week 2 required for all CYTs
- Summer Conservation Event: During Week 2 of training, date TBD
- Summer Shifts: Minimum of 2 (guide) or 5 (camp, one week on/one week off schedule) full-day (8:30 am – 4:30 pm) shifts each week. Applicants will commit to the same days each week and must commit to every week of the program. Three absences without make-up days are allowed each semester. Additional absences will require make-up days, scheduled as much in advance as possible, to remain in good standing with the program.
- All possible summer semester shifts: July 6 - August 21
- Guide Track: Sunday-Saturday, one weekend day required
- Camp Track: Monday – Friday
FALL 2026/SPRING 2027 (one semester required for First Year CYT members)
- Fall Mandatory Training Weekend: September 26 and 27, 2026. Mandatory for all CYTs, regardless of whether they are volunteering during the fall semester.
- Fall Conservation Event: This weekend, date TBD
- Spring Mandatory Training Weekend: February 27 and 28, 2027. Mandatory for all CYTs, regardless of whether they are volunteering during the spring semester.
- Spring Conservation Event: This weekend, date TBD
- Fall and/or Spring Shifts: One semester is required. One full-day (8:30 am – 4:00 pm) shift each weekend*. Applicants will commit to the same day each week and must commit to every week of the program. Three absences without make-up days are allowed each semester. Additional absences will require make-up days, scheduled as much in advance as possible, to remain in good standing with the program. *Camp shifts will not be available weekly and will depend on camp schedule.
- Fall program dates fall between: October 3 - December 13, 2026
- Spring program dates fall between: March 6 - May 8, 2027
- Guide: Saturday or Sunday
- Camp: Any scheduled camps, including Winter Break, Spring Break, and possible day camps. Other non-camp opportunities may be available as well.
After your first full year, any two of the three semesters (summer, fall, and spring) plus the mandatory training week/weekends are required to remain in good standing with the program.
If you have any questions during your application, please email zoovolunteers@norfolk.gov and we will try to get back to you in 2-3 days!
