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Metro Arts
Metro Arts Mission Statment
Play, learn and grow with Metro Arts at multiple Tacoma locations all year long.
Mobile Kitchen Tour
Northwest Trek
Welcome Volunteers!
Current Volunteers: Please log in to view your account!
Interested Volunteers: Please click the button to the right that says "Fill in an application"
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer?
These are the current volunteer opportunities:
Nature Engagement (Education) department volunteers work directly with visitors, educating them about Pacific Northwest animals and their habitats using biofacts and “stopper” cart programs. We are looking for volunteers who are (or have the ability to develop skills in being) comfortable talking to the general public about wildlife and wild places, the ability to be professional in all interactions, and have a willingness to learn!
Zoological Only open to active current volunteers, we open these opportunities as they become available. Please mark if this is something you would be interested in for future opportunities. Volunteers work with the staff to prepare diets and enrichments for the animals at Northwest Trek. We are looking for volunteers who are reliable and can make a weekly commitment, good at following directions, and can work independently.
Horticulture department volunteers work with staff to maintain the lush flora at Northwest Trek. We are looking for volunteers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, working outside in all weather conditions, and can take direction well.
Maintenance department volunteers work with staff based on project needs. Volunteers assist maintenance staff with general park maintenance, special construction projects, and picking up orders and materials for projects and maintenance needs. Possible work in and around animal habitats.
Special Events volunteers work with the public during park-wide special events doing a variety of things from crafting to passing out candy at a Trick or Treat stations. We are looking for volunteers who are reliable, interested in lending a helping hand during busy days in the park, and can take direction well.
To find out more about the duties and what qualifications, knowledge and abilities are needed to be a successful volunteer in any of these departments, go here and then click "Read More".
Thanks!
Northwest Trek Volunteer Team
volunteers@nwtrek.org • 360.832.6117
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Our Mission
Awakening a connection to Wild Life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest.
Volunteer Opportunities at Northwest Trek
Park Volunteers
Our parks need you
Parks Tacoma manages over 2,812 acres of parks and green space, historic landmarks, community centers, beautiful gardens, and special attractions that give us all a chance to get out and play more.
We're asking you to chip in by investing your time and talents to help us improve parks and green spaces, protect neighborhood buildings, and promote a healthier environment while also helping to build a stronger community.
Our roots
Park Volunteers, formerly known as "CHIP-in!" originated in 2003 when Parks Tacoma faced a lack of funds for maintaining all of the city's parks. Rather than take drastic measures - simply closing parks and walking away - a proactive approach was taken to develop a partnership between the park district and the community to help keep parks open and operating.
Catherine Ursich Park
Join us in restoring the natural area of Catherine Ursich Park!
Email chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com for information on volunteer opportunities and stewardship.
Puget Creek Park
Join us in restoring the Puget Gulch! We are actively looking for a volunteer Habitat Steward for Puget Park.
Email chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com for information on volunteer opportunities and stewardship.
Titlow Park
Titlow Park is a diverse park with activities including Restoration Work Parties, Park Watch, and Special Events! Please email chloe.nelson@tacomaparks.com for questions about volunteer opportunities.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Welcome to Volunteer Engagement at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium!
We are looking for people who...
- Are interested in caring for nature
- Want to be a partner in the PDZA mission
- Approach others and Wild Life with empathy and kindness.
- Want to share their passion for conservation
- Can welcome all to PDZA with respect, honesty, and integrity
On this page, you will find descriptions for our current open positions. Please note that not all positions are listed; some positions are seasonal in nature and others are not be open year-round. Others may not be open due to program capacity.
If you do not see the position you're interested in, we recommend checking back during our next application period in August. You can join our application waitlist here: Volunteer Waitlist Form
To apply, please click the 'Fill in an application' button on the top right side of the screen (desktop)/below (mobile view).
Opportunities at PDZA
Aquarium Diver
What to expect in this role: Diving shifts take place in either the Pacific Seas Aquarium or the Tropical Reef Aquarium during normal Zoo hours. Dive show shifts involve speaking to a live audience via microphone for approximately twenty minutes. Loud noises are common. Applicants may be asked to complete an assessment dive with PDZA dive officers prior to orientation.
Qualifications:
Volunteers applying for this position must meet the minimum qualifications:
- Minimum of 18 years of age
- Must be certified by a nationally recognized scuba organization to the level of rescue diver or willing to achieve this certification prior to beginning in-water training at PDZA
- Must have a minimum of 12 dives in Washington or similar cold-water environment
- Supply all dive gear for initial checkout dive(s). For regular shifts, only cold water exposure protection (wetsuit or drysuit, boots, gloves, hood) and a mask are required.
- Supply cost of dive physical
- Maintain current CPR and Oxygen Administration Certification
- Abide by all standards of the PDZA dive manual, including logging all PDZA dives and volunteer hours
- Able and willing to talk with guests in a positive manner
Application Process
- Complete a general volunteer application Application (button on top right of this page)
- Complete the dive application and attach to your My Impact application
- Complete the medical waiver
- After attending a supervisor interview, you’ll complete an assessment dive with our dive team. Final acceptance as a volunteer is contingent upon the assessment dive and attending Zoo Orientation
- Priority consideration will be given to those with weekday availability or Scientific Diver training
To apply, please click the 'Fill in an application' button on the previous page (desktop) or below (mobile view).
Wildlife Champions Park Week Assistant
Park week assistants assist and support the Wildlife Champions staff in teaching outdoor lessons that instill empathy for wildlife and stewardship for nature within Arlington and Lister Elementary students through visits to the neighboring natural areas (Oak Tree Park and Swan Creek Park).
What to expect in this role: This is a weekday-only position that takes place in an elementary school between the hours of 8am and 4pm. This position involves working with children in grades K through 5. Shifts occur in all weather conditions. After arriving at the school, volunteers assist in distributing rain coats to students and then help students safely cross a busy street and enter the park (distance: one-tenth of a mile). This is a physically active role, with sitting, standing, kneeling, and walking. Loud noises are common. The volunteers and students present will differ with each shift.
To apply, please click the 'Fill in an application' button on the previous page (desktop) or below (mobile view).
Youth Services
Youth Service and Engagement Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Youth Engagement! We have many fun ways to get involved to make a difference in the lives of youth in Tacoma!
Youth Program Support:
- Teen Late Night (school Year/summer months)
- Program Check-in/out
- Kitchen Duties: meal preparation and service
- Summer Camps & Playground Program
- Program support with daily program activities
- Summer meal support
- Teen Centers
- After-School homework mentors/tutors
- Teen Center/Room monitors
- Event/Field Trip Chaperons
- Community Partner Volunteers
- Leaders in Training (LIT)
- Adult LIT Leadership Coaches
- Teen LIT Leaders
There are a variety of youth engagement volunteer opportunities in place for you to explore. Once you have decided what best suits your interest and passion, we look forward to meeting and discussing your selected choice(s). Feel free to contact us at youthengagement@tacomaparks.com
