Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Guest experience interpreters serve as informal educators. Interpreters interact with guests of all ages, telling the stories of animals, explaining conservation actions, and increasing guests’ general knowledge of nature. Interpreters also lead activities and conduct presentations with specific themes.

*Note: Interpreters do not handle or care for animals.

What to expect in this role

This position operates seven days a week. Shifts are 2 hours long and occur in all weather conditions, though some volunteers may opt to work in indoor spaces. This job may require prolonged periods of standing or walking. At busy times, volunteers may speak to over 200 guests during a shift. During the off-season, volunteers may only speak to 10 guests per shift. Loud noises and conversations are common. The staff and volunteers present will be different each shift.

Training

• Required: Supervisor meeting and Zoo Orientation (7.5 hours)
• Required: Interpretation Skills and Red Wolf Woods training (6.5 hours in person, 30 minutes virtual, 2 hour in person mentoring shift)
• Optional: Four additional trainings at 6.5 hours each (26 hours total)

Commitment

• 96 hours per year
• Commitment of at least one year to the program

At this moment, this opportunity is only available on Wednesday mornings. 

Volunteers support the horticulture staff in the maintenance of the landscaped beds on PDZA grounds.

What to expect in this role: 

This position operates in early mornings (7am – 10am) on Wednesdays. Shifts are 3 hours long and occur outdoors in all weather conditions. This job involves lifting heavy objects and standing, sitting, or kneeling, for prolonged periods of time. The work varies heavily based on season. This position requires minimal public engagement, though volunteers may be asked questions by Zoo visitors during their shift. Loud noises from landscaping equipment are common. The volunteers and staff each shift tend to be the same.

To apply, please click the 'Fill in an application' button on the previous page (desktop) or below (mobile view). 

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. 

Requirements

Volunteers applying for this position must meet the following requirements:

• 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
• Must have a current scientific dive physical
• Must have scientific diver training from an AAUS Organizational Member
• 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). 

Volunteers support the Asia Animal Care Team by aiding in diet preparation, basic area support, tasks, and general upkeep as directed by the Asia staff.

*Note: Volunteers will not perform husbandry care for the animals and must follow all safety, biosecurity, and quarantine protocols.

What to expect in this role

Volunteers in this role will work alongside animal care employees to maintain a clean kitchen facility and observe all quarantine protocols. This position operates on Friday and Sundays from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Training shifts may occur on consecutive days or multiple days in one week. Shifts occur mostly indoors and may be hot and/or humid, with a variety of odors (seafood, raw meat, tropical fruits, and insects). Volunteers will use sharp knives to prepare large fruits & vegetables and raw meat. Animal noises are common within the facility and may at times be loud. Volunteers in this position will be asked to lift 25 pounds unassisted. This position requires standing in place for up to 4 hours or more and requires that volunteers adhere to strict biosecurity protocols. Biosecurity protocols may include (but are not limited to): footbaths, masks, and other personal protection equipment.  The staff and volunteers will be the same for most shifts. Tasks will shift from shift to shift, depending on department and animal needs.  

Application process

• Complete a general volunteer application on My Impact
• Complete an Asia Zoological volunteer application and submit to volunteer@pdza.org by August 31, 2026.  
• Download the PDF here
• Selected applicants will be invited for a 1-hour job shadow of the position before final selections are made
• Selected applicants will be invited to attend Zoo orientation

Training

• Required: Supervisor meeting and Zoo orientation (10 hours total)

• Zoo orientation: October 4 OR October 7

• Required: On the job training

Commitment

One, 4 – 5 hour shift per week with a commitment of 1 year to the program.