Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Valley Zoo offers its guests special events throughout the year. Get involved to help out at our functions like Easter events, Mothers' Day, Canada Day, Halloween Boo at the Zoo, and Zoominesence throughout the winter months. 

These opportunities usually involve crafting assistants, fire pit attendants, activity station helpers, photo booth assistants, and more! 

The VEA program is accepting applications Oct 17- Oct 30

Are you enthusiastic, outgoing and passionate about animals and conservation? The Edmonton Valley Zoo is recruiting Visitor Experience Ambassador (VEA) volunteers to add another layer to our visitors' experience during our Zoominescence event from Dec 2-Jan 1. Volunteers will guide guests around our festively decorated site, promote animal encounters and other Zoom programming, and lead interactive activities to educate guests about conservation work done by the zoo and its partners. This is a pilot program, and there will be an opportunity for successful applicants to continue volunteering in the new year. Applicants must successfully pass an interview to be considered for this position..

Responsibilities:

• Volunteers are friendly resources; they engage with guests by welcoming, directing, and providing general zoo information.

• Promote Animal Talks, interpreter led activities and highlight any zoo news of the day.

• Lead  fun, interactive and educational activities for visitors of all ages

• Volunteers have access to a variety of activities that will be linked to conservation. VEA volunteers will educate visitors about the zoo’s conservation work, how we support our conservation partners, and how guests can get involved. 

• Educate visitors about animal care practices, such as enrichment building and animal observation

• Volunteer Education Ambassadors approach visitors to start conversations to ensure visitor questions are answered or directed to the appropriate staff

• During special events and large demonstrations, volunteers will assist in controlling crowds and provide assistance to participants

• Notify staff of any situations that require staff attention

Requirements:

• 16 years of age or older

• Friendly and outgoing with the ability to start conversations

• A background in biology, ecology or environmental sciences is considered an asset

• Successful candidates may required to complete a Police Information Check

• Must be fully vaccinated (2 doses) against COVID-19 and adhere to current COVID protocols 

The Zoo Aide program has been discontinued effective July 2022. This decision was made after a long and careful review, and aligns our volunteer program more closely with industry standards. All current and future volunteer opportunities will focus on interacting with and educating visitors about our animals and conservation activities. There will be no opportunity for volunteers to have direct contact with our animals.

We recognize and thank all our former Zoo Aide volunteers for their generous gift of time and dedication to both the animals and animal care team at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

Further questions can be directed to rfsvolunteer@edmonton.ca