Volunteers are important members of the Zoo New England team, helping in many ways including exhibit interpretation, event support, animal care assistance, and much more. Opportunities are available for two different seasons, and applications for a specific season must be received by the deadline below. Applicants will interview with the Volunteer department and may be required to conduct a second interview in the department they're applying for.
Summer Season
April through September
Deadline for Applications: February 15
Winter Season
October through February
Deadline for Applications: September 15
Individual volunteer applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a positive attitude and strictly adhere to our policies, procedures, grooming and customer service standards
- Complete an online application, including references
- Successfully complete interview/s
- Attend and complete Orientation
- Attend and complete an Education Interpretation class
Questions? Please see our FAQ page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Wild Bunch
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Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Wild Bunch volunteers are needed to assist with special events throughout the year. Volunteers help set up events, staff activity stations for guests of all ages, and help with event break down.
- Wild Bunch volunteers must be 14+.
- Available during Summer and Winter Seasons.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Jr. Zoo Teen
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Location: Franklin Park Zoo
The Jr. ZooTeen program is a creative and meaningful educational opportunity for highly-motivated youth ages 11 to 14. This program offers both a hands-on learning atmosphere as well as several mentoring relationships with senior staff members. To learn more about the Jr. Zoo Teen program, visit our Education section here.
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Zoo Ambassador
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| Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
This volunteer opportunity is for motivated, independent, gregarious individuals that enjoy answering questions, interacting with guests, and have a passion for animals and conservation. Zoo Ambassadors are trained in educational and guest relations techniques. They assist with admissions, guest services and education.
- Zoo Ambassadors must be 16+.
- Available in both the Summer and Winter Seasons.
- Zoo Ambassadors must complete at least one, three-hour shift per week between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- When the Zoo Ambassador completes 60 hours of volunteering he/she is eligible to apply to be a Keeper Aide or Education volunteer.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Wild Bunch
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| Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Wild Bunch volunteers are needed to assist with special events throughout the year. Volunteers help set up events, staff activity stations for guests of all ages, and help with event break down.
- Wild Bunch volunteers must be 14+.
- Available during Summer and Winter Seasons.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Education Volunteer/The Naturalist
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| Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Education volunteers encourage the public to think and learn about animals, habitats and conservation by helping them understand exhibits, enrichment and animal behaviors in an engaging way. They involve the public with educational tools and kits.
- Education volunteers must be 16+.
- Available after completion of 60 hours in an entry level role.
- Education volunteers must complete at least one, three-hour shift per week between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Zoo Ambassador
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| Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
This volunteer opportunity is for motivated, independent, gregarious individuals that enjoy answering questions, interacting with guests, and have a passion for animals and conservation. Zoo Ambassadors are trained in educational and guest relations techniques. They assist with admissions, guest services and education.
- Zoo Ambassadors must be 16+.
- Available in both the Summer and Winter Seasons.
- Zoo Ambassadors must complete at least one, three-hour shift per week between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- When the Zoo Ambassador completes 60 hours of volunteering they are eligible to apply to be a Keeper Aide or Education volunteer.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Horticulture Volunteer: Pollinator Inventory Group
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| Location: Franklin Park Zoo
At selected locations throughout the Zoo, from 9am to 11am, every Tuesday, from May through October, join our expert environmental horticulturists to use the I Naturalist phone application to identify pollinators. This is a great way to learn about native plants and local pollinators. Plus you will be helping the Zoo learn which insects are visiting the plants!
In an effort to match your interests and experience with the needs of our native plant nursery, and Zoo New England’s gardens and landscape, please fill out this survey in addition to your application.
Apply FPZ
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Horticulture Volunteer: Garden Installation Group
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Location: Franklin Park Zoo
From 9am to 11am, every Wednesday, from May through October, volunteers can assist our expert environmental horticulturists with planting new gardens at the Zoo. Many of the plants are perennials and native plants. While contributing to creating a healthy environment for pollinators and birds, this is a great opportunity to learn about planting design and gardening with native plants, right here in Boston! There are lots of plants to be planted, but on non-planting volunteer days, we will be mulching and weeding the new gardens.
In an effort to match your interests and experience with the needs of our native plant nursery, and Zoo New England’s gardens and landscape, please fill out this survey in addition to your application.
Apply FPZ
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Horticulture Volunteer: Organic Vegetable Gardening Group
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Location: Franklin Park Zoo
Join our expert environmental horticulturists, from 9am to 11am every Thursday, from May through October, in our Organic Garden, growing produce for our zoo animals! This year we will be installing Hugelkultur raised beds! Hugelkultur is a German word that means “hill culture.” Learn how to create nutrient rich plant environments with materials collected from the woods!
In an effort to match your interests and experience with the needs of our native plant nursery, and Zoo New England’s gardens and landscape, please fill out this survey in addition to your application.
Apply FPZ
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Commissary
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Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Assists Commissary staff in daily routine and provides quality, professional support to the staff as needed in diet preparation for Zoo animals.
- Commissary volunteers must be 18+
- Available during Summer and Winter Seasons.
- Commissary volunteers must complete at least one, two-hour shift per week between 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Education Volunteer/The Naturalist
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| Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Education volunteers encourage the public to think and learn about animals, habitats and conservation by helping them understand exhibits, enrichment and animal behaviors in an engaging way. They involve the public with educational tools and kits.
- Education volunteers must be 16+.
- Available after completion of 60 hours in an entry level role.
- Education volunteers must complete at least one, three-hour shift per week between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Keeper Aide
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| Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Keeper Aide volunteers assist the Animal Care department behind-the-scenes to help provide for the health, safety, care and enrichment of our diverse animal collection.
- Keeper Aide volunteers must be 18+. There is limited availability for volunteers who are 16+ at the Franklin Park Zoo’s Children’s Zoo area.
- Available after completion of 60 hours in an entry level role.
- Keeper Aides must complete at least one, four-hour shift per week.
- For the Summer Season the morning shift is between 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and the afternoon shift is between 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- For the Winter Season the morning shift is between 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and the afternoon shift is between 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Wild Bunch
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| Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Wild Bunch volunteers are needed to assist with special events throughout the year. Volunteers help set up events, staff activity stations for guests of all ages, and help with event break down.
- Wild Bunch volunteers must be 14+.
- Available during Summer and Winter Seasons.
Apply FPZ
Apply SZ
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Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Looking for a great team-building opportunity? Want to show your support for a community organization with an important mission? Group volunteering offers fulfilling opportunities for community groups and businesses to express their support of Zoo New England's mission. Projects include helping with special events, grounds keeping and special projects. Groups are also encouraged to share their special talents.
Ages 14+
Please note: There must be one 18+ chaperone for every ten participants under the age of 18.
Questions? Please see our FAQ for Group Volunteers.
Contact us for further information on our Group Volunteer Program or to book a group volunteer experience. We are scheduling groups at least six weeks in advance to ensure enough time to coordinate a suitable project.
Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Interested in volunteering, but unable to make a weekly commitment? The Wild Bunch might be the perfect opportunity for you. Wild Bunch volunteers are needed to help with special events. Opportunities involve assisting Zoo staff with our many special events for guests of all ages. Wild Bunch volunteers must be 14+.
Apply
