Join Our Volunteer/Docent Team

Our volunteers are an integral part of the Frank Buck Zoo. By joining our team and committing your valuable time to such a great cause, you receive the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts have a positive effect on all our patrons, community and animals.

• Gift Shop - Retail Sales:
Interaction with zoo visitors, assists with stocking, pricing, ticket and merchandise sales.
• Giraffe Feeding Attendant:
Giraffe feeding takes place daily at 10:30am M-Sun. Attendants are needed to assist keeper with feedings by interacting with public, collecting donations, dispensing hand sanitizer, and working a gate. Feeding time is approx. 30-45 mins. each day. Sunscreen and hat recommended.
• Storytime Helper:
Storytime takes place each Wed. June thru August @ 10:00am. Helper would begin gathering supplies @ 9:30am (carpet samples, activities, snacks), set-up, distribute snacks, clean-up.
• Education Docent:
Assist education specialist with classes, and camp. Learn about the animals so you can give exhibit talks to the public. Work in the petting zoo. and much more.
• Construction:
We always have projects going on at the zoo! Currently we are working to renovate the petting zoo area to better serve both animals and zoo visitors. We are raising fences,adding gated corrals, and hopefully a new wash station. We would love your help!
• Landscaping:
We would love your help in keeping the zoo green! We have several sources willing to donate bamboo to help us screen and green up our zoo grounds but no one to go collect and plant the plants. We have a lovely environment to showcase yours or your group's green thumbs!
• Special Events:
We are always happy to have volunteers for our Special Events. We have many different opportunities to help with event like Spring Fling, Breakfast with the Animals, Earth Day, Zoo Boo and many more!

 

• Petting Zoo Attendant:
When the petting zoo is finished being renovated to properly contain animals, we will need volunteers to interact with the public, supervise the petting zoo area, work a gate, direct public to hand sanitizing stations.
• Biofact Cart Attendant :
Three carts are currently being renovated. These carts will be placed in Africa, South America, and North American areas of the zoo. Carts will display various biofacts for which we will need attendants.

 

 

We require the following of all applicants of this program:
* Commitment of at least 1 day a month (Two shifts available)
* Completed volunteer application
* Volunteer orientation and training
 
Become an Education Docent
Deadline for applications is May 15, 2006 (for June 3 training)
Would you like to teach the public about Frank Buck Zoo’s animals? Education Docents work with the education staff to teach others about the Zoo’s animals in a variety of the Zoo’s educational programs. Dedicated Education Docents may be trained to handle some of the Zoo’s education animals.
Education Docents will have the opportunity to work in the petting zoo, man bio-buggies, assist with Summer Safari Day Camp, help with giraffe feedings, exhibit interpretation, zoo snoozes, and special events. To be an Education Docent, you must attend a week-long training session held Sat, June 3rd from 8:00 am– 4:00 pm. A $35 activity fee is required for this program and includes a t-shirt, field trip, year-end party, and the day-long training. Education Docents are expected to volunteer at least 40 hours annually.

Please fill out the attached application and criminal history release form and mail to:
Attn: Casey Harris
Frank Buck Zoo
1000 W. California St.
Gainesville, TX 76240
Phone (940)727-9097


Deadline for Application is May 15, 2006

Click here for Application

 

 

For information on how to get involved with the
Frank Buck Zoo Volunteer/Docent Program

Contact the Frank Buck Zoo Staff at (940) 668-4539