Wanted: Motivated people who love animals!
If this job description fits, the Education Department at the Seneca Park Zoo has an offer you
cannot refuse!
Every year and through the year more than 80 knowledgeable, dedicated and friendly adults help deliver the Zoo's messages about animals. Should you decide to accept this very important and rewarding job, your new title will
be Docent!
Docents are education volunteers that come from all walks of life -
homemakers, retirees, teachers and a host of other occupations working
full or part-time. Some have college degrees, others do not. You do not
need to have an animal or teaching background to be a docent. If you
enjoy talking with people about animals and nature, then this is the
volunteer program for you. Here at the Seneca Park Zoo a docent's teaching job means inspiring others to explore the wonderful world of animals in hundreds of different way!
We are looking for folks who may be interested in joining this wonderful group of educators. You need to be at least 21 years old, willing to attend an informational meeting and six very informative classes held on Saturdays this spring.
Please note: Docents do not handle animals and are not involved with animal husbandry. Becoming a docent involves submitting an application, interviewing and participating in six very informative classes held on Saturdays this spring. Once trained, docents must make a five hour a month commitment to assist in the Zoo's educational activities.
Informational meetings (you are only required to attend one session) will be held in February for people interested in becoming a Docent or learning more about the Docent program. Interested candidates must go through an interview process following the informational meetings. Those dates are:
- 10 a.m. to Noon on February 5
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on February 11
- 9 to 11 a.m. on February 6
Those who meet all qualifications are then required to take part in
a six-week training class. The training class is held on six
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those dates are:
- March 6
- March 20
- April 10
- March 13
- March 27
- April 17
Click here for a volunteer application. Print it, fill it out and send it to Seneca Park Zoo Society, Docent Program, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621-1097