You love animals and want to dedicate your career to working with them. How do you get started? The best way is to gain experience working at a place that has the job you want. The Akron Zoo has a Jr Interpreter Teen Volunteer program for students ages 14-18 yrs old. While volunteering at the zoo, you get an in depth look at how the zoo operates and some insight regarding potential careers.
“My experience at the Akron Zoo has been amazing,” says Jr Interpreter, Maddy H. “I have learned so much and gained so many new friends after only volunteering for two years! Through volunteering, I met many keepers and other staff at the Zoo, and they were able to give me insight into what goes on in the animal care world. I have even gotten a more definite idea of what I would like to be in the future: an educational zookeeper! Without the zoo, I would just be another girl who loves animals but with only a vague idea of what I would like to do. Thanks to the Jr Interpreter program, I not only know what I want to do as my career, but I also gained a new group of friends I could call family!”
The Zoo is a great place to learn valuable public speaking, interpersonal and connection building skills. Our Jr Interpreters also help guests connect with our animal residents and inspire them to take conservation action.
“Volunteering at the Akron Zoo has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life,” says Evelyn M. “I was given the privilege of being a part of the Jr. Interpreter program from 2016 through 2020, and each year I was more excited to return than the last. As a Jr. Interpreter, my role was to educate guests who visited the park about our animals at the Zoo and our conservation message. Having the opportunity to teach others has been invaluable to me, and has taught me many things as well. Seeing people develop a passion for protecting wildlife was the highlight of my summers, and an experience I will always cherish.
“This program is an incredible learning experience for anyone wishing to work in the zoological field, or even for someone who wishes to pursue another career,” continues Evelyn. “As a Jr. Interpreter, you learn the inner workings of the Zoo and animal care. You also learn about the other side of the Zoo: the people! On grounds, you are given opportunities to develop your communication skills, educating the guests and working closely with the staff members. The Jr. Interpreter program has provided me with skills that I will continue to use throughout my life, and built memories that I will always hold dear.”
The Akron Zoo is now accepting Jr Interpreter applications for the 2021 summer season. Applications are due by 3:30 p.m. on March 15, 2021. They can be mailed, emailed, or delivered to the Zoo. Applicants that submit a completed packet will be invited to the virtual information session on March 21. For those that are accepted into the program, training will begin at the end of March and conclude in April. Details will be sent accordingly.