Volunteer
Title:
Visitor Engagement Volunteer
Location:
Melbourne Zoo
Description: Visitor Engagement Volunteers will engage with visitors to help fight extinction. They
will be advocates for our conservation campaigns, and foster connections with wildlife
through serendipitous animal-based encounters, activities and talks in award-winning
precincts such as Trail of the Elephants, Gorilla Rainforest, and Wild Sea.
About Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria operates world-class zoos on three sites: Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and
Werribee Open Range Zoo. Our vision is to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation
organisation through our commitment to fight extinction. Zoos Victoria provides innovative wildlifebased recreation and learning experiences that inspire and facilitate visitors to take conservation
actions that make a measurable and positive difference.
Volunteers play a very important role in the life of Zoos Victoria. They contribute to the success of
Zoos Victoria by furthering our reach and capacity in fighting extinction, adding value to a visitor’s
day, and complement, not replace, our paid workers.
Melbourne Zoo Precincts
Melbourne Zoo’s unique precincts, including Trail of the Elephants, Gorilla Rainforest, and Wild Sea
connect visitors to wildlife, help visitors understand the threats to wildlife through key conservation
campaigns like They’re Calling On You, Don’t Palm Us Off and Seal the Loop, and encourage
visitors to help fight extinction through measurable and achievable actions.
Key details of the volunteer role
What will you be
doing?
Visitor Engagement Volunteers will:

be a key part of the interpretive journey of visitors, helping deepen and
enrich a visitors’ experience of the zoo

gain extensive knowledge about the animals, conservation initiatives,
activities and facilities in designated precincts of the Zoo, such as Gorilla
Rainforest, Trail of the Elephants and Wild Sea
share your knowledge with visitors in an engaging and friendly way by
circulating through the assigned precinct, interacting and being available
to answer visitors’ questions


help create connections between visitors and wildlife by delivering
impromptu talks, interpretive presentations and facilitate serendipitous
encounters with animals

run a range of activities at various locations, such as the Orang-utan
Zoopermarket, for visitors of all ages

assist with holiday programs and Quarterly Campaigns such as the
Transformation Station

support the Visitor Experience team to provide excellent customer service
and to impart priority messages to visitors

liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure that the information
Volunteer Role Description – Visitor Engagement Volunteer
Last updated November 2012
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
Who are we
looking for?
provided to visitors is accurate and up-to-date
fight extinction by advocating for our conservation campaigns to visitors.
People who are:

comfortable approaching visitors and starting conversations

able to relate to and adjust information accordingly for visitors from a
range of backgrounds and all ages

proactive and creative
team players


interested in animals, wild places and conservation and sharing this
interest with zoo visitors

reliable and communicative

knowledgeable of the local area and the Zoo and/or open to learning

experienced in delivering interpretive experiences and/or open to learning.
Commitment
Volunteers must meet a minimum commitment of at least:

one 3 hour shift per fortnight
Benefits to you
Volunteers will:


Training
have an opportunity to be involved in a world-leading zoo-based
conservation organisation
be part of a team of friendly, like-minded people

receive training and the opportunity to learn new skills, in particular
presentation and interpretation skills, and to apply your learning in a
meaningful way

have an opportunity to get involved in other volunteer roles subject to
interest and availability

receive a range of benefits including discounts, invitations to special
events, regular news updates and discounted Zoo Membership after 12
months volunteer service.
All new volunteers must attend and complete training in the Zoos Victoria
Core Module, which includes training units such as volunteering at the zoo,
safety and emergency procedures, and providing positive visitor experiences.
One day training is required to fulfil this commitment.
In addition, specialist training will be provided for this role and completion of
two training units is required. These units are:

facilitating interpretive experiences – one half day

developing and maintaining specialist knowledge required by Visitor
Engagement Role – one half day
Undertaking ongoing professional development, provided by Zoos Victoria, is
an expectation of this role.
Costs
Location
Costs:

Zoos Victoria membership – currently $91 per year + $15 once off joining
fee for an adult. For all membership costs see www.zoo.org.au/members
Please note, after 12 months active volunteer service the membership is
reduced to $20 per year.

Working with Children Check (if you don’t already have one) – free for
volunteers
Melbourne Zoo
Volunteer Role Description – Visitor Engagement Volunteer
Last updated November 2012
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Requirements
Selection
Process

Current Working with Children Check

Zoos Victoria Membership

Compliance with the Code of Conduct

Wear the uniform provided

18 years +

Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time

Demonstrated passion for wildlife and wild places

Experience in customer service and presentation skills is highly desirable
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to:

Review the information below on how to apply and follow the instructions
on how to apply
Applications will be individually assessed and eligible volunteers will be
invited to attend a brief group interview.
Equity and
accessibility
Adults of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and skills are encouraged to become
Zoos Victoria volunteers.
There is no upper age limit as long as you continue to be fit, active, able and
willing to learn and remember new information and adapt to change as the
Zoo develops.
How do I apply for this volunteer opportunity?
Compile a short application outlining:

why volunteering at Zoos Victoria appeals to you

your previous experience and suitability with this role (including a C.V. if applicable)

availability

contact information
Please send you application, with the subject line ‘Application for Visitor Engagement Volunteer’ to
mzvolunteers@zoo.org.au
To find out more:

contact the Volunteer Coordinator on telephone 9285 9321 or email mzvolunteers@zoo.org.au

visit www.zoo.org.au/get-involved/volunteer-at-zoos-victoria
Volunteer Role Description – Visitor Engagement Volunteer
Last updated November 2012
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