Youth ages 13–17
VOLUNTEER POSITION OVERVIEW
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Teen Team, teenagers ages 13 to 17, can make new friends, learn something new, and play a vital role in educating Zoo visitors. Teens will receive special hands-on training, including educating the public about conservation, presenting wildlife biofacts, and handling animals. They’ll participate in special events and share their new knowledge on wildlife and conservation issues with guests, learning the skills they’ll need later in life and gaining valuable work experience.
We bring on new Teen Team volunteers once a year. The annual process starts in February when we open applications, where applications remain open for two months. You will be able to complete the application using the link below at that time. Three required documents need to be attached to the application, and those documents will be available on the application when it opens.
Teens must apply for the Teen Team program and complete an interview on a pre-scheduled interview date. If selected, teens must attend a multi-day training program and pass a final exam. Training classes will be during the summer, on the weekends. Upon successful completion of training, teens volunteer on select Saturdays and Sundays each month. During Summer break, teens may have the opportunity to volunteer on weekdays by assisting with Summer Camp.
For Parents
The Teen Team program is designed to foster independence, professionalism, and responsibility in teens. Our program is designed to provide a healthy boost to teens’ self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. While parental support is important, it’s crucial that teens take the initiative in managing their volunteer commitments just as they would in a paid position. This means they should be the primary contact for communications and be proactive in handling their schedules and responsibilities.
Please encourage your teen to fill out the application themselves, have them use their own email and phone number in the application, and encourage them to communicate directly with Volunteer Services staff. This experience is not only about volunteering but also about growing into responsible, professional, and self-sufficient young adults.
The application and onboarding process is as follows:
Questions?
Contact the Volunteer Office at 407.323.4450 ext. 127 or email volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org.
