Animal Ambassador Docent

Applying for this role

Applications for Animal Ambassador Docent will open on January 1, 2026 and close January 31, 2026. Interviews in person or via Zoom will take place in February 2026.

Role Summary

Animal Ambassador Docents (AADs) introduce our Education Animals to our guests! Docents work with our Education Department, and, at advanced levels, with our Keepers. AAD’s are responsible for safely handling Education Animals, keeping up-to-date notes on each handling session, and cleaning any supplies used during programming.

This role is best suited for those who have an appreciation of, and passion for, conservation education, animals and youth. While previous animal handling experience is a plus, it is not required. What is required is a readiness to listen to and learn from the humans and animals with whom you work.

Responsibilities

Handle and present Education Ambassador animals for onsite and offsite HVZ programs
Demonstrate proper animal handling techniques, multitasking abilities, and interpretive skills
Maintain the safety of our education animals, members of the public, yourself and other volunteers
Use engaging body language, open-ended, exploratory questions & age appropriate vocabulary to help guests connect with animals
Teach guests about conservation actions they can take to care for wildlife and the environment
Complete regular reviews of animal handling, presentation, and knowledge with Conservation Education staff

Volunteering For All

AAD's are required to be flexible in a variety of different spaces. Programs on grounds are held in our outdoor Education Pavilion, inside the Discovery Center or within our Guest Services Center. Offsite programs can include spaces such as classrooms, community centers, and even outdoor tables. Volume levels can vary during presentations depending on the size of the group. AAD's regularly use up and down movements to reach animals in enclosures high up on shelves or lower to the floor.**

This role involves working hands-on with invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and is not suitable for those with phobias or anxiety surrounding animals. This role also presents to groups ranging in size from 5 to over 100, and may not be suitable for those with social anxiety.

*This role is currently available to individuals only. Those working with a direct service professional will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
**Please contact us if you are interested and able, but may need assistance with the physical aspects of this role. We will do our best to accommodate as we're able.

This role is NOT for you if...

You cannot make an 8 month commitment to volunteering. You need to be able to be here on a regular basis with minimal time away. Those with lengthy vacations or conflicting work schedules will find this role difficult to commit to.
You are hoping to handle any kind of dangerous animals. We want our AAD's to stay safe and healthy, and will not be going anywhere near our dangerous animals.
You're looking for a shortcut. Even if you have an animal care background, you will still be expected to go through the trainings and adhere to safety rules along with every other volunteer. There are no shortcuts.
You want to cuddle animals. The AAD volunteer program is concerned with teaching guests about conservation, and animal behavior and welfare. If you're looking to cuddle animals, the Dane County Humane Society has some excellent opportunities for you!

Requirements & Skills

18+ by the time of the orientation
Able to follow animal-handling policies and procedures as set by the Henry Vilas Zoo Education Department.
Able to reach up to shelves and bend down to take animals in and out of their enclosures
Excellent spatial and environmental awareness
Able to follow non-verbal cues
Friendly and engaging personality
Able to confidently present relevant/approved animal information to large groups (up to 100 people) and one-on-one
Dependable. We depend on our volunteers to be present and ready. When you are scheduled for a presentation, we are counting on you to be there.

Time Commitment

Volunteers commit to a weekly shift the same day of each week. Shifts are 9AM-1PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday.*

New AAD's will begin their season in March, directly after orientation, and end in October.

Those who complete a full season and intend on coming back have the option of continuing to volunteer during the off-season (Nov-Feb) into 2027.

*Those interested in Saturdays have the option to apply for a biweekly schedule.

Training

All volunteers commit to a series of online training modules that walk them through an orientation and any skills/knowledge needed for their specific role. All online training is completed before the first shift.

All AAD's must be able to attend the orientation in March (Saturday date TBA).

In addition to initial training, AAD's will practice and complete check-offs throughout the season as they learn to handle a variety of animals.

"Besides getting to hang out with super cool animals, I love being an Animal Ambassador Docent because I enjoy stories that strengthen the connection between humans and animals, hopefully sending guests away with the empathy and tools to be wildlife advocates. It feels great to go home at the end of the day and know that I have made a difference."

Darcy, Animal Ambassador Docent