HVZ Animal Handling Docent Application - Henry Vilas Zoo

Thank you so much for joining the team! Please find our application below. You can contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lauren Salzmann, with any questions at volunteer@henryvilaszoo.gov/#608-283-1612.

2023 HVZ Animal Handling Docent Volunteer Application

Part 1: Contact Information

Why are we asking for this? We send weekly volunteer updates for all active and interested volunteers. We occasionally send invites and other information through the mail. In the event we need to get a hold of you quickly, we may call or text.

Last Name(Required)

First Name(Required)

Pronouns(Required)

Birthdate(Required)

Race/Ethnicity

Language(s) Spoken

Shirt Size(Required)

Street Address(Required)

Apt #

City(Required)

State(Required)

Zip Code(Required)

Email(Required)

Mobile/Home Phone#(Required)

Texting Agreement(Required)

At HVZ we sometimes use texting to communicate with our volunteers for specific events/projects, onsite inclement weather warnings, and/or to communicate last minute scheduling changes.

The number above is my preferred mobile phone. I give HVZ my permission to send text messages for the purposes of events I sign up for, weather warnings and last minute scheduling changes.

The number above is my preferred mobile phone. I do NOT give HVZ permission to communicate with me by text.

The number above is a home number that cannot receive texts.

Emergency Contact Name (First & Last)(Required)

Relation(Required)

Emergency Contact Phone#(Required)

Type of #(Required)

How did you hear about volunteering with us?(Required)

Part 2: Prerequisites

As part of becoming an Animal Handling Docent you will be required to complete three shifts of Gate Greeting and 20hrs of Wildlife Champion. This will set up your summer schedule. YOUR AHD SCHEDULE MAY/MAY NOT DIFFER FROM THE ONE BELOW.

Gate Greeting/Wildlife Champion Season

Choose how long you’d like to volunteer during the year.

Gate Greeting/Wildlife Champion Schedule

Full shifts have been removed from the drop down list.

Which training date(s) are you able to make?

On-site Training: May 19, 2023, 9:30AM-11AM

On-site Training: May 20, 2023, 9:30AM-11AM

Part 3: Animal Handling

Animal Handling Season

Choose how long you’d like to volunteer during the year.

First Choice Animal Handling Schedule

Full shifts have been removed from the drop down list.

Second Choice Animal Handling Schedule

Full shifts have been removed from the drop down list.

Are you able to make the in-person orientation on October 7, 2023, 9AM-1PM @ HVZ?

Yes

Previous Experience

Please list any previous experience with zoos, aquariums, conservation, interpretation, education, animal handling/care, youth/families, guest services. Click on the + symbol to the right add each experience. Previous experience is NOT required. It is just a way for us to get an idea of where you’re coming from. 🙂

Role

Time Period

Responsibilities

Why do you want to be an Animal Handling Docent at Henry Vilas Zoo specifically?

What do you hope to gain from your experience as an AHD?

Any questions/comments/clarifications for us? And/OR are there any times during the year you foresee yourself being unable to volunteer for any reason?

Finally, the VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT

This agreement is made by and between Dane County and the undersigned individual, hereinafter the “Volunteer.” The Volunteer will participate in Dane County’s Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteer Program. The Volunteer agrees to conduct volunteer work according to the terms of this program, which are available from Henry Vilas Zoo. The Volunteer understands that they are not an employee of Dane County, and is not entitled to compensation from Dane County. The Volunteer understands that Dane County will not be paying wages, stipend, or Workman’s Compensation benefits. Activities will occasionally require physical activity in an outdoor setting, including walking or standing. Activities will also require interaction with Zoo guests including communication about facilities, directions and other information. The Volunteer gives permission to Henry Vilas Zoo to use images of them while on grounds in a promotional capacity for the Zoo and its programs. I understand that a criminal background check is part of the onboarding process for all adult volunteers.

Parent/Guardian Signature (if volunteer is under 18)