Gate Greeting volunteers work primarily at the front and/or bridge entrances of the Zoo. Covered information booths are just inside the gates. Greeters have the option of working inside or outside the booths depending on their preference/needs (booths are not wheelchair accessible). The front gate is surrounded by the parking lot, gift shop, bathrooms and Guest Services center. The bridge gate is next to a manned gift shop kiosk, and a short distance from the back parking lot, main bathrooms, and Glacier Grille.

This role regularly interacts with guests, and requires volunteers be comfortable engaging in social situations. However, this role would also be an excellent place to start for those working with a job coach on basic guest services and social skills.

• At least 14 years of age to volunteer independently; 10-13 with a parent/guardian
• Enjoys meeting new people and starting conversations
• Enjoys helping people feel welcome and sharing our Zoo with them
• Able to sit and/or stand for 2-2.5hrs at a time
• Able to hear and respond to radio calls

Volunteers commit to an onsite orientation before the start of their season (see Training). From there, volunteers commit to a weekly shift the same day of each week. Gate Greeter shifts are available every day of the week.

Gate Greeters start April through June and end August through October.

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 volunteers also commit to one onsite training set up specifically for their starting role. Applicants to the position will choose this date in their application.

Henry Vilas Zoo is open regardless of weather. While we remain open, we trust our volunteers to decide whether or not they would like to come in.

The volunteer is in charge of scheduling a make-up shift in the event they choose to stay home due to weather. In the event of truly inclement weather, we will call volunteers to cancel. In this case, volunteers do not need to make up their cancelled shift.