Gate Greeter

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 is also very flexible, and would 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

8-10hrs/mo: Gate Greeters commit to a weekly shift with a minimum of x3 shifts/mo from the time they begin through August or September.

Gate Greeters are the most busy May through Labor Day. Shifts are available in April and September for those volunteers who want to balance their fast-paced days with some more relaxed times when we tend to get more local visitors.

All of these trainings are available as refreshers at any point upon request. Optional trainings allow you to try out other roles as shifts become available. They do not add to your minimum requirements (i.e. training in on another role doesn’t require you to add another set of weekly shifts). Training spots are limited; however, we will schedule more throughout the summer as interest and time allows.

• Online
  • Radio Training (40-50min)Volunteer Expectations (15-20min)
  • Introduction to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (20min)
  • Volunteer Software Basics (5-10min)
• In-Person
  • Onsite orientation (1hr) – Meet other volunteers, and HVZ Staff, guided Zoo tour, radio practice
• Optional
  • Henry the Lion/Handler – (Must be at least 14+) – Learn how to tell a story, don the lion/handler costume and get practice in costume on grounds
  • Train/Carousel – (Must be at least 18+) – Basic ride operation, safety protocols and guest training
  • Goat Yard – (Must be at least 10-13 w/ parent/guardian, or 14+) – Learn to open & close, operate and educate at the goat yard
  • Empathy/Interpretation – (Must be at least 10-13 w/ parent/guardian, or 14+) – ZOOM – Learn basic docent skills & practice empathy language. This training in particular will NOT allow you to pick up Wildlife Champion shifts. However, it will provide you with valuable interpretation and empathy-building skills that are useful in a variety of roles.

Henry Vilas Zoo is open regardless of weather. While we remain open, we trust our Gate Greeters to decide whether or not they would like to volunteer in light precipitation, cold/hot temperatures, etc. 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.