Volunteer

2027 Zoo Knoxville Youth Volunteer Program

The Zoo Knoxville Youth Volunteer Program is designed for students ages 13-17 that have an interest in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. Through their participation, youth volunteers will receive hands-on experience in the fields of animal care, zoology, and conservation. They will also work to develop leadership, communication, and customer service skills, all while learning advocacy for themselves and for their environment. This program is a valuable learning experience and a meaningful addition to a college or career resume, but it also requires a genuine commitment to participation, communication, and follow-through.

Youth volunteers support our mission through a variety of activities, which may include:

Engaging with guests outside of exhibits and at conservation stations
Assisting Wild Encounter staff with our animal encounter experiences (Tortoise Trail, Ostrich Feeding, Petting Zoo, Giraffe Feeding, etc.)
Supporting our summer zoo camp programs by helping camp instructors with setup, cleanup, and camp activities
Helping with zoo events such as Brush with the Wild, Boo at the Zoo, Vol Day, Animal Awareness days, Touch-a-Truck, etc.

2027 Zoo Knoxville Volunteer Program Requirements:

Must be 13 years or older by April 1, 2027.
Provide a one-time program fee of $50.
Serve a minimum of 50 hours per calendar year
Volunteer meetings are required. Meetings are recorded and these are currently held online.
Maintain a Zoo Knoxville Membership- volunteers receive a discounted membership. This does not have to be purchased until you begin volunteering.
Parents/guardians/youth volunteers reading weekly email updates staying up to date with what’s going on in the Zoo and volunteer program.

Application Instructions:

The 2027 Youth Volunteer Application will consist of the following sections:

Application Form: The first step is to complete the online youth volunteer application form. The application will ask for basic information, emergency contacts, etc. Its so important that students answer all questions thoroughly, reflecting commitment and professionalism.

Essay: There will be a section to upload a short essay as part of the application. The essay should answer the following questions:

Why do you want to be in the Youth Volunteer Program?
If you are selected to be a youth volunteer? How are you going to stay committed to the volunteer program and make it a priority?
What are your future college/career goals? How would this volunteer program support those goals?
The length of the essay is up to you, however, we ask that it does not exceed two pages. Provide us with enough information about yourself and why you believe you would make a good candidate for our Youth Volunteer program.

References: Please provide the contact information for at least two references that we may contact to learn more about you and your work ethic. These references should be from a NON-family member (i.e. school teacher, coach, church member, etc.) Please make sure you let your references know ahead of time that you are providing their information as a contact.

Each portion of the application must be completed and submitted by Monday, February 1, 2027. That is a hard deadline. Please read the application instructions and requirements carefully before applying. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2027 APPLICATION

NEW for 2027 Early bird Youth Volunteer Priority Review

Want to get a head start on the 2027 Youth Volunteer Program application process?

Applicants who submit their completed 2027 Youth Volunteer Application Packet by December 31, 2026 will be eligible for Priority Review.

Priority Review applicants will have their completed application materials reviewed before applications submitted closer to the regular February 1, 2027 deadline. Applicants who meet program qualifications may also have the opportunity to be contacted and scheduled for an interview earlier in the application process.

Please note that Priority Review does not guarantee an interview or acceptance into the Youth Volunteer Program. Applications must be complete (application form, essay and references) to be considered.

Submitting early simply gives applicants the opportunity to have their materials reviewed sooner—so if you are ready, there is no need to wait until February!

2027 APPLICATION LINK

Additional Information:

If you have any questions about the Youth Volunteer Program or the application process, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator Autumn Jackson-Snider [email protected].

Zoo Knoxville Adult Volunteer Program

If you love animals and sharing your passion for wildlife and wild places, the Zoo Knoxville volunteer program is perfect for you! All volunteers start as zoo ambassadors, engaging our guests by interpreting at exhibits, sharing animal information, presenting biofacts, and participating in special events and community outreach. Advanced opportunities may include keeper assistance and animal handling, if positions are available. We onboard adult volunteers in group sessions, with a few available introductory workshops throughout the year.

Zoo Knoxville Adult Volunteer Program Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Provide a one-time program fee of $75. Fee waivers may be available upon request.
Serve a minimum of 50 hours per calendar year.
Attend monthly volunteer meetings- these are currently held online via Zoom.
Maintain a Zoo Knoxville Membership. Volunteers receive a discounted membership. This does not have to be purchased until you begin volunteering.

Group Volunteer Details

Group Requirements:

Must be 16 years of age or older to be a community volunteer.
Zoo Knoxville Grounds department can accommodate groups on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
We have one shift available: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
All group members sign a liability release form prior to volunteering.
Group Volunteer tasks involve picking up trash, cleaning habitat windows, weeding, trimming, mulching, bamboo removal and more.
Groups need to be able to bring their own gloves and reusable bottle to stay hydrated.
Email zkvolunteers@zooknoxville your groups name, how many plan on coming to volunteer and a date your group wants to volunteer. We will coordinate with our grounds department.

Application Details

Interested in applying in 2026 and joining our wildly fun volunteer team? Please reach out to [email protected] for more information and a link to our online application.