Opportunities

We rely on Zoo Crew members to provide outstanding customer service to all Zoo guests and perform the following duties:

My Big Backyard

Help the Zookeeper feed the animals, monitor the animals' behavior around Zoo visitors and answer visitors' questions.

African Rift Valley

You'll do anything from interpreting animal artifacts to learning how acidic vulture stomach juices are by demonstrating a fun experiment. 

The Loft

There is always something going on in the Loft!  Learn about and assist the keepers with basic husbandry skills.  Engage our Zoo guests while preparing diets, making a treat for the animals or a creating a fun craft.

Summer Camp

Spend your summer assisting our camp counselors! You will help us with the daily routine of running our camps and gain valuable experience working with children and animals.   ** New for 2012 – Select teens will be chosen to help assist our camps as “counselors in training.” 

Face Painting

Experience the pleasure of bringing a smile to someone's face by painting animal designs on the faces, arms and hands of visitors. All face-painting materials are provided, and donations to the Zoo Crew Program are accepted from visitors for this service.

Button Making

Use a button-making machine to make animal buttons and sell them to visitors. This is a good way to practice your math and communication skills while providing the public with a Cheyenne Mountain Zoo souvenir.

Special Events

Become an integral part of special events such as Teddy Bear Days, Boo at the Zoo, Electric Safari and other fun days at the Zoo. Duties may include setup, crafts, storytelling, staffing, registration and cleanup.

Zoo Projects

Help the Zoo enhance each visitor's experience by joining in horticulture projects, making seed sticks for our Budgie Birds and more.

Create your summer schedule following a few guidelines:

• Zoo Crew members volunteer at least 21 hours a week from the last week of May through Labor Day (or until school starts).
• We prefer that you work the same days and shifts throughout the summer.

Shifts:  Full day 9:00 am – 4:00pm
             Half day 9:00 am-12:30pm OR 12:30pm-4:00pm
 
* CMZoo cannot guarantee your schedule *

• Back by popular demand!  We are looking for additional help Fridays thru Sundays – only!  If your weekdays are busy with other commitments, then this option is for you!  Zoo Crew members volunteer at least 4 days a month (Friday – Sunday) from the last week in May through mid August. (Or until school starts).
• Variations to this schedule for family vacations or other camps must be arranged with the Zoo Crew manager at least two weeks in advance, and you must make up any missed time.

Dates to mark on your calendar for 2012!

Teen Interviews:
(In April, we will email you to set up a specific time for your interview.)

•Tuesday, April 10th  
•Wednesday, April 11th
•Thursday, April 12th
•Saturday, April 14th




Zoo Crew Orientation:
(Attending one orientation is mandatory for both the teen and one parent/guardian.)

• Date: Saturday, April 28th   Time: 9am – 11am 
  OR
• Date: Thursday, May 3rd   Time: 6pm - 8pm



Zoo Crew Trainings:
(All trainings are mandatory for the teens.)

• Date: Saturday, May 5th Time: 9am - 1pm
  AND

• Date: Saturday, May 12th  Time: 9am – 1pm
  AND

• Date: Thursday, May 24th  Time: 5pm – 8pm




1st Day of Zoo Crew:
(Schedules will be modified to accommodate school dismissal dates)

• Date: Tuesday, May 29th

Zoo Crew Program Fees

2012 Full summer – new members: $197.50

2012 Full Summer – returning members: $187.50

2012 Weekends Only - $62.50

This fee includes one Zoo Crew t-shirt, nametag and beverage cup, as well as daily supervision, program supplies and materials, Zookeeper talks and tours, special guests and more.  .

Teens also have the opportunity to be a part of the Zoo Crew team through out the year on select weekend days and for special events at no additional charge.

Note: $2.50 from each Zoo Crew registration goes to Quarters for Conservation, which expands Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's regional and global conservation efforts.

Scholarships

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a scholarship fund for its educational programs. Scholarships can be either full or partial. Criteria for selecting children for the program is based upon need. A $25 deposit is required for all scholarship registrations. Application deadline for Summer Scholarship Form - TEENS submission is April 1, 2012.

Zoo Crew Application Process:

1. Complete the Zoo Crew Online Application at this link during the application time. Please check back in Spring 2013.
   
2. Write an essay to submit as part of your online application. Or, if you need more space, type your essay and mail it with your waiver form and reference letters to the address below.  Essays are due by April 1, 2012.  Applications are not considered complete until essay is received.  

   Questions to address in your essay:

   1. Why do you want to be a part of Zoo Crew?
   2. What are your future career plans, goals and ambitions?
   3. What do you hope to gain from this experience?
   
   
3. Download and complete the Release and Waiver of Claims form. (After you submit your application online, return to our website using the link provided so you can complete this step.)
4. Have two references print and complete the online recommendation Reference Form and submit via mail. References are due by April 1, 2012. Applications are not considered complete until we receive both Recommendation Forms.
5. All volunteers are required to have written record of a NEGATIVE TB test.  TB tests need to be updated every year. Thank you for your help with this critical part of the Zoo’s Preventative Health Program.
6. Mail your letter reference and signed waiver form (along with the completed essay if you were unable to submit it online) to:

Volunteer Services Manager
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd
Colorado Springs, CO  80906

7. Practice your interviewing skills. After the application deadline, we will contact you to set up an interview.  Interviews will take place in early April.  
8. Attend your scheduled interview.
9. Soon after your interview, we will notify you about acceptance. If accepted, you will receive receive more information about the orientation and training schedule.
   *Please note that Zoo Crew is a highly competitive program and not all applicants will be selected.  The application, essay, recommendation forms, interview skills, summer availability and prior experience will all contribute to the decision.  Again, not everyone will be selected for the summer 2012 program. *

10. Attend the mandatory orientation and training sessions. These sessions will provide all of the information and tools you'll need to serve the Zoo, and will ensure that your volunteer experience is rewarding.

Questions? Call 719.633.9925, ext. 127, or e-mail volunteer@cmzoo.org.