The goal of the CPZ volunteer program is to educate the public visitors at Central Park Zoo about wildlife and the importance of wildlife conservation, through interactive activities, guided tours, and education program support. Please note that volunteers do not help care for or handle zoo animals.

As a Central Park Zoo volunteer, you may:

• Lead inquiry based expeditions for schoolchildren and other zoo visitors through parts of the zoo.
• Assist Conservation Educators during family programs, school programs, and more.
• Get involved in a variety of special events and zoo activities.
• Meet like-minded individuals and become part of a community.
• Have fun!

Current Recruitment

For the 2026 season, we are currently recruiting for volunteers who can serve as educational tour guides one day per week (you will be asked to select a preferred day), Monday through Friday, on a weekly basis, from 9:45am-1:30pm. If you are unable to provide volunteer service on these days, please do not apply at this time. Applicants who are selected for the program must successfully interview, complete required virtual and in-person training sessions that will be held on Sunday afternoons in February and March (dates will be confirmed later this fall), and pass a federal background check before beginning active volunteer service.

The goal of the CPZ volunteer program is to educate the public visitors at Central Park Zoo about wildlife and the importance of wildlife conservation, through interactive activities, guided tours, and education program support- for this recruitment period, we are hiring for tour guides only. Please note that volunteers do not help care for or handle zoo animals.

Qualifications/Program Expectations:

• Ability to manage and engage large groups of all ages with enthusiasm, adaptability and clarity (a flare for theatrics is highly encouraged!), and maintain a firm tour timeline.
• Commit to providing service one day weekly (9:45a-1:30p) during our Spring, Summer and Fall seasons, leading tours for scheduled group visits, and, in the absence of scheduled tours, lead complimentary "pop-up" tours at regular intervals throughout the shift (tours tend to be far less frequent in the off-season and may not require weekly service, but we still encourage you to be here for pop-ups if it isn't too cold!).
• Understand and employ zoo safety protocols as needed.
• Undergo regular performance assessments.
• Communicate regularly with Coordinator of Volunteers and other key staff to ensure accurate and up-to-date zoo information is provided to tour attendees.
• Adhere to the volunteer program policies and represent WCS in a professional manner.
• Multilingual skills are a plus!
• Must be able to be on feet for long periods of time, unless using a mobility device such as a wheelchair.
• Must be 18 years of age or older unless otherwise specified.

Apply Now

Questions? Contact cpzvolunteers@wcs.org