Volunteer - Zoos Victoria

Volunteer
Title:
Location:
Volunteer Visitor Host
Melbourne Zoo
Description: Volunteer Visitor Hosts will be part of the face of Melbourne Zoo, helping visitors get
the most of their visit through excellent customer service and helping visitors fight
extinction by advocating for our conservation campaigns.
About Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria operates world-class zoos on three sites: Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and
Werribee Open Range Zoo. Our vision is to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation
organisation through our commitment to fight extinction. Zoos Victoria provides innovative wildlifebased
recreation and learning experiences that inspire and facilitate visitors to take conservation
actions that make a measurable and positive difference.
Volunteers play a very important role in the life of Zoos Victoria. They contribute to the success of
Zoos Victoria by furthering our reach and capacity in fighting extinction, adding value to a visitor’s
day, and complementing, not replacing, our staff.
Key details of the volunteer role
What will you be doing?
Who are we looking for?
Volunteer Visitor Hosts will:
• greet visitors and make them feel welcome
• circulate along Melbourne Zoo’s Main Drive from Main Gate, to
Heart of the Zoo, to Rail Gate
• support the Visitor Experience team to provide excellent
customer service
• offer information that will allow visitors to get the most out of
their visit from way finding within the Zoo to orientation outside
of it
• assist visitors to plan their visit by recommending experiences,
services, activities and exhibits that meet their needs and
interests
• be a “refresher” to visitors as they leave and enter different
precincts within the Zoo – discussing what they’ve seen and
where they are headed next
• assist in managing visitors in queues awaiting entry to Zoo
• host visitors attending special events at the Zoo
• fight extinction by advocating for our conservation campaigns to
visitors
People who are:
• comfortable approaching visitors and starting conversations
• able to relate to and adjust information accordingly for visitors
from a range of backgrounds and all ages
• proactive and creative
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• team players
• interested in animals, wild places and conservation
• reliable and communicative
• knowledgeable of the local area and the Zoo and/or open to
learning
• experienced in delivering excellent customer service and/or
open to learning.
Commitment
Melbourne Zoo is open every day of the year and experiences its
busiest times during weekends, public holidays and school
holidays. We are looking particularly for volunteers who can help us
on these busy days.
Shifts are a minimum of 3 hours and are available each day from
Monday to Sunday. Volunteers must meet a minimum commitment
of at least once a fortnight. Volunteers who are willing to volunteer
once a week during the school holidays will be highly regarded.
Benefits to you
Training
Costs
Location
Volunteers will:
• have an opportunity to be involved in a world-leading zoo-based
conservation organisation
• be part of a team of friendly, likeminded people
• receive training and the opportunity to learn new skills, and to
apply your learning in a meaningful way
• have an opportunity to get involved in other volunteer roles
subject to interest and availability
• receive a range of benefits including discounts, invitations to
special events, regular news updates and discounted
membership after 12 months volunteer service.
All new volunteers must attend and complete training in the Zoos
Victoria Core Module, which includes training units such as
volunteering at the Zoo, safety and emergency procedures, and
providing positive visitor experiences. One day training is required
to fulfil this commitment.
Costs:
• Zoos Victoria membership – currently $91 per year + $15 once
off joining fee for an adult. For all membership costs see
www.zoo.org.au/members . Please note, after 12 months active
volunteer service the membership is reduced to $20 per year.
• Working with Children Check (if you don’t already have one) –
free for volunteers
Melbourne Zoo
Requirements • Current Working with Children Check
• Zoos Victoria Membership
• Compliance with the Code of Conduct
• Wear the uniform provided
• 18 years +
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Demonstrated passion for wildlife and wild places
• Experience in customer service is highly desirable.
Selection Process
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to review the information
below and follow the instructions on how to apply.
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Applications will be individually assessed and eligible volunteers will
be invited to attend a brief group interview.
Equity and accessibility
Adults of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and skills are encouraged
to become Zoos Victoria volunteers.
There is no upper age limit as long as you continue to be fit, active,
able and willing to learn and remember new information and adapt
to change as the Zoo develops.
How do I apply for this volunteer opportunity?
Compile a short application outlining:
• why volunteering at Zoos Victoria appeals to you
• your previous experience and suitability with this role (including a C.V. if applicable)
• availability
• contact information
Please send you application, with the subject line ‘Application for Volunteer Visitor Host’ to
mzvolunteers@zoo.org.au
To find out more:
• contact the Volunteer Coordinator on telephone 9285 9321 or email mzvolunteers@zoo.org.au
• visit www.zoo.org.au/get-involved/volunteer-at-zoos-victoria
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Last updated November 2012