Volunteer - Zoos Victoria

Volunteer
Title:
Location:
Volunteer Tour Guide
Healesville Sanctuary
Description: Volunteer Tour Guides will facilitate and deliver tours that engage and inform visitors
about Healesville Sanctuary and our commitment to fighting extinction.
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 complement, not replace, our paid workers.
Key details of the volunteer role
What will you be
doing?
Volunteer Tour Guides will:
• Be supported by the Visitor Experience team to deliver thematic tours
which follow our ‘Connect, Understand, Act’ model, connecting visitors to
our animals and inspiring them to take action to save wildlife.
• work with the Visitor Experience team to ensure that the tours:
o run for approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
o are engaging, informative and presented in a friendly, open manner
o deepen and enrich a visitors’ experience of the Sanctuary
o are responsive to the needs and interests of visitorsare of a
professional standard
o fight extinction by advocating for our conservation campaigns to
visitors
• attend a morning briefing each shift with the team leader to plan the
itinerary for each shift based on what is happening in the Sanctuary
• operate the guide mobiles, if in possession of a valid driver’s licence and
completed familiarisation program, to provide tours for visitors who are
mobility impaired
• regularly liaise with the Visitor Experience team to ensure that the
information provided to visitors is accurate and up-to-date
• support the Visitor Experience team to provide excellent customer service
and to make visitors feel welcome
• promote Zoo membership, events, experiences, animal encounters, and
facilities to visitors
• offer information that will allow visitors to get the most out of their visit
from way finding within the Sanctuary to orientation outside of it
• provide specialty tours and assist visitors during special events,
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• be part of a dedicated team of extinction fighters and animal lovers.
Who are we
looking for?
Commitment
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
• team players
• interested in animals, wild places and conservation and sharing this
interest with zoo visitors
• reliable and communicative
• knowledgeable of the local area and the Sanctuary and/or open to
learning
• experienced in delivering interpretive experiences, presentations or tours
and/or open to learning.
• Experience in customer service is highly desirable.
Healesville Sanctuary 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 5 hours and are available each day from Monday to
Sunday. Volunteers must meet a minimum commitment of:
• at least one shift per month; and
• able to deliver at least two scheduled tours per shift (depending on
demand).
Volunteers who are willing to volunteer once a week during the school
holidays will be highly regarded.
Benefits to you
Training
Volunteers will:
• have an opportunity to be involved in a world-leading zoo-based
conservation organisation
• be part of a team of friendly, like-minded people
• receive training and the opportunity to learn new skills, in particular
presentation and interpretation skills, and to apply your learning in a
meaningful way
• gain extensive knowledge about the animals, conservation initiatives,
activities and facilities throughout the Sanctuary
• 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 Zoo 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.
Two half days of training is required to fulfil this commitment.
In addition, specialist training will be provided for this role and completion of
three training units is required:
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• facilitating interpretive experiences
• leading groups
• specific tour information
Costs
Location
Undertaking ongoing professional development, provided by Zoos Victoria, is
an expectation of this role. Tour guides will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
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
Healesville Sanctuary
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
Selection
Process
Equity and
accessibility
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 Tour Guide’ to
hsvolunteers@zoo.org.au
To find out more:
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to review the information below on
how to apply and follow the instructions
Applications will be individually assessed and eligible volunteers will be
invited to attend a brief group interview.
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.
• contact the Volunteer Coordinator on telephone 5959-2803 or email hsvolunteers@zoo.org.au
• visit www.zoo.org.au/get-involved/volunteer-at-zoos-victoria
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Last updated May 2013