VOLUNTEER
The Valley Zoo Development Society is constantly in need of volunteers to help with fundraising events, to fill Board positions, and more. Whether it’s short-term or long-term volunteer opportunities you are looking for, the Valley Zoo Development Society would welcome the help. Scroll through our current volunteer opportunities, Ark Project Volunteer Opportunities, Board Positions, Ambassadorships, and Zoo Positions to find one that is right for you!
EVENT POSITIONS
The Edmonton Valley Zoo Development Society hosts multiple fun events throughout the year. Our current volunteer opportunities are listed on Edmonton Volunteers! Look over the positions listed below, follow the link to apply for the position that’s right for you, and come join in the fun!
Remember to check often, as volunteer opportunities are updated regularly. If you are looking to participate in a specific event, volunteer opportunities for Zoominesence and Animal Attraction are posted at the end of October/November of each year, while ZooBrew and summer opportunities are listed starting at the end of April/May.
Liquor Sample Ticket Sellers
An outstanding individual who has excellent skills in customer relations, communication and problem solving. You will provide information to patrons regarding ticket prices, process ticket sales, maintain accuracy in financial transactions; counting, calculating, reconciling and be accountable for all transactions at your workstation.
* Please Note: Volunteers must be comfortable handling/counting money. Zoobrew Liquor Sample Tickets are sold in packages of 20 tickets for $20.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic & enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
Zoobrew Set Up & Takedown Crew
The Zoobrew Set Up & Take Down Crew position requires volunteers to assist a variety of breweries with loading their vehicles on site and setting up their stations before the event begins, checking in on their assigned breweries for any ice or supply needs, and helping those breweries with takedown at the end of the night to collect their bins and tickets. This position requires a large amount of walking and lifting or carrying up to 25lbs for an extended period of time (ice and brewery supplies), which may or may not be with the assistance of a small wagon.
* Please Note: This is a longer volunteer shift, which follows this general timeline:
2:30-5:00pm – Load in & Set-up.
5:00-9:00pm – General Brewery Support (As Needed.)
9:00-11:00pm – Takedown & Load-out
Zoobrew Set Up & Takedown Crew volunteers can enjoy the zoo when breweries are busy serving patrons, but volunteers must check in on breweries constantly throughout the night and are NOT permitted to consume any alcohol.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18+ years of age. ID required.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic, enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
Beer & Wine Raffle Attendant
Promote our Beer & Wine Raffle by interacting with guests and assisting with ticket purchases. Proceeds from Beer & Wine Raffle sales will go towards the Valley Zoo Development Society for revitalization projects for the Edmonton Valley Zoo.
* Please Note: Volunteers must be comfortable handling/counting money. Beer and Wine Tree Raffle tickets are sold at $5 per entry.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic, enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
ZooBrew Merch Booth Assistant
An outstanding individual who has excellent skills in customer relations, communication and problem solving. You will provide information to patrons regarding merchandise prices, process sales, maintain accuracy in financial transactions; counting, calculating, reconciling and be accountable for all transactions at your workstation.Â
* Please Note: Volunteers must be comfortable handling/counting money. Merchandise is sold at a variety of price points.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Previous Special Events Volunteer preferably ZooBrew.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic & enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
ZooBrew Prize Game Attendant
Promote our game station (either prize wheel or Plinko – to be determined) by interacting with guests and assisting with ticket purchases, as well as handing out any prizes won from the game by attendees. Proceeds from Prize Game sales will go to the Valley Zoo Development Society for revitalization projects for the Edmonton Valley Zoo.Â
* Please Note: Volunteers must be comfortable handling money. Prize Game entries are sold at $5 per play.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Previous Special Events Volunteer preferably ZooBrew.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic & enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
Beer Mug Handout
Every guest of ZooBrew receives a plastic reusable beer-sampling mug as a take-home zoo-venir. Attendants are responsible for being smiling friendly faces as guests enter the event while making sure each patron receives one mug. Volunteers will replenish mugs as needed throughout the evening.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic, enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
- Be prepared to be in the sun for long periods of time.
Entry Ticket Scanners
You are an outgoing and customer service-oriented individual who has excellent skills in customer relations and communication! Your smiling face will be the first to meet, greet and welcome guests while scanning their entry tickets.
* Please Note: This role requires the use of a personal cellphone device to scan tickets. Bringing your own power bank is recommended, or if you do not have one, you can bring a charging cord that can be plugged into one of our large batteries as necessary.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic, enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
Event Floater
Event floaters are the volunteers that help our event team pull off a successful event. Everything from running around bringing breweries needed supplies throughout the night to helping cover other volunteers’ breaks is in the job description. This position is best suited to individuals that thrive on a fast-paced and busy volunteer experience. Please note that event floaters are required to be able to lift at least 25 lbs as necessary from one area of the zoo to another. There are a wide variety of tasks that could be asked within this volunteer role that may or may not be planned for.
* Please Note: Heavy lifting and running around are required for this volunteer role.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic & enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision..
Volunteer Supervisor Assistant
We are looking for individuals to assist in helping guide and checking in on the volunteers. You may need to assist in covering for a break at the different locations to running with the event staff and or volunteer coordinator to make the night run smoothly. This is a senior volunteer role and previous Zoobrew volunteer experience is required.Â
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Previous Special Events Volunteer preferably ZooBrew.
- Attended a Volunteer Orientation Session.
- You must be energetic & enjoy interacting with the general public.
- Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
BOARD POSITIONS
VOLUNTEER ENDOWMENT FUND DEVELOPER
The Valley Zoo Development Society (VZDS) is seeking an experienced Endowment Fund Developer volunteer to develop and implement an endowment fund as part of a capital campaign as well as increase opportunities for sustained operational funding.
VZDS is a registered charity and not-for-profit organization committed to raising funds and awareness for the Valley Zoo. Since 1988, the VZDS has acted in partnership with the City of Edmonton to ensure the continued development of this treasured local facility.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the VZDS Board, the Endowment Fund Developer will:
- create and implement an overall endowment fund development strategy
- develop a framework for major individual and planned giving donors
- assist in developing and implementing a capital campaign
The key role of the Endowment Fund Developer is to improve the revenue of the VDZS. The candidate will engage in a team approach and thereby strengthen our organization’s capacity as a whole.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- develop, implement, and operate an endowment campaign
- develop and maintain a donor data base
- ensure community and funder relationships are developed, enhanced, and nurtured
- ensure that all reporting requirements are met
QUALIFICATIONS
- experience developing, implementing, and operation of a successful endowment campaign
- demonstrated abilities in strategic planning and problem solving
- proven abilities to work as a team player and to facilitate and mobilize support
- demonstrated, well-developed influencing, negotiating and sales skills
- ability to meet deadlines
- strong writing, presentation, and networking skills
- an understanding of budgets and financial reporting
- fully literate in Word, Excel, and one or more fundraising database program
- outgoing, inclusive, and welcoming in nature
- resourceful, motivated, and energetic
For more information, please call: 780-496-6924
HOW TO APPLY
Please forward resume and covering letter to: vzds@buildingourzoo.com
The Edmonton Valley Zoo has many fun and interactive volunteer opportunities, from day-to-day volunteer positions to their Special Event Volunteer Program and the Volunteer Education Ambassador Program. If you would like to volunteer at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, visit the City of Edmonton’s Volunteer page to find out how to apply.
HELP BUILD OUR ZOO!
It is through today’s zoos that future generations will come to a greater understanding of the human impact on the natural world and be motivated to preserve it and reverse the damage already done. Every donation, big or small, helps us revitalize our beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo! Thank you for caring for the animals, our children’s future and the planet!