Wanted: Motivated people who love animals!
If this job description fits, the Education Department at the Seneca Park Zoo has an offer you
can't refuse!
Every year and through the year more than 80 knowledgeable, dedicated and friendly adults help deliver the Zoo's messages about animals and the Zoo's conservation efforts to protect them.
Should you decide to accept this very important and rewarding job, your new title will be Docent. That's from the Latin word docere, which means teacher. And at the Seneca Park Zoo a docent's teaching job means inspiring others to explore the wonderful world of animals in hundreds of different ways.
You will be armed with the teaching tools to become a successful Docent, with access (once you graduate from "Docent College" that is!) to hundreds of "Biofacts," literally evidence left behind from animals which might include a skeleton of a hawk, the pelt of a tiger or the shell of a tortoise, teaching tools that you become knowledgeable about and are able to share through handling by the visitors.
We are looking for folks who may be interested in joining this wonderful group of educators. You need to be at least 21 years old, willing to attend an informational meeting and six very informative classes held on Saturdays this spring.
Please note: Docents do not handle animals and are not involved with animal husbandry. Becoming a docent involves submitting an application, interviewing and participating in six very informative classes held on Saturdays this spring. Once trained, docents must make a five hour a month commitment to assist in the Zoo's educational activities.
Are you interested in joining? See below.
Informational meetings (you are only required to attend one session) will be held for people interested in becoming a Docent or learning more about the Docent program. Interested candidates must go through an interview process following the informational meetings. Those dates are:
- 10 a.m. to Noon on August 28
Those who meet all qualifications are then required to take part in a six-week training class. The training class is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those dates are:
- September 18 & 25
- October 2, 9, 23 & 30
For more information about joining see www.senecaparkzoo.org or contact Jan Preston at (585) 336-7200 or jpreston@senecazoo.org.
Click here for a volunteer application. Print it, fill it out and send it to Seneca Park Zoo Society, Docent Program, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621-1097