There are many options with regards to seeking a career related to animal care.  The AAZK is a good source for information, as is the AZA website.  It will help answer that often-asked question "where do I get a job doing what you do?"  We hope you find it useful.

If you are a college-enrolled student, please click here for information on our Internship Program.

Volunteer Program:

Volunteers at Black Pine Animal Park will preferably be:

  • At least 16 years of age and have reliable transportation

  • Self-motivated

  • Respectful of property, policies, and the animals

  • Willing to multi-task and work where they are most needed

  • Aware of and supportive of the mission

Volunteers present outreach animalsVolunteer applications will be considered year-round and new volunteers may begin working at any time based on the park's needs and availability of staff to provide training.   

In order to become a productive member of the staff and to enjoy the true rewards of volunteering, we recommend committing to a regular volunteer work schedule.  Our experience has been that people willing to be on site consistently, multiple times throughout the year, are able to truly contribute without a great deal of supervision.  The volunteers at Black Pine are an integral part of the operation and they perform many important animal care tasks, guest services, and other critical functions.  Our volunteer program offers a variety of roles to strive for.  

Black Pine works with Volunteer Connections to recruit and track volunteers.  Opportunities for volunteer are described in detail at their web site (click here).  The following is a list of examples of volunteer opportunities at Black Pine:

  • Junior Zookeeper.  Assist Senior Zookeeper with activities such as:preparing diets for animals, cleaning foodVolunteers prepare diets pans, cleaning cages, making animal enrichment items, running errands, etc.

  • Tour Guide.  To lead tours through the park providing background information on each area; Enrich visitors experience by giving them opportunities to see and learn about animals by using objects such as skeletons, feathers, pelts, etc..; Complete training to handle small outreach animals; Assist with feeding tour.

  • Dietician:  To maintain a healthy diet for the park animals.

  • Administrative Assistant:  To assist the Director of Development with daily office administration such as answering the phone and returning phone calls; pick up, drop off, and sort mail; make bank deposits; pick up office supplies; filing; clean office and staff work areas.

  • Front Gate Attendant:  Process park admission, membership fees, and animal adoption programs; handle tour appointments and greeting the public; operate cash register, credit card processing terminal; restock and price merchandise on the gift shop cart

  • Builders:  To make improvements in public areas as well as animal holding buildings and habitats.

More opportunities are also available!  

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Are you still interested in volunteering?  If what you read above sounds like a good fit for you, you may either log on to Volunteer Connections web site and register to become a volunteer, or submit the form below and we will respond with further instructions as quickly as possible.  Once you submit an application the next step is to set up a one-on-one interview at the park to get started!  Thanks for your support of Black Pine's mission!

Your Name (required): 

Your Email Address: 

Mailing Address: 

City:    State:    Zip: 

Phone Number (required): 

How did you hear of Black Pine Animal Park? 

 

Have you visited the park in person?  Yes    No

 

Please describe any work experience that would help you in duties at Black Pine.

 

Will you provide references upon request?  Yes  No

 

Select the skills you can offer as a volunteer (select all that apply):

Small Animal Care Public Speaking Plumber
Exotic Animal Care Teacher Heavy Equipment Operator
Farm Animal Care Artist

 

Please tell us what other skills or abilities you can bring to the

 park:
Previous Zoo Experience Retail Experience
Office Management/Admin Legal Professional
Sales Experience Carpentry
Marketing Skills Landscaping    
Graphic Design Custodial work    
Fundraising Experience Electrician

      

Please tell us how much time you are willing to commit to volunteering:

Which months?      January  February  March  April  May  June

July  August  September  October  November  December

How many hours per day?      How many days per month? 

 

If the selections above do not adequately explain when you are available, please explain here:

 

                        

What is the highest level of education you have completed?  

(We are not recruiting for those under age 16 at this time.)

Currently in high school and will graduate in year: 

High school graduate.

Currently in college.  Studying what? 

Completed some college, but not currently enrolled..

College graduate and have a(n): 

 

Describe any additional educational or life experiences you have had that would lend to assisting efforts at Black Pine. 

 

 

Thanks for your interest!  We will follow up soon.

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