Get Involved
Volunteer
At CuriOdyssey, we recognize that volunteers are critical to our success.
Each year, more than 150 individuals ages 13 to 93 support CuriOdyssey by volunteering on a regular basis. There are volunteer opportunities in many areas, including: roving wildlife interpretative guides, summer camp volunteers, conservation project volunteers, and Wildlife Department assistants. Volunteers receive many special privileges including educational opportunities, social events with other volunteers, a newsletter specifically written for volunteers, free family membership, and the knowledge that the community benefits from each volunteer’s time.
Our goal is to provide enjoyable and rewarding experiences for all our dedicated volunteers. Every volunteer receives position-appropriate training and in most cases, is asked to make a significant commitment of time. Please see Volunteer Opportunities section below for specific responsibilities, important application details and age requirements for our current volunteer openings. If you complete our Online Volunteer Application, you will be contacted with more information on positions which fit your stated interests, age range, and availability.
For other volunteer inquiries, or if you do not hear from us within 7 days of submitting an online application, contact our Volunteer Manager Lee Cauble at lcauble(at)curiodyssey.org or 650-340-7580.
Volunteer Opportunities
Exhibit Facilitator
We are looking for friendly, dependable volunteers to facilitate highly interactive science activities with our young visitors this summer. Volunteers are also trained to assist with basic cleaning and maintenance of our science exhibits. Commitment: Seven 9:00am–12:30pm shifts on Friday, Saturday or Sunday during the summer. Entering 11th graders or above preferred. Exceptional entering 10th graders may also apply. Complete volunteer application here.
Wildlife Docent
Do you want to inspire pre-school and elementary school children with a love of nature and appreciation for animals? Wildlife Docents use conversation and biofacts to engage visitors and help them observe and learn more about the animals in our zoo. After several months of service, docents can also be trained to handle and show some of our smaller education animals. Commitment: At least two 2-hour shifts per month on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 10am–12pm, for at least one year. The next annual training series will be held on 3 Saturdays in September/October 2019. Complete volunteer application here by July 15.
Wildlife Interpretive Guide
Like Docents, these volunteers are roving guides in our native animal zoo. They are trained to use conversation and biofacts to engage visitors on an impromptu basis. Teens (13–17) can volunteer when partnered with a parent. After several months of service, Interpretive Guides can also be trained to handle and show some of our smaller education animals. Commitment: At least two 2-hour shifts per month on Saturdays, Sundays, or Monday holidays for at least one year. The next annual training series will be held on 3 Saturdays in September/October 2019. Complete volunteer application here by July 15.
Wednesday Aviary Aide
We are looking for a friendly bird enthusiast to volunteer every Wednesday, 9:00am – 1:00pm, in our beautiful walk-through Aviary. Most of your time will be spent greeting and engaging visitors to educate them about the birds and turtles who call the Aviary home. You will also be assisting the Wildlife Staff with cleaning Aviary walkways and conducting bird observations. Aviary Aides must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to at least 3 months of service. Complete volunteer application here. Open until filled.
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. If there are still openings, qualified candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. If you do not receive an email within one week of submitting an online application, please contact lcauble(at)curiodyssey.org directly.
Join the CuriOdyssey Community
LOCATION
1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
650-342-7755
[email protected]
CuriOdyssey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tax ID 94-1262434