Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteers are essential to our impact.
Volunteers are not an add on to our work. They are part of how we deliver our mission.
At CuriOdyssey, volunteers collaborate across departments supporting wildlife care, leading inquiry based learning experiences, welcoming guests, assisting with programs, and strengthening behind the scenes operations. Their time, talent, and perspective expand our capacity and deepen our impact.
A Safe, Supported, and Structured Experience.
Volunteer safety and wellbeing are foundational to our program.
We are committed to providing clear training, strong supervision, thoughtful role design, and comprehensive health and safety practices. Our goal is to create an environment where volunteers, staff, guests, and animals feel safe, respected, and supported.
Program and Wildlife Volunteers
Our Program and Wildlife Volunteers help create an authentic, inquiry driven, and immersive environment for our community.
Volunteers
- Interpret our wildlife collection for visitors of all ages
- Facilitate hands on, curiosity based learning experiences
- Engage guests with touchable biofacts and science exploration
- Support positive, memorable moments that spark connection
We believe that curiosity begins early. By engaging children while their skills of observation and inquiry are developing, volunteers help cultivate confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of animals and science. Volunteers are not just sharing information. They are helping shape how young people experience the natural world.
Our Volunteer Pathway
We are building a thoughtful Volunteer Lifecycle designed to support individuals from interest to impact. This includes:
- Clear role descriptions and expectations
- Structured onboarding and training
- Ongoing feedback and growth opportunities
- Recognition and advancement pathways
Our goal is not just to place volunteers, but to invest in them. We are creating meaningful experiences that are mutually beneficial and sustainable.
How to Get Involved
Application requirements and role descriptions are listed below. We encourage prospective volunteers to explore opportunities that align with their interests, availability, and long term goals.
Volunteer applications are temporarily paused.
We’ll be reopening applications soon—thank you for your interest and enthusiasm for supporting CuriOdyssey.
Volunteer Openings
Leadership Development Program
The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is an introductory volunteer opportunity designed for students entering 9th through 11th grade in Fall 2026, with no prior experience in museum or zoo facilitation. Selected participants will enhance their leadership, science communication, and professional skills through intentionally designed activities and facilitation opportunities at CuriOdyssey.
Leader In Training (LIT)
The Leader in Training (LIT) volunteer program, designed for teens entering 9th-12th grade in the fall 2026 semester, combines leadership development, science education, and environmental stewardship into one exceptional experience. Selected participants will develop their leadership abilities, responsibility, and independent decision-making while demonstrating their public speaking skills and scientific knowledge. Partnering with CuriOdyssey Educators, LITs help facilitate camp activities, prepare camp materials, and supervise campers for Camp CuriOdyssey.
Nature Story Loop Facilitator
Nature Loop Facilitators serve as friendly, knowledgeable points of contact along CuriOdyssey’s Nature Loop trail. Volunteers in this role support visitor engagement by helping guests connect with the natural garden, interpret simple ecological features, and offer guidance along the trail. Facilitators may highlight seasonal changes, wildlife behavior, and nature-based learning opportunities in a casual, visitor-friendly way.
Aviary Aide
Aviary Aides enhance the visitor experience by engaging visitors in conversation to help them observe and learn more about the wildlife in the Aviary, which currently includes different species of birds and turtles. Aviary Aides also monitor and record bird behavior and help to maintain a safe environment in our beautiful walk-through Aviary.
Wildlife Aide
CuriOdyssey is home to approximately 100 non-releasable animals that depend on our Wildlife Department for exceptional daily care. As a Wildlife Aide, you'll assist our professional Keepers in maintaining healthy diets and ensuring clean, safe living environments for all our animals.
(Weekend) Science Squad Volunteer
Are you passionate about science and love engaging with children in a fun, hands-on way? Join our Weekend Science Squad as a volunteer and help bring exciting science activities to life during birthday party bookings! This role is part of our volunteer revenue generation program, meaning we seek responsible, enthusiastic, and reliable volunteers who can lead and manage this program consistently.
Wildlife Watcher
This program gives volunteers experience in wildlife monitoring while providing valuable insight into animal welfare, conservation efforts, and careers in zoology. The data collected by Wildlife Watchers will directly support ongoing research on the welfare of captive exotic animals at CuriOdyssey.
Guest Experience Ambassador
As a Guest Experience Ambassador at CuriOdyssey Science Playground and Zoo, you will play a vital role in gathering feedback from our visitors to help us measure and improve our Net Promoter Score (NPS), a metric used by organizations to gauge the loyalty of their customers or visitors. Your primary responsibility will be to engage guests as they are exiting and request them to complete a short survey about their visit. This position requires confidence and comfort in approaching adult guests and asking them to take a moment to share their feedback.
Safety Ambassador
As a Safety Ambassador at CuriOdyssey Science Playground and Zoo, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that our playground is a safe and enjoyable environment for all child visitors. Your primary responsibilities will include monitoring playground activities, encouraging safe play practices, promoting kindness among children, interpreting the "Physics in Action" concept to enhance learning, and applying an equity lens in all interactions. This position requires interacting directly with children to address unsafe or unkind behaviors with a focus on positive reinforcement and constructive guidance.
Join the CuriOdyssey Community
LOCATION
1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
Ohlone Land Acknowledgement
650-342-7755
info@curiodyssey.org
CuriOdyssey is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax ID 94-1262434
