GET INVOLVED

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.

About CuriOdyssey

CuriOdyssey is a serious science playground. Our exhibits and educational programs inspire excitement, curiosity and discovery through distinctive interactive experiences. Our education philosophy includes creating an authentic, inquiry-based, and immersive environment, while providing meaningful, robust and personal learning experiences. We believe it’s critical to engage children at a very young age, while their brains and skills of observation and inquiry are developing.

Major Responsibilities:

• Greet each guest with a warm welcome
• Engage visitors in conversation and share information about Aviary animals
• Show and interpret biofacts (e.g. feathers, eggs...)
• Observe bird behavior and record notes in three categories: flight, aggression and vocalization
• Serve as safety presence for animals and guests. Insure Aviary does not exceed maximum capacity.

Qualifications:

• Welcoming, personable and able to engage young children
• Comfortable initiating conversation with visitors
• Reliable. Able to make a weekly commitment.
• Interest in animals, conservation and science
• Morning volunteers: Physically able to clean walkways for up to one hour
• Must be at least 16 years old

Schedule Options:

• Morning Aviary Aide:
  • 9:00am-1:00pm on the same day each week (Tuesday-Sunday) for at least six months
  • Includes additional responsibility to clean aviary walkways by hosing off, brush cleaning or sweeping before opening at 10am.
• Afternoon Aviary Aide:
  • 1:00-3:00pm or 3:00-5:00pm every Saturday or Sunday for at least three months

Training:

• Orientation to CuriOdyssey, our education philosophy and general volunteer policies and procedures will be provided by the Volunteer Department
• Specific training on wildlife information and Aviary Aide protocols and duties conducted by Animal Keepers on first day of service
• On-going support and supervision provided by Animal Keepers. One Keeper will be assigned as your lead supervisor, although you will likely interact with multiple animal keepers.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to enhance your communication, teaching and public relations skills
• Opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of local wildlife
• Opportunity to inspire a greater interest in science and wildlife conservation

Volunteers Receive:

• Invitation to attend volunteer events and enrichment sessions Tri-annual volunteer newsletter
• Tri-annual volunteer newsletter
• 15% discount in CuriOdyssey Shop
• Free admission for volunteer and up to 4 guests on any regular admission day Free membership for volunteers who complete 50+ hours per year

To Apply:

• We are a child-focused organization, and volunteers represent CuriOdyssey to the public and significantly impact the visitor experience. We, therefore, conduct a thorough selection process for every volunteer position—including an application, interview, reference check and background Live Scan clearance process.
• First Step: Complete an online volunteer application at tfaforms.com website. A new web browser tab will open when the link is activated.
• For more information, contact: [email protected] or 650-340-7580