Volunteer

Another great way to support CuriOdyssey is by volunteering. Each year, over 150 individuals ages 13 to 89 volunteer for CuriOdyssey. There are volunteer opportunities in many areas of the museum, including: wildlife docents, roving interpretative guides, and Wildlife Department assistants.

CuriOdyssey, located in San Mateo, is recognized as one of the country's foremost environmental education institutions. The museum includes engaging science exhibits and outdoor Wildlife Habitats home to live animals native to California in natural settings including a walk-through aviary.

Volunteers receive many special privileges including educational opportunities, social events with other volunteers, a quarterly newsletter specifically written for volunteers, discounted family membership rate, and the knowledge that the community benefits from each volunteer’s time.

Click here to download a volunteer application.

Leaders in Training: The application deadline for 2013 has passed. We are no longer accepting LIT applications. Check back in the fall of 2013 for information on the 2014 process.
 

Volunteer Positions

Exhibit Facilitator: Summer 2013

Exhibit Facilitators help visitors, mostly children, explore and play with our outdoor interactive science exhibits, such as the Sun Image Dome. We are looking for friendly volunteers who will be comfortable starting up conversations with visitors. An in-depth knowledge of scientific principles is not required. A strong desire to inspire scientific curiosity is more important.

Requirements: Must currently be in 10th grade or above and able to volunteer for seven 3-hour shifts over the course of the summer, preferably on weekday mornings. College students strongly encouraged to apply. Optional: Exhibit Facilitators may continue to volunteer for two 2-hour shifts per month during the school year.

Training: Required training will be held on June 25 and 26, 9am-2pm each day. (No fee.) Please complete a Volunteer Application if interested; priority consideration for applications received by May 1.

Wildlife Docent

Docents help visitors appreciate our local wildlife and the natural world by providing live animal presentations and interpreting the wildlife collection for visitors on weekday mornings.

Requirements: We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable volunteers who enjoy speaking with visitors, especially elementary school children. Must be 18 years old, or partnered with a parent if 13-17 years old. Docents volunteer for at least two regularly scheduled 2-hour shifts per month for at least one year.

Training: Next traning series will be held on in the fall of 2013 (fee applies). Acceptance into program required to register for training. Apply by August 1, 2013.

The Weekend Interpretive Guide (TWIG)

TWIGs create memorable visitor experiences by providing interpretive animal presentations, engaging visitors in conversation about the animals in our Wildlife Habitats, facilitating fun science based activities on special event days, and providing roving visitor services.

Requirements: Must be available for two 2-hour shifts each month for at least one year. Teens (13-17) may volunteer and train to handle animals when partnered with their parent.

Training: Next training series will be held in the fall of 2013 (fee applies). Acceptance into TWIG program required to register for training. Apply by August 1, 2013.

Aviary Aide

Aviary Aides typically spend an hour helping to maintain a clean walk-through Aviary and then several hours engaging visitors about the birds and turtles in the Aviary. Contact LCauble(at)CuriOdyssey.org to inquire which day(s) Aviary Aides are currently needed.

Requirements: Ability to volunteer one day per week for at least 3 months (longer preferred). Volunteer shifts are 9am-1pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 11am-3pm on Sundays. Must be at least 18 years old, reliable, friendly, and have good communications skills. On-the-job training provided.

The Aviary Aide program is currently at capacity. We anticipate possible weekday openings in the fall.

Keeper In Training

The Keeper In Training (KIT) program is designed for 13 to 17 year olds who want to learn what it is like to work in an animal centered career. These volunteers work closely with our professional keepers and assist with animal diet preparation and cleaning in the habitats and visitor areas. KITs also educate the public by interpreting our animals on exhibit and by using biofacts. After several months of dependable service, KITs have the opportunity to train to handle certain education animals. Because of the greater time commitment and supervision by the keepers, teens volunteer on their own without a parent.

The Keeper In Training program is currently at capacity. Check back in the fall for more information on when the next round of applications will be accepted.

Wildlife Aides

Wildlife Aides work closely with the professional keepers to assist in the day to day cleaning of the animal facilities as well as preparing diets for the animals. Must be physically able to clean and be very dependable. After several months, volunteers will have opportunity to learn animal handling.

Age: 18+

Commitment: One day per week, 9:00am-1:00pm, for at least 6 months (longer preferred). No current openings. If interested, you are encouraged to submit an application in case an opening arises in future.

Animal Care Interns

CuriOdyssey offers two 6-month volunteer internships with the Wildlife Department. This program offers practical, on-the-job experience working with invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, along with exposure to zoo careers. We look for interns who can maintain a high level of personal motivation and a positive attitude by demonstrating enthusiasm and high energy for each project they take on. Responsibilities include animal husbandry, diet preparation, record keeping, animal enrichment development, and public speaking. (See full description in the Employment section of this website.)

Age: 18+

Commitment: Interns volunteer 24 hours a week (three 8-hour days) for 6 months.

To apply: Check back in October/November for next application period.