Docent Volunteer Opportunity

POSITION TITLE: Docent

CLASSIFICATION: Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Guest Engagement

REPORTS TO: Docent Coordinator/Manager of Interpretation/Manager of Volunteer

Resources

DUES: $75 to cover polo shirt, access badge, background check, and onboarding process

(due upon start of program)

COMMITMENT: Hours Requirement 60; minimum one-year commitment

Summary of Responsibilities:

Roger Williams Park Zoo Docents are frontline volunteers whose primary function is to

enhance the visits of our guests through conversational interactions.

1. Seek out opportunities to enhance each guest’s visit and to share and support the Zoo’s

mission and messaging, with an emphasis on long-term conservation behavior.

1. Provide opportunities for “profound experiences” – interactions and experiences that

create emotional connections to the Zoo and nature.

1. Engage guests at exhibits by focusing on their interests and experiences then guiding

the conversation to the appropriate animal-related educational content.

1. Prioritize safety, courtesy, and professionalism.

Essential Position Functions:

1. Provide answers to general Zoo questions, such as directions and daily happenings.
2. Assist guests as necessary, including offering to take family photos, park and straighten

strollers.

1. Depending on the chosen assignment(s) and their availability, Docents will be

responsible for one or more of the following on any given day:

a. Greeter: Welcome visitors, answer general guest questions.

b. Farmyard/Contact Yard: Engage with visitors, provide general animal info

(names, boy/girl, etc.), support Wild Bunch staff in ensuring safe guest use of the

area.

c. Activity Carts: Facilitate educational hands-on activities and games designed to

highlight conservation and animal care.

d. Habitat Interpretation: Using storytelling skills to connect guests to the zoo's

animals and conservation programs.

Additional training may be offered based on the needs of the program, and the zoo. After

completing one season, pending additional training and end of year evaluations, Docents

will have the opportunity to be trained to interpret at other animal habitat locations.

Qualifications:

1. Superior people skills: ability to read and interpret social cues and body language;

awareness of own body language and visual cues.

1. Excellent verbal communication skills.
2. Excellent guest service skills; instinct for exceeding guest expectations.
3. Interest/experience in conservation and education.

Requirements:

1. Due to the independent nature of Docent responsibility, must be at least 18 years old by

April 1st. Age verification may be required.

1. Ability to pass a background check.
2. If selected for an interview, must be available to interview in-person at the Zoo on

January 8, 2025, from 6:00PM-8:00PM or January 11, 2025, from 10:00-12:00PM.

1. If accepted as a Docent Trainee, participate in general orientation required of all staff

and volunteers, which may include in-person and online components.

1. Attend in-person Docent training dates hosted at Roger Williams Park Zoo, and

complete required on-line training on your own time. In-person training sessions will

occur weekly, tentatively on Tuesdays 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 or, Saturdays 2/1, 2/8, 2/15,

2/22. On-line training will run concurrently with in-person training.

1. Demonstrate understanding of trained materials by verifying competency via an

evaluation which may include written and observational components.

1. Arrive for shifts on time and stay until their conclusion.
2. Ability to:

• move from location to location throughout the Zoo.
• be outside in all weather for the duration of your shift.
• reliably read and respond to email.
• interact with guests of all ages and abilities.

1. Must have access to the internet, either at home, at a shared location (including the

Zoo, or local library), or on a mobile device. Internet access is required to receive news

updates, sign up for shifts, and complete evaluations.

1. Must be flexible and supportive of the Zoo and its mission.
2. Must adhere to all policies in the Roger Williams Park Zoo Volunteer Handbook.
3. Undergo:

• periodic observations and assessments of performance administered by

Roger Williams Park Zoo staff.

• refresher trainings on key components (emergencies, guest interaction,

etc.).

• Occasional first-time training as the Zoo adds and changes exhibits.

Benefits:

1. Occasional opportunities to attend continuing education programs.
2. Broad exposure to many facets of Zoo operation.
3. Excellent resume builder for careers focusing on customer service, education, science,

conservation, and more.

1. Community service hours for schools, etc.
2. Volunteering in a fun and energetic environment!
3. Free year-round admission to Roger Williams Park Zoo for yourself.
4. Eight free passes per year to Roger Williams Park Zoo to give to friends/family.