Play Partner

Play Partner Volunteer

Position Description

POSITION TITLE: Play Partner

CLASSIFICATION: Volunteer

DEPARTMENT: Guest Engagement

REPORTS TO: Big Backyard Coordinator/Manager of Interpretation/

Manager of Volunteer Resources

DUES: One-time $20 fee for first-time program participants upon acceptance.

Optional $15 to purchase a Play Partner t-shirt, $40 for a sweatshirt.

Aprons are provided for daily use at no charge.

COMMITMENT: 45 hours per year; minimum one-year commitment. Hours fulfilled by

volunteering weekly or bi-weekly April-October.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Play Partner volunteers facilitate and support children’s free play at Hasbro’s Big Backyard at

the Roger Williams Park Zoo. In this space, Play Partners helps families create memories

through outdoor play experiences that connect them to the natural world. This position doesn’t

work with the handling or care of animals. Our Big Backyard includes a raven habitat and

native animals that are regularly seen such as songbirds, chipmunks, and pollinating insects.

This volunteer opportunity is a great way to grow skills and experience with play-based early

childhood education and to explore the introduction of environmental education at the

developmental level with infants through elementary ages.

Essential Position Functions:

1. Deliver developmentally appropriate play-based activities and monitor Play Stations:

• Indoor: Nature Swap (requires computer use) and Activity Room.
• Outdoor: Drip Drop Water Garden Play Station, Creativity Corner Play Station,

Sticks and Stones Building Zone Station, Beyond the Fence Play Area, and the

Treehouse.

1. Assist in the supervision and safe play of children and zoo patrons.
2. Appropriately communicate and liaise with zoo staff and patrons of all ages.
3. Assist with the upkeep of resources.

Requirements:

1. Must be at least 16 years old as of April 1

st

. Age verification may be required.

1. Ability to pass a background check upon selection as a Play Partner (applicants 18 and

older only).

1. Attend and participate in a required one-day Play Partner training session (tentatively

scheduled as March 12th 12:00PM-5:00PM, March 15

th 10:00AM-3:00PM

a. If under 18 at time of first shift, a parent/guardian must attend the first hour of the

volunteer position-specific training session.

1. Participate in general orientation required of all staff and volunteers, which may include

in-person and online components.

1. Volunteer for at least 45 hours per season by committing to a 3 hour shift each week.

a. The Play Partner season begins April 1st and concludes Indigenous Peoples’ Day

each year.

b. Morning (9:30AM-12:30PM) and afternoon (1:00PM – 4:00PM) shifts are

available daily. Volunteers commit to a regular weekly schedule on the same

day and at the same time each week. Accommodations can be made for

students and persons with transportation needs.

c. The Play Partner season ends Indigenous Peoples’ Day and reopens again in

April. In the offseason, shifts are scheduled by staff for special events, or specific

needs only.

1. Arrive on time and stay for the entire shift unless prior arrangements have been made

with staff supervisor.

1. Ability to be outside, in all weather, for the duration of your shift.
2. High level of comfort speaking with the public, especially children. Comfortable

speaking with diverse groups regardless of their ages, personalities, backgrounds, etc.

1. Effectively support the mission and priorities of Roger Williams Park Zoo.
2. Must be committed to creating meaningful connections to nature through play and

exploration.

1. Adhere to all policies described in the Roger Williams Park Zoo Volunteer Handbook.
2. Must be willing to engage with children/families, adapt to changing situations, show

patience, be positive and enthusiastic about nature/play, and have a willingness to learn

new things.

Benefits:

1. Free year-round admission to Roger Williams Park Zoo for yourself.
2. Eight free passes per year to Roger Williams Park Zoo for your friends and family upon

completion of your 45-hour yearly service commitment.

1. Opportunities for continuing education and networking.