Docents

What is a Docent?

Docents are adult volunteers that interact with guests to enhance their zoo experience. Docents must be at least 18 years of age, a member of the Zoo, and complete training requirements that correspond with the type of privileges desired.

What does a Docent do?

Docents have completed specialized training to provide educational interpretation of exhibits, bio facts, and animals throughout the zoo to teach about wildlife, environment, and conservation topics. Docents also conduct programs to schools, scout groups, summer campers, senior citizens, and civic organizations in our community. Docents can take training to learn how to handle and interpret our ambassador animals to guests at the Zoo.

How do I become a Docent?

Read the Volunteer Program Informational Flier.
Click here for the Flier
Complete the Docent Application using the online link below.
Attend a Docent Recruitment informational meeting, offered several times a year.
Interview with a member of the MPZ Docent Recruitment Committee. Interviews will be conducted after application is received and after attending an informational meeting, and before the next docent class begins.
Complete our new volunteer training class, which includes both classroom and outdoor sessions with staff and Docents. These are offered twice a year in early spring and fall.

Applications are accepted year-round.
Level 1 Training Classes are held in February and September.

Important Forms for Prospective Docents

Volunteer Structure

Docent Application

Step 1 of 5

Applicant Information

Name(Required)

First MI Last

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

When are you typically available to volunteer?(Required)

Weekends

Weekdays

Weeknights

Please list any volunteer experience with other organizations. Provide the most recent OR the most relevant to this volunteer position.

Are you willing and able to...(Required)

Attend a new volunteer introductory training class? (See our website for upcoming training dates)

Contribute a minimum of 20 service hours a year.

Become a member of the Zoo (Vols get a 25% discount, or 100% discount after 60 hours of service in a year)

Purchase a uniform nametag and t-shirt (Approx. $25))

Social Security Number(Required)

Date of Birth(Required)

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (other than traffic violations)(Required)

Yes

Explain any criminal convictions and dates here.

Education & Experience

High School / GED

Year Graduated

College / Trade School

Year Graduated

Additional Training

Employment Status

Full Time

Part Time

Not currently working

Occupation

Dates Employed

Employer (or previous Employer)

Summary of Duties

Organization

Dates of Participation

Summary of Duties

Organization

Dates of Participation

Summary of Duties

References

Please provide 3 reference below of people who know you (not a relative). If you have previous experience as a volunteer, one reference should be from that organization.

Reference 1

Name

First Last

Phone

How does this person know you?

Reference 2

Name

First Last

Phone

How does this person know you?

Reference 3

Name

First Last

Phone

Verification

I understand that if accepted for a volunteer position, I agree to receive training to help me carry out my volunteer activities. I affirm under the penalties for perjury that I have never been arrested or convicted for any offense against children. I understand that my name will be checked out through the Indiana Child Safe program. I further affirm under the penalties for perjury that I have never been arrested or convicted for any offense against animal welfare. I certify that all information provided on this application is true and complete. I understand that falsification or significant omissions of any information may be considered justification for non-acceptance or dismissal if discovered at a later date.

Signature

Date

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Docents

What is a Docent?

What does a Docent do?

How do I become a Docent?

Applications are accepted year-round.
Level 1 Training Classes are held in February and September.

Important Forms for Prospective Docents

Docent Application

Applicant Information

Education & Experience

Skills & Interests

References

Reference 1

Reference 2

Reference 3

Verification

FOLLOW, SHARE & WATCH

Docents

What is a Docent?

What does a Docent do?

How do I become a Docent?

Applications are accepted year-round.Level 1 Training Classes are held in February and September.

Important Forms for Prospective Docents

Docent Application

Applicant Information

Education & Experience

Skills & Interests

References

Reference 1

Reference 2

Reference 3

Verification

Applications are accepted year-round.
Level 1 Training Classes are held in February and September.