Summer Workers and Volunteers Needed at SB Zoo

• Santa Barbara Job Fair is Sunday, February 10

• Volunteer & Docent Information Meetings on February 2 & 9

• California Condor Nest Monitor Trainings on Feb. 18 & April 22

• FrogWatch Trainings are February 21 & 28

Zoo Job Fair – Sunday, February 10, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Wild” summer employment for adults and teens is available at the Santa Barbara Zoo, including the award-winning Guest Experience Specialist (GES) program, as well as Special Events Hosts, Zoo Camp Counselors, Education Program Instructors, Train Conductors, and performers for the Zoo’s shows. Job seekers should attend the Zoo’s free Job Fair, held Sunday, February 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Zoo, 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, just off Cabrillo Boulevard at East Beach.

Intended to be a “first job” for youth, GES positions are available to those as young as 14 who rotate between jobs in three areas: guest services, the restaurants and retail stores. In addition to their job duties, participants are also introduced to work ethics and basic skills, such as how to provide excellent customer service, write a resume or be in a job interview.

Information about volunteer opportunities will also be at the Job Fair, including Zoo Camp Counselor in Training for ages 13 to 17. Several close-up Animal Encounters will also take place.

No reservations or appointments are necessary. Parking is free for participants, who should check-in at the front gate. For more information and to download a application, visit www.sbzoo.org/about-us/employment-opportunities or contact Corinne Santini at 962-5339 ext. 108 or csantini@sbzoo.org.

Volunteer & Docent Information Meetings – Either February 2 or 9, 10 a.m.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for individuals aged 16 and up to become Zoo Docents. These volunteers help Zoo visitors connect with the animals at hands-on Discovery Stations, interpret behavior, lead tours, and even handle and display small mammals, snakes and amphibians. They also assist with children’s programs, special events, observational research and conservation activities. Docents also enjoy various social events, continuing education classes, and membership benefits. The time commitment is two hours per week for at least six months. For teens, Community Service credit is available. No previous experience for Docents is required though a love of animals and good communication skills are a plus.

Individuals interested in becoming Zoo Docents should attend a free one-hour information meeting on either Saturday, February 2 or Saturday, February 9 at 10 a.m. at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Online applications and more information are available at www.sbzoo.org.

There is a subsequent interview, orientation and in-depth eight-week training. A one-time fee of $100 covers training, educational and reference materials, Docent vest, and nametag. For more information, contact Jessica Kam, Volunteer Coordinator at (805) 962-5339 ext. 153 or jkam@sbzoo.org.

California Condor Nest Monitoring Volunteer Training – Both February 18 and April 22, 6:30 p.m.

The California Condor nest monitoring program has increased nest success from a five year average of 6.5% to a six year average of 64.5%. Since the program began in 2007 there have been fledging by 18 wild condor chicks! Volunteer nest monitors are needed from March through November to monitor parental care, egg and chick development, and, if they’re lucky – the first flight of the newest member of the wild condor flock. The program is coordinated jointly by the Santa Barbara Zoo and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Volunteers work independently to drive to the field site, hike to a pre-determined observation point, watch condor nests from a distance, and record their observations using standardized protocol. Successful volunteers are able to devote a full day to condor observations to including travel to and from the remote backcountry sites and a minimum of two hours observing condors from a select location. Volunteers must observe at least twice a month. Some locations require strenuous hiking, while others are more accessible.

Volunteers should have their own hiking equipment, a high-clearance vehicle capable of driving on rocky roads, a good sense of adventure, and a strong desire to assist in the recovery of the California condor.

Mandatory trainings are Monday, February 18 (egg stage observing) and Monday, April 22 (chick stage observing) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ventura USFWS office and advance registration is required. Alternate dates may be available. For more information or to register for the trainings, email Ria Boner at rboner@sbzoo.org.

FrogWatch Volunteer Training – Both February 21 and 28, 6 p.m.

FrogWatch USA is a citizen science initiative to encourage nature lovers of all ages to get more involved with their local amphibians. Volunteers learn how to identify local frog and toad calls of Santa Barbara County and how to record data into an online database. From there, participants can monitor amphibian calls in the evening at any location – from their own backyards, to urban streams, to favorite camp sites. This is an opportunity to get involved in amphibian conservation, science, and monitoring – all while learning all about local amphibians.

To become a FrogWatch citizen scientist, individuals must attend two trainings at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Reservations are required for the trainings held Thursday, February 21 and Thursday, February 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Zoo. For more information or to register for the trainings, email Ria Boner at rboner@sbzoo.org. More information is available at www.sbzoo.org/conservation/frogwatch-usa.

About the Santa Barbara Zoo

Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, the Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres of botanic gardens and is home to nearly 500 individual animals in open, naturalistic habitats. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), representing the highest level of animal care, and participates in AZA endangered species programs for Asian elephant, California condor, Channel Island fox, and Western lowland gorilla, among others. A private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, the Santa Barbara Zoo depends on community support, not tax dollars, for operations and improvements. Visit www.sbzoo.org.

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; general admission is $14 for adults, $10 for children 2-12

and seniors 65+, and children under 2 are free. Parking is $6.