Volunteering

Volunteering in any field of work can be an extremely rewarding experience, but for many volunteering at a zoo is among the most rewarding experiences available. We don't see volunteering as a one-way street. We get your time and know-how but you won't walk away empty handed. You'll get new skills and experience. And you'll have a really good time along the way.

Anyone with an interest in animals, conservation or education can find a variety of rolls here that are both challenging and enriching.

We have a fantastic team of volunteers at DZP, all of whom make a valuable contribution to our work here. Working in the presentation, education and maintenance departments they come from a variety of backgrounds and some have been with us for many years.

Requirements

Volunteers operate within the structure of DZP under strict health and safety requirements which require substantial training and ongoing supervision by qualified staff. As a consequence, people seeking volunteer positions must be over 18yrs of age and be able to make a minimum commitment of one day per week for a minimum period of six months.

If you think you have what it takes to be part of our team and would like to know more, please contact the appropriate person with:

• a letter introducing yourself and outlining your background
• a CV detailing experience and any relevant qualifications
• an outline of how many days per week, and for how long you are able to commit

Dartmoor Pony Team

We need confident, self-motivated volunteers to help with the husbandry and training of our Dartmoor ponies. Applicants must have good horse experience and be able to ride. Qualifications in this regard are a bonus but not essential.

Our Dartmoor ponies form an important part of our education and conservation programme here at DZP. If you'd like to find out how and play a part in making it a success, then we'd love to talk to you.

Please contact: Rachel Barstow

Presentation Team

We are looking for volunteers to help us create a more involved and exciting experience for all of our visitors. The presentation team is responsible for a new, wider range of public talks as well as conducting our 'Close Encounters' display.

Applicants will ideally have the following attributes:

• Willing to commit to at least 6 months service of 1 day per week
• A confident public speaker with a bubbly personality
• A keen interest in animals and an awareness of animal care
• Good interpesonal skills and a team player

Please contact: Adam Cook

Education Department

We are looking for flexible volunteers from an educational background to support our Education Officer in developing the country's leading zoological educational establishment.

Applicants will ideally have the following attributes:

• Resource management skills
• An educational background
• Flexibility to help around school visits

Please contact: Amy Collie

Maintenance & Grounds Keeping

The maintenance team is responsible for everything from clearing drains and changing light-bulbs to designing and building new enclosures. In this department experience in the building trade is highly prized but by no means required. If you don't mind hard work you'll be very welcome.

We're also looking to build our grounds keeping team. We need handy people to help us maintain our extensive 33 acre woodland property. This includes managing the cultivated public spaces as well as maintaining the wildspaces which play an important role in our in situ conservation programme.

Please contact: Tim Steward

Important Note:

For all volunteer positions at DZP we require a commitment of one day per week minimum for a period of 6 months.

As a volunteer you'll be treated as part of the DZP team. This involves considerable on-the-job training and supervision and once trained, you'll be included in the daily rota to work alongside our staff in their regular duties. This represents a significant investment of time and effort for you and us, and your placement involves lots of forward planning. So, to be sure that we both get the most out of your contribution, the minimum commitment is essential.

Sadly, this means that we can't accommodate short-term or intermittent commitments and we therefore kindly request that you do not contact us under those circumstances. However, if you are able to commit for 6 months or more, we would love to hear from you.