If you're free on Mondays, 10AM-1PM, we would love to have you!
Not able to make that work? If you're over 18 with driver's license, we would love to have you for our Train/Carousel team! The hours are the same as Goat Yard (10AM-1PM/1-4PM). You also have the option of getting trained in on goat yard in addition to your Train/Carousel role. You could come in for a weekly Train/Carousel shift and then pick up a goat yard day/two when they're available. Click here for more information.
Not over 18? We would love your help as a Gate Greeter! Gate Greeters have 9:30AM-12PM/12-2PM shifts. You also have the option of getting trained in on goat yard in addition to your Gate Greeter role. You could come in for a weekly greeter shift and then pick up a goat yard day/two when they're available. Click here for more information.
Role Summary
Goat Yard Attendants invite guests to meet our herd! As an Yard Attendant you'll be inviting guests to feed and brush our goats while teaching them how they can also help care for animals. This is a perfect role for those who enjoy bringing together kids and animals. This is also perfect for you if you enjoy large groups (as the goat yard can get quite busy with kiddos and families!).
Responsibilities
Invite guests to come meet the goats!
Give out goat food and teach guests proper feeding
Hand out brushes and teach guests how to groom the goats
Use interpretive techniques learned in HVZ training to teach guests about goat behavior
Use empathy-building techniques learned in HVZ training to teach guests how they can care for animals in their own lives and in the wild
Answer general questions and direct guests to the proper resources
The HVZ Goat Yard is located in the heart of the Children's Zoo just beyond the carousel and playground. HVZ staff attendants at the train/carousel regularly check in, and are available for goat yard volunteer support at any time. A small office is located within the carousel and often serves as a quiet/dark break area for volunteers and attendants. The closest bathroom is in the center of the Zoo just outside the Children's Zoo. All surfaces are even, and accessible by wheelchair. The HVZ goat yard is a high sensory area due to high guest numbers and the proximity to our gibbons (who can sound like emergency vehicles when they get going) and may not be suitable for those with sensitivities to large crowds and loud sounds.
Shifts are 10AM-1PM/1-4PM every day of the week with a limit of 2-3 volunteers per shift.* *Every-other-week shifts may be available depending on need.
9hrs/mo: Goat Yard Attendants commit to a weekly shift with a minimum of x3 shifts/mo from the time they begin through Labor Day. Extra shifts are available weekends in September for those who would like to continue into the off season a bit.
Goat Yard Attendants are the most busy May through Labor Day. Weekend shifts are also available in April and September for those who would like to practice and bond during slightly slower times of the year.
All of these trainings are available as refreshers at any point upon request.Optional trainings allow you to try out other roles as shifts become available. They do not add to your minimum requirements (i.e. training in on another role doesn't require you to add another set of weekly shifts). Training spots are limited; however, we will schedule more throughout the summer as interest and time allows.
Online
Volunteer Software Basics (5-10min)
Volunteer Orientation (1-2hrs)
Radio Training (40-50min)
In-Person
Onsite orientation (1hr) – Meet other Attendants, HVZ Children’s Zoo staff and the herd, learn goat yard safety and procedures, practice common radio calls, short tour of other Children’s Zoo habitats
While Henry Vilas Zoo is open regardless of weather, we understand that humans and goats tend not to enjoy coming out in inclement weather. We trust our Goat Yard Attendants to decide whether or not they would like to volunteer in light precipitation, cold/hot temperatures, etc. The volunteer is in charge of scheduling a make-up shift in the event they choose to stay home due to weather.
In the event of truly inclement weather (and/or reluctant goats), we will call volunteers to cancel. In this case, volunteers can take an excused absence.
"It started off as a way to get volunteer hours for vet school, but I unexpectedly fell in love with it. Before I thought goats were kind of boring animals, but now I have a goat as the lock screen on my phone!"