Goat Yard Attendant

THIS POSITION IS NOW FULL FOR 2023! Ongoing roles will open up again for next season in February of 2024. In the meantime, you can fill out a Volunteer Interest Form here to get on the email list that has animal updates, event volunteer opportunities and more!

Join the herd! Goat Yard Attendants invite our younger and younger-at-heart guests to meet our goats up close. Volunteers hand out food & brushes, teach guests the goats’ names and answer many questions from the littles (ex. “Why are their eyes like that?” “Will they eat my hat?”). They are in charge of opening and closing the yard for the day, and of engaging the many school groups that come to visit the yard every season.

This role is for those who live for a bit of organized chaos. Our goat yard is extremely popular and is often the must-see on the zoo list for families with kids and fieldtrips. It isn’t uncommon for 40+ kids and their chaperones to come flocking to the yard all asking questions at once. Volunteers in this role should enjoy kids, goats, and the Venn diagram of adventure the two form when put together.

Despite the commotion, as a Goat Yard Attendant you’ll never be left to your own devices. As part of our HVZ team, you’ll complete several online trainings covering radio codes, HVZ information and guest services basics.  We’ll also host an initial onsite training in March or May (depending on your chosen start date). Finally, you’ll also be joining our Education Specialist for a live Zoom training on empathy and interpretation. Nearing the end of our season in September, you’ll be invited to participate in our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night.