Become a volunteer!
Do you have a passion for nature, animals and outdoor fun?
Find your calling at Happy Hollow and put your talent, passion and energy to good use.
How to apply:
Download a PDF Volunteer Application
Applications can be submitted by:
- Mail: 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112
- E-mail: hhpzeducation@sanjoseca.gov
- Fax: 408-794-6470
- In-person drop-off at the Admin Building located at 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112.
- Please include a cover letter briefly detailing your interests, goals & reasons for wanting to join the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Volunteer Program.
For questions call 408-794-6420
When to apply:
Applications & cover letters are accepted year-round. We will contact applications on file when the next orientation is scheduled.
ZooTeen
Ages: 14 to 17
Time commitment: minimum hours of 48 hours in a year or 4 hours per month.
Description:
The ZooTeen Program is for teens who are interested in pursuing a career involving zookeeping, zoo education, veterinary care, conservation biology or other related field. ZooTeens work closely with our education and animal care teams. They conduct Meet & Greets and assist with animal care routines, and they act as camp counselors with camp programs. Additional volunteer opportunities are available throughout the school year.
The ZooTeen Program is highly competitive with limited availability. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed seasonally. Selected applicants are invited to an interview. Applicants who are not selected are welcome to reapply the following season. Prior volunteer experience with animal handling, public speaking and/or working with children is beneficial but not required.
Please click the “Volunteering at Happy Hollow” tab for application instructions.
Docent
Ages: 18 and up
Time commitment: minimum hours of 48 hours in a year or 4 hours per month.
Description:
The docent program is for adults who are interested in volunteering in an educational setting within a zoological facility. Docents work closely with our education team and conservation education ambassadors to conduct animal Meet & Greets and exhibit hosting. Docents may also assist zoo educators during on-site class programs and special events.
Please click the “Volunteering at Happy Hollow” tab for application instructions.
Keeper Aides
Ages: 18 and up
Time commitment: One day a week, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for at least six months.
Description:
The Keeper Aide Program is for adults who are interested in volunteering in a zoological facility alongside zoo staff to provide daily care for our exhibit animals. They are assigned to specific routines, which include cleaning animal exhibits, preparing diets and/or providing enrichment for our zoo animals.
Keeper Aides are assigned to a single routine that they learn and complete over the first six months. After the initial period, Keeper Aides are given an evaluation and may be invited to continue beyond six months. Previous experience with animal husbandry and/or animal safety is beneficial.
Please click the “Volunteering at Happy Hollow” tab for application instructions.
Volunteer Beekeeper
Ages: 18 and up
Time commitment: Hours vary; minimum of four hours per month for at least six months.
Description:
Volunteer beekeepers help with the maintenance of the apiary and demonstration hives at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. They are assigned specific tasks depending on the time of year, and may be asked to assist during Beekeeping & Beyond Workshops. This program is for experienced beekeepers, and/or those who have completed a minimum of six Beekeeping & Beyond Workshops within the last six months.
Please click the “Volunteering at Happy Hollow” tab for application instructions.
Volunteer Gardeners and Pollinator Partners
Ages: 18 and up
Time commitment: Hours vary; special projects.
Description:
If you love gardening, you will love spending time at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and Kelley Park. From seasonal weeding and ornamental pruning to assisting with pollinator conservation efforts – there are many ways to get involved.
Please click the “Volunteering at Happy Hollow” tab for application instructions.
Not seeing your particular skill-set or interests?
Let us know! There may be other opportunities available depending on your skill set and staff availability.
Volunteer photography
Happy Hollow receives many inquiries regarding volunteer photography. While we do not have a volunteer photography program, Happy Hollow is happy to accept photo submissions from your visit.
To submit photos for use, please email communications@happyhollow.org along with your visit date, and how you would like your photos to be credited.
