Zoo or aquarium volunteering
Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides
Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides is a volunteer program run by Oakland Zoo in Oakland, CA. Open to: 13 and up.
- Who can join
- 13 and up
- minimum age posted
- Status
- Accepting applications
- Season
- Year-round
- Cost
- $50 upon joining
About the program
Oakland Zoo's teen volunteer corps for young people interested in animals and conservation. Late applications are reviewed in the next onboarding round.
Teens are trained as interpreters in the Valley Children's Zoo, teaching visitors about animals and monitoring the goat and sheep barn. Experienced guides can join service learning projects and assist keepers.
Key facts
- Run by
- Oakland Zoo
- Where
- Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- 13 and up13+ years old, or turning 13 within the season applied for
- Commitment
- Every other weekend during the school year; once a week in summer
- Applications
- Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle)Deadline: September 1, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle)
- Cost
- $50 upon joining, then $25 annually; financial aid available
- To apply
- Online application
- Interview
- Two mandatory training days
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the Teen Wild Guides details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
More in the Bay Area
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen
Volunteering · San Jose, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 17
- When to apply
- Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders
Volunteering · Monterey, CA
- Who can join
- 14 and up
- When to apply
- Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Oakland Zoo Teen Summer Internships
Internship · Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 11 to 12
- When to apply
- Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- When to apply
- Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Junior Zoologist
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 15 to 17
- When to apply
- Not posted
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 12 to 14
- When to apply
- Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeenVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Jose, CA | Ages 14 to 17 | Minimum 48 hours a year or 4 hours per month | Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation LeadersVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Monterey, CA | 14 and up | Volunteer 3 to 4 days per week; summer program June 8 to August 2, 2026 with mandatory training | Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Summer InternshipsInternship · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 11 to 12 | About 200 hours across 7 weeks, Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, 9 am-4:30 pm; Summer 2026 ran June 10 to about August 1 | Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and InternsVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 9 to 12 | Varies by role; camp runs in 1-week sessions, June 1 to August 7, 2026 | Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Junior ZoologistVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 15 to 17 | Two days per month for six months | Not posted |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail VolunteerVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 12 to 14 | Minimum seven days per month; seasonal, June to September | Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
All zoo and aquarium programs in the Bay AreaPre-Vet and Animal Science opportunitiesBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides?
13 and up. 13+ years old, or turning 13 within the season applied for
How many hours does Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides require?
Every other weekend during the school year; once a week in summer
When does Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides take applications?
Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle) Deadline: September 1, 2026 (past deadline; confirm next cycle).
What do you need to apply?
Online application, Interview, Two mandatory training days.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/oakland-zoo-teen-wild-guides.
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