Zoo or aquarium volunteering
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership Fellows
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership Fellows is a volunteer program run by San Francisco Zoo & Gardens in San Francisco, CA. Open to: grades 10 to 12.
- Who can join
- Grades 10 to 12
- Status
- Opens seasonally
- Season
- Summer
- Cost
- Not posted
About the program
A summer volunteer role supporting the zoo's day camp. Applications are closed.
Fellows assist Zoo Camp with campers from preschool to 6th grade and on select afternoons meet other zoo departments behind the scenes.
Key facts
- Run by
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
- Where
- San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Grades 10 to 12Teens entering grades 10-12 in Fall 2026
- Commitment
- June 15 to August 7, Monday-Friday, 8:15 am-4 pm, in one of three cohorts
- Applications
- Not posted
- Cost
- Not posted
- To apply
- In-person group interview
- Group training sessions
- Good fit for
- Biology and Environmental Science, Education
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 Leadership Fellows 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 Teen Wild Guides
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
- Who can join
- 13 and up
- When to apply
- Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle)
- 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
| 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 Teen Wild GuidesVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | 13 and up | Every other weekend during the school year; once a week in summer | Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| 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 |
All zoo and aquarium programs in the Bay AreaBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEducation opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership Fellows?
Grades 10 to 12. Teens entering grades 10-12 in Fall 2026
How many hours does San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership Fellows require?
June 15 to August 7, Monday-Friday, 8:15 am-4 pm, in one of three cohorts
What do you need to apply?
In-person group interview, Group training sessions.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership Fellows”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/sf-zoo-leadership-fellows.
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