Zoo or aquarium volunteering
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer is a volunteer program run by San Francisco Zoo & Gardens in San Francisco, CA. Open to: ages 12 to 14.
- Who can join
- Ages 12 to 14
- minimum age posted
- Status
- Opens seasonally
- Season
- Summer
- Cost
- Uniform set $40
About the program
A summer program at the zoo's Koret Animal Rescue and Conservation Center for younger teens.
Volunteers introduce guests to small mammals, birds, and reptiles along a trail in the Fisher Family Children's Zoo and share facts about wildlife and conservation.
Key facts
- Run by
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
- Where
- San Francisco, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 12 to 14Ages 12-14
- Commitment
- Minimum seven days per month; seasonal, June to September
- Applications
- Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Cost
- Uniform set $40
- To apply
- Online interview
- Uniform purchase
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 ARC Nature Trail Volunteer 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- When to apply
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- 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 AreaPre-Vet and Animal Science opportunitiesBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer?
Ages 12 to 14. Ages 12-14
How many hours does San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer require?
Minimum seven days per month; seasonal, June to September
When does San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer take applications?
Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
What do you need to apply?
Online interview, Uniform purchase.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/sf-zoo-nature-trail.
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