Employment

Position Purpose

The Docent Manager supports the mission and vision of EARTH Ltd. and Southwick’s Zoo by leading a dynamic volunteer docent program that engages, educates, and inspires zoo guests.

Position Summary

The Docent Manager oversees the daily operations of the docent department while actively serving as a docent. This role is responsible for recruitment, training, scheduling, supervision, and ongoing development of volunteer docents. The Manager ensures that all educational messaging, materials, and animal interactions are accurate, current, and aligned with zoo standards.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Volunteer Management

• Recruit, interview, train, schedule, and supervise volunteer docents
• Monitor program size and coordinate new training sessions as needed
• Lead annual refresher trainings and docent meetings
• Track volunteer hours and coordinate recognition/reward programs
• Ensure compliance with all zoo policies and procedures

Training & Educational Oversight

• Develop and maintain docent training curriculum
• Ensure accuracy of animal information, artifacts, and guest messaging
• Coordinate animal handling protocols with Education and Animal Care teams
• Mentor docents during live animal presentations
• Maintain current knowledge of zoo and animal-related issues

Operations & Scheduling

• Create weekly docent schedules ensuring full station coverage
• Maintain docent equipment (radios, first-aid kits, artifacts)
• Coordinate special assignments requested by zoo staff
• Attend management meetings and complete required zoo trainings

Animal Encounters & Events

• Coordinate and staff weekend/holiday giraffe and rhino encounters
• Arrange animal feed/browse in collaboration with animal care teams
• Coordinate staffing for special events and private encounter requests
• Assist with EARTH events as needed

Communication & Guest Engagement

• Respond to volunteer inquiries and encounter-related communications
• Answer animal-related questions from guests and community members
• Collaborate with Education, Animal Care, and Operations teams to ensure consistent messaging

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field preferred or minimum two years of equivalent experience.
• Supervisory experience preferred, especially with volunteers.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in real time.
• Strong organizational skills and computer skills with Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to interpret and communicate animal, conservation, and zoo-related information accurately.
• Physically able to stand and walk for extended periods, perform active movement (climb, stoop, kneel, crouch), and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around animals and common allergens.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Exposure to animals and allergens (hay, pollen, dust, mold, grass)
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset

Position Pay & Perks

• Position starts at $20–$25 per hour, based on experience and credentials
• Perks:
  • Access to Southwick’s Zoo
  • Gift shop discounts
  • Meal discounts inside the zoo (excludes Galliford’s)
  • Flexible scheduling
  • CPR/First Aide Certifications provided by Southwick’s Zoo 

Summary

This full or part time position performs basic animal husbandry for a wide variety of animals in the department. The position reports to the Manager of the Education and Reptile Department, or the department Lead in the absence of the Manager.

Duties

• Responsible for daily care and feeding of animals in the department that they have been approved to care for.
• Ensures that enrichment is appropriate and provided for all animals in the department.
• Must attend zoo wide meetings and complete all training required by Southwick’s Zoo
• May be involved with training of animals in the department as requested under the supervision of an Animal Care Specialist, Animal Care Lead or Department Manager.
• Will be involved with animal presentations at the discretion of the department manager or lead.
• Participates in and supports after-hours events, fundraisers and other EARTH Limited sponsored events
• Perform membership transactions and administrative tasks as needed.
• Other Duties as assigned

Requirements

1. High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree preferred
2. Must be at least 21 years old
3. Valid Driver’s license to drive company vehicles
4. Strong observational skills with the ability to identify signs of illness, injury or distress in animals
5. Must have the ability to regularly stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk/hear and smell.
6. Must be able to lift 50 lbs regularly and 100 lbs occasionally
7. Must be able to follow safety protocols
8. Will be exposed to allergens including, but not limited to, dust and hay. May occasionally be exposed to unpredictable animal behavior.
9. Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions including humid, wet and cold or icy conditions on a regular basis.
10. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and make decisions in a fast-paced, changeable environment. Must have reasoning skills to solve practical problems (including math) and deal with a variety of concrete variables in a situation where limited standardization exists.
11. Must be able to work on a computer and learn computer software to document care and respond to emails.
12. Must be able to maintain accurate animal care documents in writing or on a computer.
13. Must be able to work independently and also as part of a team.
14. Must be able to interact professionally and positively with zoo guests.
15. Assist with zoo wide customer support and emergency procedures as needed.
16. Must be available to work weekends and holidays as required.