Turtle Back Zoo Docent Program

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo has an exciting Docent program. Docents are specially trained volunteers who give educational talks, act as guides, and are stationed throughout the Zoo to provide information to visitors about the Zoo and its animals. Being a TBZ docent is an enriching, rewarding, and social experience. These are highly selective and prestigious positions. Class size is limited.

Training is offered once a year. TBZ is currently accepting applications for the 2025 class.  Training sessions are on Sundays from 12pm to 5pm and begin on Sunday, February 9. Training runs for 8 weeks concluding on March 30, with a snow date of April 6 if needed.

Being a Docent requires you to:

• be at least 18 years old
• download, complete, and submit (via mail or email) a Docent Application (link below); deadline for applications is January 10, 2025
• complete an electronic request for a Criminal Background Check (link below).  You will receive an emailed confirmation that your request has been submitted.  Once you’ve completed the background check request, please forward your emailed background request confirmation to TBZ’s Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] to let us know that you’ve completed the request.
• complete an in-person interview on Saturday, January 18, 2025 (snow date Sunday, January 19)
• complete a specialized 8-day training course; instruction provided by experienced TBZ staff.  Classes are held from 12pm to 5pm on Feb 9, 16, 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, with a snow date set for April 6  
• pay a one-time fee of $30 to cover training materials
• commit to volunteer a designated number of hours/events. Hours are gained from attending a set day (e.g. 1st and 3rd or 2nd and 4th Saturdays) each month throughout the year. Docents are also expected to staff special events, such as Safe Howl-o-ween, as they occur throughout the year.
• wear the docent uniform when working with the public (blue docent shirt & khaki pants or blue jeans and appropriate footwear)
• be a good representative and guide/educator to the visiting public

Recruitment for the 2025 Docent Class is now OPEN!

>To access the application, please click here: APPLICATION

>To access the County Criminal Background Check, please click here:                                                                                                          https://v2-trionaid.screenmenow.com/v2/home?c=SLTR_00395

For more information, please contact the Zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].

Applications may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:  Volunteer Coordinator, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052.  If sending a paper application, please print double-sided to reduce paper waste.