Docents / VolunTEENs
education programs
DOCENTS / VOLUNTEERS
Join TBZ as a Docent or VolunTEEN!
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.
Turtle Back Zoo VolunTEEN Program
What TEENs Do: TBZ’s VolunTEENs assist Camp Counselor staff with our Summer Camp program. They help prepare for the daily camp sessions, assist campers with activities, and help keep campers together and safe while on Zoo grounds. Working as a VolunTEEN is a great way to learn about animals at the zoo and share your love and enthusiasm for wildlife with younger peers. Not only is it a fun way to spend part of the summer, you will earn those much needed volunteer hours for upcoming college applications.
Selection Process: VolunTEENs must be at least 14 years old OR entering grade 9 in the fall of 2025; current freshmen, sophomores, & juniors are welcome too! You must be able to volunteer at least 1 full week, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm each day. Additional weeks may be available. New VolunTEENs will be invited to an in-person interview as part of the application process and be expected to attend a MANDATORY one-day training session from 9am to 5pm on Sunday, May 18. If you are unable to attend that training date, please apply for a future season.
How to Apply: Applications are electronic and will require 2 letters or recommendation from non-family members and 2 short essays (no more than a few paragraphs for each). The rec letters should address the following: dependability, leadership abilities, ability to work with others, willingness to learn, and self-motivation. The 2 essay questions are: “Why do zoos matter?” and “Why do you want to be a VolunTEEN?” Please have your rec letters and essays ready before starting the application. Once you submit the application, you will not be able to return to it.
Application Deadline: Thursday, February 27 at 5pm. No exceptions.
To Apply: follow this link and follow the directions – VolunTEEN Application
VolunTEEN Interviews: Applicants will be contacted via email and invited to sign up for an interview day and time. Interviews take place at the Berson Family Center with Education Staff and experienced VolunTEENs.
- Saturday, March 8 from 9am to 11am
- Sunday, March 9 from 9am to 11am
Mandatory one-day training for all new VolunTEENs: Sunday, May 18 from 9am to 5pm. If you are unable to attend, please apply for a future session.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]