Horticulture Positions

Main Zoo Gardening

Application Status: CLOSED
May–October
Time Commitment: Once a week
Shifts: Wednesday–Saturday from 8:45 a.m.–noon

Volunteer gardeners at Lincoln Park Zoo make a positive, immediate, and restorative contribution to the main zoo each day as they roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in this ornamental gardening landscape. Along the way, they also share their enthusiasm, enjoy easy camaraderie, and graciously inspire zoo guests—helping everyone connect to nature.

Volunteers Must:

• Attend zoo orientation
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a positive attitude and adhere to zoo policies, procedures, and guest-service standards
• Be comfortable standing and traversing zoo grounds in all weather conditions
• Be able to stand, sit, bend, kneel, and walk on uneven terrain
• Complete an online application
• Pass a standard criminal background check

Nature Boardwalk Gardening

Application Status: CLOSED
Mid-April–October
Time Commitment: Once a week
Shifts: Wednesday–Saturday from 7:45–11 a.m.

Volunteer gardeners at Lincoln Park Zoo make a positive, immediate, and restorative contribution to Nature Boardwalk each day as they roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in this native prairie landscape. Along the way, they also share their enthusiasm, enjoy easy camaraderie, and graciously inspire zoo guests—helping everyone connect to nature.

Volunteers Must:

• Attend zoo orientation
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a positive attitude and adhere to zoo policies, procedures, and guest-service standards
• Be comfortable standing and traversing zoo grounds in all weather conditions
• Be able to stand, sit, bend, kneel, and walk on uneven terrain
• Complete an online application
• Pass a standard criminal background check

Edible Garden Volunteer

Application Status: CLOSED
Mid-April–October
Time Commitment: Once a week
Shifts: Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays from 9 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Edible Garden volunteers help cultivate a 5,000-square-foot organic vegetable garden located at Farm-in-the-Zoo by assisting out experienced garden staff. This is an educational/teaching garden that focuses on giving children the opportunity to help grow food.

Volunteers Must:

• Attend zoo orientation
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a positive attitude and adhere to zoo policies, procedures, and guest-service standards
• Be comfortable standing and traversing zoo grounds in all weather conditions
• Be able to stand, sit, bend, kneel, and walk on uneven terrain
• Complete an online application
• Complete an interview and brief presentation
• Pass a standard criminal background check