Zoo Apprenticeship Program

What’s a ZAP? 

The Zoo Apprenticeship Program, or ZAP, is a multi-year paid apprenticeship program for a diverse cohort of high school-aged youth 15 and older. It includes educational programming, career exploration and connections to nature and wildlife. ZAP supports the exchange of knowledge and wisdom within communities and fosters connections through youth-led zoo experiences, collaborative projects and conservation actions. 

Participants are educators, and every summer, they provide free conservation programming to systemically marginalized communities in the Portland metro area through Community Tours. As paid interns, they can learn from zoo professionals and partner organizations. 

Who can be a ZAP? 

Zoo Apprenticeship Participants, or ZAPs, are teenagers hired at the age of 15 to 16 who show excitement for working with the community and learning about wildlife conservation. Each fall, the zoo works with local high schools and Metro-area community-based organizations to recruit potential ZAPs with an emphasis on hiring low-income youth and youth of color. 

Every year, dozens of teens apply for approximately ten open positions. The ZAP program is flexible but asks that participants work approximately 10 to 15 hours per month during the school year, and approximately 20 hours per week during the summer. 

We are accepting applications now through Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. Apply here 

What do ZAPs do? 

In the program's first year, ZAPs focus on learning about the zoo, exploring nature and outdoor spaces and leading community tours. They also learn about conservation career opportunities and work with zoo and Metro staff to understand conservation actions and advocacy.

In the second year, ZAPs share what they've learned with zoo visitors and other members of the community. They also mentor and assist the incoming cohort and continue their leadership work. Second-year ZAP participants can be matched with a placement for hands-on learning in a specific field that interests them. Placements are in multiple departments in the zoo, from education to animal care. 

As schedules allow, ZAPs can apply to extend their time in the program for an additional third year. 

For questions or inquiries about the Zoo Apprenticeship Program or Community Tours, please email zap@oregonzoo.org 

Gifts to the Oregon Zoo Foundation fund conservation education efforts, such as ZAP, that help wildlife and communities thrive. To make a gift or learn more email foundation@oregonzoo.org, call 503-220-2493 or visit oregonzoo.org/give.