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Zoo Apprenticeship Program

The Zoo Apprenticeship Program, or ZAP, is a multi-year paid apprenticeship program for a diverse cohort of youth 15 and older.

Zap youth dab dance pose in front of education center

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. 

ZAP applications are currently closed. 

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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected], call 503-220-2493 or visit oregonzoo.org/give.

FAQs

  • When do applications open? How do I apply? What is the process?

    Applications typically open in November and remain open for 3–4 weeks. Interested applicants must apply online through Metro’s job portal (NeoGov, or GovernmentJobs.com). As part of the application, candidates respond to three short-answer questions.  

    Applications are reviewed in December, and selected applicants are invited to participate in group interviews in January. From there, a smaller number of candidates move forward to individual interviews in February.  

    New hires have their orientation in late February and training every other weekend from March to May.

  • What are you looking for in a Zoo Apprentice?

    We are looking for teens ages 15–16 who enjoy working with others in a team environment. Ideal applicants are enthusiastic, kind to others, willing to learn, and open to engaging with the public. Apprentices should be interested in sharing information about animals and conservation and helping create a positive experience for zoo guests and community partners. 

  • Do Zoo Apprentices work directly with animals?

    While tours often include an animal encounter, such as an opportunity to feed a giraffe, direct contact with animals is rare and supervised. By a Zoo Apprentice’s third year, they will have the opportunity to apply for a more traditional internship-type experience with another department at the zoo, also known as a “Placement.”  The Placement application process is an internal program application offered for multiple departments, subject to mentor capacity. Please note animal care placements are not guaranteed. Animal Care Track Placements focus on assisting the animal care team, such as cleaning animal habitats, preparing enrichment or food and washing dishes. Other Placements opportunities may include evaluation, office/administrative work or a more exploratory track. 

  • Do I need prior animal experience?

    No prior animal experience is required for this role. We are happy to teach you everything you need to know, as long as you are eager to learn and participate. 

  • What schedule should I expect?

    During the school year, Zoo Apprentices attend one full team meeting each month and are expected to pick up at least two additional weekend shifts. Shifts are typically three hours each and offered in the morning and one in the afternoon.  

    In the summer, Zoo Apprentices are assigned a regular schedule that typically includes one weekend day and a midweek schedule.

  • Can this lead to a job at the zoo?

    While employment is not guaranteed, positions provide valuable experience for zoo and education careers, help build professional networks and transferable skills, may increase competitiveness for future zoo positions, and offer young people the opportunity to develop educator and leadership skills.