Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Volunteer/Docent Application
We are looking for volunteers with a strong work ethic, who are responsible, dedicated, and can commit to conservation education, fundraising, and special projects that support Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Our two-tiered volunteer program is for people who want to play an active role in the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of species and habitat. It is for people who want to promote stewardship of our mountain ecosystem.
We have two tiers for people wishing to assist FOBBAZ: Volunteers and Docents. Both tiers require that you are a Member of FOBBAZ.
- Tier 1 (Volunteer) is a one-day training commitment, during which you will be oriented to our organization’s rules, regulations and expectations. You will be required to be fingerprinted and to go through a Department of Justice background check (paid for by FOBBAZ). A minimum of 40 hours a year is required. This level of commitment does not allow you to work at the zoo, though you may help at off-campus events at which docents are working. You must have access to a computer in order to track your hours, use the e-calendar, and receive FOBBAZ emails. Also, after time donated as a Tier 1 Volunteer, you may elect to train for Tier 2.
- Tier 2 (Docent) is a four-day training commitment, plus an additional 20 hours. You will be trained to interact with zoo guests using a fixed outline for messaging. You are required to be fingerprinted and to go through a Department of Justice background check (paid for by FOBBAZ). A minimum of 40 hours a year is required. You will also be required to purchase a uniform shirt. This tier allows you to work at the zoo as well as off-campus events. You must have access to a computer in order to track your hours, use the e-calendar, and receive FOBBAZ emails.
What do FOBBAZ Volunteers do?
We make ourselves available to help as needs arise at the FOBBAZ office.
• We help the Recreation & Parks District with gift shop merchandise.
• We participate in fundraising and special projects off-campus which continue to support the zoo.
• We represent FOBBAZ at community and promotional events.
• We actively assist the organization as it prepares for special events, educational activities, and community outreach.
• We disseminate and collect Donation Cans placed in various businesses around the valley.
• We participate in organizational activities to ensure the continued growth and success of the organization.
• We recruit new Volunteers!
What do FOBBAZ Docents do?
• As ambassadors for the zoo, we use key messaging to engage the public in conversations about wildlife and its habitats.
• We participate in fundraising and special projects which continue to support the zoo.
• We participate in special events that educate the public about the roles all animals play
in perpetuating a healthy environment, while also emphasizing the greater role humans play in protecting species and habitat.
• We represent FOBBAZ/BBAZ at community and promotional events.
• We actively assist the organization as it prepares for special events, educational activities, and community outreach.
• We provide limited animal care and diet preparation at the zoo.
• We participate in organizational activities to ensure the continued growth and success
of the organization.
• We recruit new Docents!
Please note: We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and therefore are required
by law to track, log, and report our volunteers’ hours yearly. Over 75% of our volunteer hours are donated Mondays through Fridays, with limited opportunities to donate time on the weekends. Please consider carefully your own ability to get to Big
Bear (e.g. Winter weather, work hours) if you live out of the local area.
EIN 33-0350180
(click here for on-line application)
For additional information, email fobbaz@fobbaz.org or call (909) 878-4200