Oregon Zoo Apprenticeship Program-PAID

Description

The Oregon Zoo Apprenticeship Program is available to students 15 and 16 years of age in the Portland, Oregon, area who show an excitement for working with community and learning about wildlife conservation. The Zoo Apprenticeship Program, or ZAP, is a grant-funded, multi-year paid apprenticeship program. In the first year of the program, 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 staff to create and implement a project of their choosing. In the second year, ZAPs share their project with guests and 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 of a specific field that interests them. Placements are in multiple departments in the zoo, from education to animal care. As schedules allow, ZAPs can continue to work in the program for an additional third year.