Title:Volunteer Visitor Host

Location:Healesville Sanctuary

Description:Volunteers are often the first friendly face our visitors will encounter on arrival. They set a welcoming scene and create anticipation for the visit to come. Positive and helpful, knowledgeable and informative, with a willingness to make everyone’s day special, these are the key attributes of all volunteers who take up this important role.

About Zoos Victoria

Zoos Victoria operates world-class zoos on three sites: Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Our vision is to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation through our commitment to fight extinction. Zoos Victoria provides innovative wildlife-based recreation and learning experiences that inspire and facilitate visitors to take conservation actions that make a measurable and positive difference.

Volunteers play a very important role in the life of Zoos Victoria. They contribute to the success of Zoos Victoria by furthering our reach and capacity in fighting extinction, adding value to a visitor’s day, and complement, not replace, our paid workers.

Key details of the volunteer role

What will you be doing? / VolunteerVisitor Hostswill:
  • greet visitors and make them feel welcome, including visitor groups such as school groups, tours, and tourists
  • offer information that will allow visitors to get the most out of their visit from way finding within the Sanctuary to orientation outside of it
  • support the Visitor Experience team to provide excellent customer service
  • assist visitors with their immediate needs including how to buy a ticket or membership and location of toilets and refreshments
  • assist visitors to plan their visit by recommending experiences, services, activities, presentations and exhibits that meet their needs and interests
  • assist in managing visitors in queues awaiting entry to Zoo
  • fight extinction by advocating for our conservation campaigns to visitors

Who are we looking for? / People who are:
  • comfortable approaching visitors and starting conversations
  • friendly and people focused
  • able to relate to and adjust information accordingly for visitors from a range of backgrounds and all ages
  • proactive, creative and solutions focused
  • team players
  • reliable and communicative
  • interested in animals, wild places and conservation
  • knowledgeable of the local area and the Sanctuary and/or open to learning
  • experienced in delivering excellent customer service and/or open to learning
  • willing to learn new things, and attend training and update sessions

Commitment / Shifts are 4 to 6 hours each day from Monday to Sunday. Volunteers must meet a minimum commitment of at least:
  • Once a week during school holidays and once per month at other times

Benefits to you / Volunteers will:
  • have an opportunity to be involved in a world leading zoo based conservation organisation
  • be part of a team of friendly, like-minded people
  • receive training and the opportunity to learn new skills, and to apply your learning in a meaningful way
  • Receive a range of benefits including discounts, invitations to special events, regular news updates and discounted membership after 12 months volunteer service.

Training / All new volunteers must attend and complete training in the Zoos Victoria Core Module, which includes training units such as volunteering at the sanctuary, safety and emergency procedures, and providing positive visitor experiences. One day of training is required to fulfil this commitment.
Costs / Costs:
  • Zoos Victoria membership – currently $91 per year + $15 once off joining feefor an adult. For all membership costs see Please note, after 12 months active volunteer service the membership is reduced to $20 per year.
  • Working with Children’s Check (if you don’t already have one) – free for volunteers

Location / Healesville Sanctuary
Requirements /
  • Current Working with Children Check
  • Zoos Victoria Membership
  • Compliance with the Code of Conduct
  • Wear the uniform provided
  • 18years +
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time
  • Demonstrated passion for wildlife
  • Experience in customer service is highly desirable.

Selection Process / Prospective volunteers are encouraged to review the information below and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Applications will be individually assessed and eligible volunteers may be invited to attend a brief group interview.
Equity and accessibility / Adults of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and skills are encouraged to become Zoos Victoria volunteers.
There is no upper age limit as long as you continue to be fit, active, able and willing to learn and remember new information and adapt to change as the Zoo develops.

How do I apply for this volunteer opportunity?

Compile a short application outlining:

  • why volunteering at Zoos Victoria appeals to you
  • your previous experience and suitability for this role
  • availability
  • contact information

Please send you application, with the subject line ‘Application for VolunteerVisitor Host’to

To find out more:

  • contact the Volunteer Coordinator on telephone 59572803 or email
  • visit

Volunteer Role Description – Volunteer Visitor Host Healesville SanctuaryPage 1 of 3

Last updated November 2012