Volunteer / Docent Opportunities
Holiday Lights Volunteers
Volunteer Holiday Lights Zone Map
Where to meet
Please park in Zone 1 and meet the nightly supervisor at the office. You will be driven to and picked up from your assigned zones. PRINT VOLUNTEER ZONE MAP ABOVE
What to Bring
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Warm Clothing
Volunteers will be outside guiding cars along the Holiday Lights path; it’s important that you dress for cold weather. Beanies, scarves, big coats, warm shoes, and gloves are encouraged. -
Face Coverings
Due to COVID, we are requiring that all volunteers wear a face covering while volunteering. We will provide disposable masks if needed for the event. -
Optional-Camping Chair
You are welcome to bring a camping chair with you each night as it may help -
Optional-Hot Beverages and Snacks
Each volunteer will receive a volunteer bag that includes snacks, handwarmers, sanitizer and a bottle of water. Volunteers can also head over to Teen Challenge and purchase and goodies they would like to have. We encourage you to pack a warm beverage to have throughout the night. -
Your AWESOMENESS!
We are so grateful for your willingness to volunteer for this event and want to spread the good vibes to our guests as they experience Holiday Lights, so bring your winning smiles and energy.
Volunteer Opportunities Contact
Lana Fain
calmvol@kern.org
661.871.1822
Volunteer Opportunities
CALM is always in need of volunteers in areas of individual interest and facility needs. CALM volunteers perform daily routine chores, which enable staff to complete more complex tasks or projects. CALM volunteers may assist animal keepers, assist the maintenance staff or educate the visiting public. Group volunteer events are also available.
For your safety, ALL volunteers must wear long pants (jeans are best) and closed-in shoes. No shorts, capris, ¾ length pants, workout/yoga pants/spandex, flip-flops or sandals will be allowed. All volunteers ages 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Animal Keeper Assistant
Animal keeper volunteers will work alongside animal keeper staff performing daily cleaning and animal care duties. Minimum time requirement: 2 hours. Minimum age requirement: 13 years and older. To schedule a time to volunteer, please call 872-2256.
Maintenance Assistant
Volunteers assist our grounds, maintenance, and custodial staff in a wide variety of jobs. Planned jobs (construction or general repairs) may need to be put off due to daily emergencies (broken water lines). No skills are required, but a willingness to work hard and be flexible is a must. Minimum age requirement: 16 years old. To schedule a time to volunteer, please call 872-2256.
Special Events
Volunteers are needed for special events including our Spring Fling, CALM’s Birthday Bash, Ice Cream Zoofari, Boo at the Zoo and HolidayLights at CALM (just to name a few). Contact Lana Fain at 871-1822.
CALM Volunteer Application
Note: Bring the completed form to the CALM gift store on the day of volunteering.
Group Volunteer Application
Note: Bring the completed form to the CALM gift store on the day of volunteering.
Wildlife Rehab Volunteer
For more information, please download the application or call 872-2256.
Wildlife Rehab Application
CALM Docent Program
The word “docent” (doe-cent) comes from the Latin meaning to teach. Docents are volunteer “teachers” who educate school children and general visitors about California wildlife and their habitats. CALM offers two docent opportunities — a CALM Docent and a Bio-fact Docent. Completion of a 7 week training course is required. The course is designed to prepare you to use the zoo’s materials, animals and methods to conduct educational presentations, guided tours, animal enrichment, research, and touch yard experiences.
CALM Docent Program
Open to ages 18 and older. As a CALM representatives handling wildlife, you will receive training in handling, presenting, classification, conservation issues and participation in the CALM Animal Enrichment Program, Children’s Park touch yard operation and handling of a variety of CALM’s trained wildlife ambassadors in a public setting. Following graduation, you will be required to perform as a docent at minimum 4 hours each month for two years.
For more information, please download the application or call 872-2256
Bio-fact Docents
Open to ages 15 and older (limited animal handling is conducted by Bio-fact Docents). Upon completion of training, there is a one-year requirement to perform at the zoo as a Bio-fact docent for a minimum of 4 hours each month.
For more information, please download the application or call 872-2256
California Coast Room Interpreters
Do you like Sea Slugs and Moon Jellies? Are you interested in becoming a Volunteer Interpreter at the new California Coast Room? We are looking for interpreters for the 3 hour shifts (10AM-1 PM) and 2 hour shifts (1PM-3 PM). Applications to fill available times are being accepted at this time.
Applicants must complete a background screening and have a negative TB report submitted to the HR department at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office. These must be paid by the applicant, but the training for interpretation at the California Coast Room will be free.
For more information, please download the application or call 872-2256
California Coast Interpreter Application