Junior Zoo Apprentice Program 2003 seeking participants

Posted by on March 14, 2003

The Philadelphia Zoo?s
Junior Zoo Apprentice Program 2003

Are you interested in working with and learning about animals? Do you want to work in an animal related career? Then read on!

Please read the following information carefully ? it will answer many of the questions you might have about the program. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call us.

What is the Junior Zoo Apprentice Program (JZAP)?
The JZAP is a work-based learning program for Philadelphia area high school students, ages 14-18. Each spring, a new group of apprentices that are entering 9th or 10th grade are chosen. Students begin the program as volunteers and gain experience in various Zoo departments, including Education, Children?s Zoo, Admissions, and Grounds. Students who complete the first year with satisfactory performance are helped to find paid summer jobs at the Zoo. Program members also participate in monthly workshops that cover a variety of job-skill and life-skill topics, such as time management, conflict resolution, resume writing and interview skills. Free field trips are offered throughout the year to the New Jersey State Aquarium, Academy of Natural Sciences, Baltimore Aquarium, the National Zoo, various colleges and other sites. Those who join the program in 2003 will have the opportunity to travel to Rhode Island to meet and work with students in a similar program at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

What are the requirements of the program?
All program members must complete one full year of volunteer work in the Zoo to become eligible for a paid position. The volunteer phase of the program involves working 3 full days per week in the summer and one day per month during the school year, in addition to attending workshops and special events. All potential program members should be aware that when they are placed in a paid summer job, they may be required to work both Saturdays and Sundays, as that is when the Zoo is busiest. Program members are expected to maintain excellent attendance, punctuality, and conduct. Uniform shirts & sweatshirts will be provided, students must provide their own khaki pants and sturdy shoes.

Here is the layout of the program:
Year 1 – Volunteer service, 3 days per week in the summer, 1 day per month Sep-May plus 1 workshop per month.
Year 2 – Seasonal work (months vary), volunteer service (1 day per month) any month not employed plus 1 workshop per month.
Year 3 – Seasonal work (months vary), 1 workshop per month.
Year 4 – Available for those still in high school only. Seasonal work (months vary) 1 workshop per month.

Will I get to work with animals?
Yes! Junior Zoo Apprentices are trained to handle many of the small animals in the Children?s Zoo?s collection.

Will participation in this program fulfill my community service requirement?
Possibly. Your school will make that decision. Some of our participants have received community service credit for their work in the program.

What are some other benefits of the program?
Junior Zoo Apprentices, like all Philadelphia Zoo volunteers and employees, will be entitled to unlimited entry to the Zoo, discounts on food, beverages and merchandise, and invitations to special recognition events.

When does the program end?
When a Junior Zoo Apprentice graduates from high school, they also graduate from JZAP. At this point, the JZA will be invited to join the alumni group and if interested, may be occasionally asked to help with workshops and field trips.

How do I join the program?
Fill out the attached application and call Allison Carpenter at (215) 243-5310 if you have any questions. A new JZAP class is recruited each spring, so the best months to call are February, March and April.