Volunteer Animal Care The Grove

With 150 acres of ecologically diverse land preserved and maintained by the Glenview Park District, The Grove National Historic Landmark is on the Park District's busiest attractions. In 1836, visionary horticulturist and educator, Dr. John Kennicott, moved from New Orleans and settled on the property. His son, Robert Kennicott, became a prominent early naturalist and kept part of his plant and animal specimen collection at The Grove. Robert Kennicott was also a founder of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, now the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences.

In 1976, The Grove was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Grove relies on the work of volunteers to ensure each visitor has a wonderful experience. You can share your love of history and nature in a rewarding environment.

JOB SUMMARY

Volunteers are responsible for providing daily care and feeding for The Grove's display animals (reptiles, fish, birds, etc.) and cleaning and upkeep of cages and exhibits. Responsibilities include:

• Feed and care for display animals including snakes, turtles and amphibians
• Cut and prepare worms and fish, fruits and vegetables
• Feed crickets to some animals
• Clean and maintain animal cages and exhibits and may include dusting, sweeping and window washing
• Provide basic information and interpretation to visiting public
• Work from daily list
• Monitor the facility for any safety hazard and contacts supervisor
• Communicate any concerns to supervisor
• Proactively support the District's environmental initiatives including recycling, conserving resources and preventing pollution
• Comply with all District environmental policies and procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Volunteers must be at least 16 years or older. Children ages 5-15 are eligible to volunteer when accompanied by an adult for all training and service.

Extensive training is involved and we ask for a six-month commitment for two hours per week. Volunteers must be comfortable around snakes and turtles.

Note: There is currently a waitlist in Animal Care. The most frequent openings will be during the week. We are open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Volunteer shifts are typically 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Please contact Patricia Kuntzmann, Patricia.Kuntzmann@glenviewparks.org, if you have specific questions about the position.

If interested, click on "Apply" at the top of the page.

The Glenview Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.