What are the responsibilities and job description for the Zoo Apprenticeship Program position at Oregon Metro?
Position Summary
We are only accepting applications from current high school students ages of 14-17 who live in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County with an emphasis on low-income youth and youth of color. For more information, please visit https://www.oregonzoo.org/zap.
Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Zoo Apprentice with ZAP! This application form may take up to 30 minutes to complete and includes the following pages:
Information about the ZAP team and the job.
Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Zoo Apprentice with ZAP! This application form may take up to 30 minutes to complete and includes the following pages:
Information about the ZAP team and the job.
- Your Contact Information
- Your School/Organization Information
- Your Background Information (Optional)
- Your Employment and Volunteer History
- Your Required Open-Ended Application Questions
- Your Applicant Commitment
ABOUT THE ZAP TEAM
The Zoo Apprenticeship Program, or ZAP, is a grant-funded, multi-year, paid apprenticeship program for a diverse cohort of high school aged youth 15 and older. The ZAP experience includes educational programming, career exploration, community outreach, and connections to nature and wildlife. ZAP supports the exchange of knowledge and wisdom within communities and fosters connections through youth-led zoo experiences, collaborative projects, and conservation action.
Each year 10 new youth are hired. Each cohort will participate year-round for three summers (and two school years) with an opportunity for a select few to extend an additional year based on program capacity. Most of the time required will be in the summer, with consistent hours throughout the year.
ABOUT THE JOB
Oregon Zoo ZAP (Zoo Apprenticeship Program) is a multi-year paid internship opportunity for high school youth who show an excitement for working with community while learning about wildlife and conservation. Each year, approximately 10 new youth are hired.
ZAP members create and provide programming on zoo grounds for community-based organizations [primarily through ZAP led tours], explore zoo careers through informational sessions and job shadows, explore local natural areas, and learn about animals, the outdoors, and conservation.
During the first year ZAP members earn $17.49/hour. The hourly amount is raised with each year of service. The ZAP program is flexible but asks that participants work approximately 10 hours per month during the school year, and approximately 20 hours per week during the summer (2-3 six-hour shifts).
Job Skills, Experience, and Training
ZAP members develop job skills including problem-solving, adaptability, empathy, time management, public speaking, team building, peer mentoring, and leadership. ZAP members also learn about animal wellbeing, conservation, and diversity and inclusion work at the zoo.
Community Engagement
ZAP members help develop and deliver programming for community organizations. This includes leading zoo tours customized for people from those local, community-based organizations. ZAP members learn about the community-based organizations, have an opportunity to meet with some of the staff and leaders of these organizations, and lead groups from these organizations on zoo visits including facilitating games or activities with children.
Career Exploration
Through ZAP, youth are exposed to the various jobs that keep the zoo running, including animal keepers, educators, horticulture/landscaping, marketing and more, with the opportunity to do job shadows in some areas. In their second school year (and 3rd summer) they may have the opportunity to be placed in a department within the zoo to learn the intricacies of a career they are curious about.
Animals and Outdoors
ZAP youth will spend time exploring the Pacific Northwest and learning about the outdoor activities and natural areas available in our own backyard. This ranges from collaborating with animal areas on zoo grounds to kayaking in a local lake. Spending time with animals and nature is a foundation of the ZAP program. There is no experience required for these activities. The zoo will also provide gear and transportation from the zoo to recreation sites.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
Community Engagement
ZAP members help develop and deliver programming for community organizations. This includes leading zoo tours customized for people from those local, community-based organizations. ZAP members learn about the community-based organizations, have an opportunity to meet with some of the staff and leaders of these organizations, and lead groups from these organizations on zoo visits including facilitating games or activities with children.
Career Exploration
Through ZAP, youth are exposed to the various jobs that keep the zoo running, including animal keepers, educators, horticulture/landscaping, marketing and more, with the opportunity to do job shadows in some areas. In their second school year (and 3rd summer) they may have the opportunity to be placed in a department within the zoo to learn the intricacies of a career they are curious about.
Animals and Outdoors
ZAP youth will spend time exploring the Pacific Northwest and learning about the outdoor activities and natural areas available in our own backyard. This ranges from collaborating with animal areas on zoo grounds to kayaking in a local lake. Spending time with animals and nature is a foundation of the ZAP program. There is no experience required for these activities. The zoo will also provide gear and transportation from the zoo to recreation sites.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
- 15-16 years of age (must be at least 15 by March 1, 2025) In high school for the 2025-2026 school year
- Willing to make a commitment for 3 summers and 2 school years
- Eligible to work in the U.S
- Live in Clark, Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County.
- Attend Orientation on an evening the week of February 23, 2026
-
Attend Training Days (subject to change with notice; 2026 spring season dates listed below):
- Sat. 3/7, 9am-3:30pm, Sat. 3/14 9am-3pm, Sat. 4/4 9am-3:30pm, and Sat. 4/18 9am-3pm, Sat. 5/16 9am-3pm
-
Attend ZAP Monthly Meetings
- Days will be given in advance (usually 2nd Saturday 12:30-3p)
-
Attend School year session
- A minimum of 10 hours a month, primarily weekends (some evenings or days during school breaks)
-
Attend Summer session
- July and August, 2-3 shifts per week (approximately 12-20 hours per week)
- Additional periodic required meetings, trainings and special events scheduled throughout the year
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS
We are especially looking for candidates who:
- Fluently speak more than one language.
- Are eligible for Federal Free or Reduced Lunch or meet the income eligibility for other social service programs such as WIC, SNAP, Oregon Health Plan, Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8 Oregon), etc.
- Show excitement for working with community members of all ages (Pre-K youth and families to multilingual retired adults)
- Are curious and motivated to learn about wildlife and conservation
- Are comfortable in all outdoor conditions (Rain, shine, mud)
- Are looking to grow their interest and experiences in Science or Conservation field
- Attends a school we partner with: Jefferson High School, Roosevelt High School, Parkrose High School, David Douglas High School, Hillsboro High School, and Aloha High School
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application due Monday, December 1, 2025, by 5pm.
Complete and submit the application online. This application may take a minimum of 30 minutes to complete due to the required open-ended questions.- Tip: Make sure you read and answer ALL parts of the question
- Tip: It is recommended that you write the answers in a separate document before submitting the application.
- For a paper application or other accommodations, please contact zap@oregonzoo.org
Application Review and Interview Process
- A panel of current ZAP members and staff will review all application materials. You will be contacted by the first week of January.
- If you are selected for the 1st round interview stage, group interviews will be conducted in January (17th or 18th).
- If you are selected for the 2nd (final) round interview stage, individual interviews follow the last weekend of January (31st or February 1st.)
Important Hiring Dates
- Application Deadline: Sunday, December 1st , 2025, by 5pm
- Interviews: January 17th or 18th and second round individual on January 31st or February 1st Position starts: Beginning of March 2026
***INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. ***
Email zap@oregonzoo.org or call 503-220-2790 if you have any questions. Good luck!
Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.
Government Jobs
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The Oregon Zoo and Metro
The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
This is a variable hour position with no guarantee of hours. The position is eligible for these benefits:
- Paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave
- Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified.
- No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
- Employee Assistance Program
Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Learn more about employee benefits.
Some variable hour positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
View union contracts here.
Salary : $17