Join our volunteers
Volunteer programmes with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) play a huge role in helping us connect people with nature and protect threatened species in Scotland and around the world. Whether you are helping us with visitor engagement, education, or gardens, RZSS volunteers make an impact every day.
If you are looking for an incredibly rewarding opportunity, you have come to the right place! If you have any other questions about the programme, please email our team at volunteer@rzss.org.uk.
What it takes to be a volunteer at RZSS
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland volunteer programme requires interested individuals to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Demonstrate commitment to the highest standards of customer service
- Have enthusiasm for people, animals and conservation
- Commit to the volunteer programme for a minimum of 70 hours per year
- Attend volunteer induction and complete all required training
- Complete a Disclosure Scotland background check
Please note that volunteers are not involved in the direct care of animals or any hands-on animal care work.
Volunteer Recruitment
We are not currently accepting volunteer applications for Edinburgh Zoo. Please check back in early 2026, as we expect to reopen for applications in March 2026.
We are still welcoming volunteer applications for Highland Wildlife Park. Recruitment is ongoing year-round—if you're interested, please complete the Volunteer Expression of Interest form below.
To apply, please submit a Volunteer Expression of Interest form.
Volunteer Expression of Interest formHighland Wildlife Park Volunteers
We currently have three volunteer roles at Highland Wildlife Park.
Engagement volunteers
Engagement volunteers are out and about in the park, interacting with the public, assisting the Rangers with talks, tours and discovery dens and helping to make sure that our visitors have a wonderful day at the park!
Learning and community volunteers
Learning and community volunteers work with our learning and community officers, assisting in the preparation and delivery of schools and community sessions and on our programmes like Tadpoles, Froglets and Frogs, Autumn Explorers and Science Summer School.
Biodiversity volunteers
Biodiversity Volunteers support the work of the conservation team on specific conservation tasks. These volunteer roles are seasonal per the requirements of the projects and require training delivered by the conservation team.
