Get Involved

Be part of an amazing team at Trailside Museums & Zoo. Become a volunteer, docent, or intern today!

Volunteers, docents, and interns make our mission possible! We offer a variety of programs, educational opportunities and natural research and stewardship to people of all ages and abilities. We believe that everybody should be able to celebrate the wonders of nature and cultural history of the Hudson Valley and encourage environmental stewardship. 

What is a volunteer?

• Volunteers must be 16 years or older
• They cannot handle animals
• Volunteers may assist at special events, be a booth attendant, garden, and help with tabling activities

What is a junior docent?

• Junior docents are 14-17 years old
• They must complete a mandatory training class
• They can handle animals & do animal presentations after completing the certification process
• Junior docents may lead yours, do interpretations in museums, assist program leaders, and lead trail education stations
• Junior docents must commit (2) 4 hour shifts per month during the school year and 2 days a week during the summer
• Junior docents must assist at special events (1-2/year required)

Please complete the docent interest form.

What is a docent?

• Docents are at least 18 years old
• They must complete a mandatory training class
• They can handle animals & do animal presentations after completing the certification process
• Docents may lead yours, do interpretations in museums, assist program leaders, and lead trail education stations
• Docents must commit to 8 hours per month of service
• Docents must assist at special events (1-2/year required)

Please complete the docent interest form.

What internships are available?

• Animal care
  • Animal care interns work directly with zookeepers to learn how to care for Trailside’s animals and provide interpretation for visitors.
  • Requirements: Interns commit 2 to 3 days per week including one weekend day. Workday is a minimum of 6 hours, maximum of 8 hours.
• Education
  • Education interns assist the Trailside’s educators. Interns gain experience in public speaking, interpretation, educational programming design and delivery, and teaching in an informal setting. Students must be enrolled in one of the following fields of study at an accredited institution: biology, education, environmental science, conservation biology, zoology, history, geology, ecology, or other related major. 
  • Requirements:  Interns must be able to commit to minimum internship length of 3 – 5 months. Interns are required to work one 8-hour shift per week and one weekend day (4 hours).
• Marketing/PR
  • Marketing/PR intern assists the Trailside Office Manager in creating content for the TMZ Website and social media accounts. Marketing/PR intern generates press releases, flyers, and event registrations for upcoming programming at Trailside. In this position, interns learn to work with a team to develop a promotional campaign, complete market studies, and create a variety of digital marketing products. Students must be enrolled in one of the following fields of study at an accredited institution: marketing, business, non-profit management, communications, or related field of study. 
  • Requirements: Interns must be able to commit to minimum internship length of 3 – 5 months. Interns are required to work one 8-hour shift per week. 
• Horticulture
  •  Horticulture interns work with the facilities and grounds department to learn garden cultivation and management as well as forest management. Trailside is home to a variety of gardens and woodlands. We remove non-native, invasive plants and replace them with beautiful native plants that provide wildlife habitat. The horticulture intern will learn to plan, plant, and maintain native gardens, assess forest health, and develop habitat for native pollinators and other wildlife. Students must be enrolled in one of the following fields of study at an accredited institution: ecology, environmental science, botany, organic chemistry, horticultural and agricultural science, plant genetics, soil science, forestry, and land management or related field of study. 
  • Requirements: Interns must be able to commit to minimum internship length of 3 – 5 months. Interns are required to work 12 hours per week. 

Please fill out this internship application to apply.