There are two areas of volunteering with Recreation Facilities and Attractions: Special Events and Programming.

Both areas require you to create a profile in order to sign up.

Special Event Volunteers: Once you sign up online for a volunteer position, you will be invited to a New Volunteer Orientation. Before attending this orientation, you must review our Volunteer Handbook. At the New Volunteer Orientation, we will spend some time getting to know you, sharing volunteer opportunities and asking any questions you might have about the policies in the handbook. Additionally, if you are 16 years of age or older and are living within the City of Edmonton, you are required to complete a Police Information Check while at the New Volunteer Orientation. Ensure you bring two valid forms of ID. If you are 13-15 years old you must bring TWO written reference letters from non-related persons to the orientation. More information about our screening process can be found in the Volunteer Handbook. Once you have completed these steps, you will be considered an Accepted Volunteer and will be able to view all of our available positions.

1. Sign up for a volunteer position
2. Read the Volunteer Manual
3. Attend the New Volunteer Orientation
4. Complete your Police Information Check/Submit two reference letters
5. Begin your volunteer position
6. Sign up for other volunteer positions

Note: A minimum of 20 hours per year is required.

Programming Volunteers: Programming volunteer positions are more complex positions and therefore require more screening. Once you apply online, your application will be reviewed after the application deadline. If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview. If you pass the interview, you will be offered a position and be required to attend training sessions based on your position. 
 

1. Sign up for a volunteer position
2. Receive an invitation to an interview
3. Successfully pass your interview and reference checks
4. Complete a Police Information Check/Submit two reference letters
5. Attend your mandatory orientation and training sessions
6. Begin your volunteer position

Note: the minimum number of shifts required will vary depending on the programming position.

This is a highly sought-after position. There are many people on the waiting list, which can be as long at 80 people.This tells us Edmontonians are passionate about animals! 
Shifts become available based on vacancies. All shifts are daytime, either morning or afternoon.

Having previous experience working with and caring for animals is vital to being selected for an interview. Additionally, your availability may play into being selected for an interview. Our suggestion is to look for experience with animals elsewhere while you are on the waiting list and update your profile as you gain more experience. 

Being a zoo keeper’s assistant does not involve the cuddling of animals. It involves cleaning out enclosures, scooping of poop and the preparation of food, among other tasks. It might not be as glamorous as you think. Also, cuddling wild animals is never a good idea. It can end badly for both parties!

The position description will tell you whether it is necessary to complete a Police Information Check. This is part of our screening process and helps us ensure the right people are working with the public, other volunteers and staff.  If you are 16 years of age or older, you will complete a Police Information Check during your orientation.
 
Please note: Applicants currently residing outside of the city of Edmonton must visit their local police or RCMP detachment to complete their Police Information Check. A letter will be provided by Volunteer Services detailing the process.

To complete the Police Information Check, you will need to have two valid forms of government issued ID. One must be photo ID.

Acceptable ID includes:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Provincial health care card
• Birth certificate
• Immigration ID Card
• Citizenship Card
• Indian Status Card
• National Defense Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Firearms Card

Unacceptable ID Includes:

• Social Insurance Number
• Student identification
• Edmonton City Licenses
• Credit cards
  

Programming staff  like to see that their volunteers have taken an active interest in their facility. Volunteering as a special events assistant at a facility doesn’t guarantee that you will receive a programming position but it does help staff get to know more about you, your interests and your capacities. We encourage programming volunteers to help out with Special Events and we encourage our Special Events volunteers to seek more responsibilities and apply for Programming positions.

Please visit your volunteer profile and select 'reset password'. Or, you can email Volunteer Services at rfsvolunteer@edmonton.ca and we can reset your password and remind you of your username through email.

Yes. Please log them on your volunteer account. If you fail to log your hours, you may not be recognized for the work you have done.

Please contact Volunteer Services to have your group volunteer.

The City of Edmonton recruits youth 13 years of age and older. The age requirements are listed in each position's description. If your child is under 13 years old, we do have many positions that are suitable for families. You and your child can volunteer together.

Special events volunteers are required to do a minimum of 20 hours per year. This works out to 4 or 5 events per year.

As a programming volunteer, your hours will vary depending on the program. The minimum requirement will be greater than 20 hours.