Venue Address
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley MN, 55124
Parking
Parking is free. You may park in either lot.
Dress Code
The dress code varies by event. If there is a special requirement for dress code apart from that below, it should be sent to you in an email.
Jack-O-Lantern events are outdoors. Please dress accordingly for the weather. Bring a jacket, hat, gloves, and/or snow pants if you need them. Items should be without logos/advertisements.
- Professional style black pants, in a woven or twill fabric, such as Docker or Dickies brand. NO Denim/Jeans/gym clothes/shiny fabrics/stripes or logos are ever permitted.
- Black slip-resistant shoes – must be closed-toe and closed heel.
- Solid black t-shirt with no logos.
- Achieving Dreams group hat. *If you are specifically working a Catering Event no hat is required.
Catering Events:
- Professional style black pants, in a woven or twill fabric, such as Docker or Dickies brand. NO Denim/Jeans/gym clothes/shiny fabrics/tripes or logos are ever permitted.
- Black slip-resistant shoes – must be closed-toe and closed heel.
- Solid black long-sleeved button-down shirt (you provide this, not the venue)
Zoo Map
Zoo Entrance
Enter at the front gate. Tell the attendant that you are there to volunteer.
Once in the building walk to the right toward the Call of the Wild Cafe for check-in.
Check-In
You will check-in with the Achieving Dreams manager in the Call of the Wild Cafe, sign in on the Achieving Dreams sign-in sheet, and receive a zoo lanyard to be worn during your shift.
Getting to your stand
The zoo supervisor will walk all the volunteers through the zoo to where you will work.
Stand Setup
One volunteer in each location will receive a money bag and a walkie talkie. The zoo supervisor that takes you to your location will tell you what password to use for log in.
Tips are not on the register and no tips jars can be out. You cannot solicit tips, but cash tips can be accepted if offered.
When you get the prompt asking if you would like to round up for conservation at JOLS, you can choose to ask or not. (For WIld Nights at the zoo, you can’t ask for the Conservation round up.) When in doubt. ask your supervisor if they want you to ask or not.
Unbox cash registers from their totes, plug them in, and set them up.
Add money to the cash drawers. Verify the amount on the white slip.
To open the drawer, use the three line in the upper left hand corner and select ‘open register’.
The hot chocolate and hot cider Cambros will be delivered to the stand. Stock cups, lids, and souvenir cups between them.
Ice product in coolers.
Retrieve one bottle of each liquor, add spouts (keeping lids to recap at the end).
Put one can of each beverage on display in front of the Cambros.
Put a napkin dispenser by each register.
You can radio for the warehouse or your specific supervisor if there is something you need.
Breaks
No formal breaks are provided, but a short break may be allowed, depending on how busy the stand is. The zoo offers a 50% discount on food while you are working.
Stand Operation
You will receive a money bag(s) and a walkie talkie for each location. The supervisor that takes you to your location will tell you what password to use for log in. Tips are not on the register and no tips jars can be out. You can not solicit tips, cash tips can be accepted if offered. When you get the prompt asking if you would like to round up for conservation at JOLS, you can choose to ask or not. (For WIld Nights at the zoo, you can’t ask for the Conservation round up.) When in doubt. ask your supervisor if they want you to ask or not.
Clean Up And Dismissal
JOLS
SAA will close stands by announcing the closing over the walkie talkies.
Wait until you hear on the radio that your specific location should close.
All food items should be combined and placed on the white table for them to pick up. (Popcorn, brownies, pumpkin desserts) Place all dirty laundry (aprons, tablecloth and used towels) in a pile there to be picked up. Also stack all pans, tongs or other wares on the table to be picked up.
Bottles of liquor should be recapped and spouts rinsed/cleaned. ALL liquor (open or closed) should be carefully stored in the coolers so they are then in a locked location.
Non Food items are returned to the bins neatly and should be latched.
Wipe down all surfaces.
If the items are picked up off the white table before you leave, break down the table and store it against the front of the stand, on the inside of the stand
Leave all money (uncounted) in the register(s)
Wipe down counters and pretzel warmers (if you have one).
Gather lanyards for everyone and the walkie talkie and put it in the slingbag where the money bags will end up.
Stay at the location until either the AD manager clears you to leave and takes your spot or the Zoo supervisor says you can leave after they collect money and check the stand.
Updated 4/23/23