Leadership Position Options
Returning Zoo Crew in good standing can apply for the following Teen Leadership positions. Click on the link to read the position description:
Open spots on the 2026-2027 Teen Leadership Council are as follows:
- 3 Lead Naturalist position
- 3 Lead Camp Mentor positions
- 3 Lead Conservation Mentor positions
- 2 Multimedia Journalist positions
Mandatory Qualifications & Requirements
To apply, teens are required to:
- have completed at least one summer of Zoo Crew
- be in good standing in the Zoo Crew program
- be at least 15 years old by May 31, 2026
- be between the ages of 15 and 17 through the end of your summer session
Teen Leadership Council members will be required to:
- attend three training meetings prior to the summer
- attend all five weeks of either the first half (June 1-July 3) or second half (July 6-August 7) of summer Zoo Crew
- continue through the Year-Round Zoo Crew program following the summer. Council members have a 2-year maximum term limit.
Mandatory Training Dates:
- Sunday, March 1, 2026: 9am-4pm
- Saturday, April 11, 2026: 9am-4pm
- Sunday, May 3, 2026: 9am-4pm
How To Apply for the Teen Leadership Council
Applications for the 2026-2027 Teen Leadership Council will open in December 2025. Applications will be due January 16 by 11:59pm.
Interviews
If selected, interviews for Teen Leadership Council will tentatively occur between January 31st – February 8th.
Interviews will be scheduled on an individual basis. Applicants will be chosen based on their application, interview, and previous evaluations.
Teen Leadership Council Program Fees
Because Teen Leadership Council members are also considered Returning Zoo Crew, the same program fees apply.
- Summer fee: $225
- Year-Round fee: $275
Unable to attend our information sessions? You can view a recording here.
Check out our Adventure Programs for more ways for teens to get involved with the Houston Zoo!
Questions? Email us at teenprograms@houstonzoo.org or call us at 713-533-6567
