Employment Opportunities

Part Time positions generally are up to a max. of 25 hours per work week, with some exceptions for seasonal programs. 

Job Title: Horticulture & Maintenance Technician: Landscaping (Full Time)

Schedule: Monday -- Friday between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM, including occasional week ends, holidays and evenings for scheduled events.
Description: Under general direction of the Director and Assistant Director of Facilities & Horticulture , Horticulture and Maintenance Technician: Landscaping assists in the selection and maintenance of all aspects of the physical plant, gardens and grounds within the Zoo.
Performs direct and light construction for zoo facilities, and ensures that the Zoo gardens and grounds meet the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance.
Requirements: Educational background and/or work experience in Horticulture, landscaping. Two years paid experience in a trade or general maintenance/horticulture, or equivalent preferred, including significant knowledge and experience working with plants and irrigation systems. Knowledge and experience operating a wide range of power tools and construction methods. Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently. Must have effective oral and written communication skills, and the ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work. Must have the ability to work outdoors, access all areas of the facility and exhibits, and negotiate the zoo work environment and to work daily in close proximity with wild animals.

Compensation: $11-12/hour, DOE

Job Title: Keeper: Mammals (Full Time)

Schedule: Thursday through Monday, with Tuesday and Wednesday off.

Description: The person filling this position will carry out all basic aspects of the daily care of the animals, including, but not limited to: training, enrichment, maintenance of exhibits, and enhancing the guest experience. This position is part of a dynamic and progressive Animal Care Team.
Requirements: A strong teamwork ethic and proven enthusiasm is required. You must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, and be able to work in a strenuous work environment near the beach. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. A minimum of 2 years previous experience in routine animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution preferred. The ideal candidate would welcome the challenge of regularly participating in the zoo's local field conservation activities including California Condor, Island Fox, and local herp species.
Compensation:  The position may be filled at the keeper, or senior keeper level depending on experience with wages ranging from $15 to $17/hr, DOE.

Job Title: Cook (Part Time Seasonal)

Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, up to 6-hour shift (9:00AM-3:00PM or 11:00AM-5:00PM), including some holidays and evenings for scheduled events. May 2013-September 4, 2013.
Description: Do you enjoy cooking and interacting with guests, without having to work night shift? Cook facilitates a positive guest experience by providing fast quality service and enjoyable food to guests and employees of the Santa Barbara Zoo. Responsible for the preparation and replenishment of all items needed for the restaurant.
Requirements: Applicants must be minimum 18 years of age and have cooking experience. Must be a team player with excellent oral and written communication skills, with knowledge of health department food preparation regulations. Must be able to access all areas of the facility, lift cases in excess of 50 pounds waist high, and to stand/walk during entire shift.

Compensation: DOE

Job Title: Development Coordinator (Full time)
Description:  The Development Coordinator is responsible for participating in the fundraising effort and providing administrative support to the Development Department.  In addition to general support, this position is specifically responsible for processing and tracking donations as well as coordinating the Honorarium and Memorial Gift Program, assisting with coordinating special events, and cultivating donors. .
Requirements: A strong teamwork ethic and proven enthusiasm is required.  BA in related field and/or some experience in Development/Marketing/Sales/Events in a professional office environment or with administrative functions are desirable. Must have strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to handle conflict resolution in a professional manner, working in a busy shared, open space work environment. Attention to detail and ability to multi-task successfully, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and make effective use of time, as well as the ability to access all areas of the facility, lifting at least 30 pounds in course of normal duties.

Compensation: $13.50/hour

Job Title: Keeper: Elephants (Full time)

Description: The Elephant Keeper will carry out all basic aspects of the daily care of the elephants, including, but not limited to: training, enrichment, maintenance of exhibits, and enhancing the guest experience. This position is part of a dynamic and progressive Animal Care team.
Requirements: A strong teamwork ethic and proven enthusiasm is required. You must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, and be able to work in a strenuous work environment (near the beach). A Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. A minimum of 2 years previous experience in routine animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution preferred. Pachyderm or large hoof stock experience a plus. The ideal candidate would welcome the challenge of regularly participating in the zoo's local field conservation activities including California condor, island fox, and local herp species.
Compensation: The position may be filled at the apprentice keeper, keeper, or senior keeper level depending on experience, with wages ranging from $13 to $17/hr.

Job Title: Train Engineer (Part-Time)

Schedule: weekdays, weekends, holidays, and some evenings, usually between hours of 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Description: Do you like trains and working outdoors? Are you a storyteller who enjoys educating and interacting with the public? Under general direction of the Director of Guest Services, the Train Engineer facilitates a positive, safe, and excellent guest experience. Train Engineer must also carry out the Zoo's mission by helping connect guests with animals through education and guest interactions. 

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age, self-motivated and have a positive attitude. Basic knowledge of hand tools, mechanical maintenance are necessary, as well as an outgoing and friendly personality, great communication skills and capability to multi-task. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally, climb stairs or ladders, and manipulate basic tools of the job. Must be comfortable approaching guests and initiating conversation. Must be available to work some week days, weekends, holidays, evenings, and during the Santa Barbara Zoo’s busy seasons.  

Compensation: $8.50-$10.00/hour, DOE  

Job Title: Guest Experience Specialist (GES- Part-Time)

Schedule:  Week ends and week days, any time between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Some holidays, school breaks, and some evenings for scheduled events.

Description: Are you interested in helping our conservation efforts? Does helping others make your day? Do you like the outdoors and working with children and their families? Do you feel comfortable and excited in engaging in conversations with guests? Under general direction of the Director of Guest Services, Director of Retail Operations or Director of Food Services, Guest Experience Specialist facilitates a positive guest experience by providing excellent service to all visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo. 

Requirements: Applicants must be minimum 14 years of age (Work permit required for 17 and under, unless graduated from high school). Outgoing personality with positive attitude required. Customer Service and Cash Handling experience a must! Applicant must be able to stand/walk for up to two continuous hours and access all areas of the facility. Must be able to work week days, some week-ends, holidays, school breaks, and some evenings when events are scheduled.

Compensation: $8.50-9.00/hour  

Job Title: Show Actor (Part-Time Position)

Schedule: School breaks, Week-ends, Holidays and Scheduled Events.

Description: Under the general direction of the Director of Marketing, Show Actor will perform on stage as part of the cast of the four-person show "How to Train your Dinosaur". The stage show is a behind-the-scenes look at how the experts at the Santa Barbara Zoo care for animals. The show runs twice daily for up to 20 minutes on the Zoo's Rolling Hill Stage. Show Actor accompanies Character Performers during show and meet and greet, ensuring safety and show quality, assisting guests with requests, answering guests questions and other guest service related jobs as needed.

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Outgoing personality with positive attitude required. Will represent the Santa Barbara Zoo's wholesome, family-friendly brand on stage before large numbers of people and on occasionaal appearances in the community. Must be comfortable approaching guests and initiating conversations. Applicant must be willing to undergo acting training and rehearsal , and follow instructions from Director. Must be able to stand/walk for up to two continuous hours and access all aras of the facility. Previous stage experience through theater, music or dance is a plus!

Compensation: $10.00/hour  

Job Title: Dino Actor (Part-Time)

Schedule: Every week-end and holidays, special events, any time between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Description: Can you bring a roaring, chomping, blinking, running, growling Dinosaur back to life? Do you want to delight over 200,000 people in a terrific new stage show this year? The Dino Actor will perform on stage as part of the cast of our new show "Dino Doc." The stage show is a behind the scenes look at how the experts at the Santa Barbara Zoo care for animals, and will run up to three times daily for up to 20-minutes on the Rolling Hill Stage. The actor will perform inside an amazing, one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art dinosaure costume designed by a world-class Hollywood special effects studio.

Requirements: Must be at least 17 years old. T-Rex costume requires applicant to be at least 5'10" in height and able to carry a 75-pound backpack device for at least 20 minutes at a time. Applicant must be comfortable with tight spaces and wearing such a costume. Stage, dance, gymnastic and/or athletic experience a plus! Outgoing personality with positive attitude and excellent interpersonal and communication skills required. Must be willing to undergo acting training and rehearsal, and follow instructions from Director. Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, and manipulate basic tools.

Compensation: $10.00/hour, DOE

Job Title: Private Event Host (Seasonal, Part-Time) 
Schedule: Seasonal - March through October, weekends, daytime, and evenings.

Description: In conjunction with a team of Event Hosts, the Private Event Host is responsible for overseeing dayitme and/or evening events. Must ensure our events are an enjoyable, wonderful, and safe experience for our guests by providing support services.
Requirements: We are seeking outgoing, motivated, and detail-oriented individuals interested in getting experience in the events industry. Must have excellent verbal & written communication and time management skills. Must have the ability to work well in a team in a fast-paced environment, while multi-tasking under time constraints. At least one year of paid customer service experience is required. Must have the ability to access all areas of the facility and the ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment, standing up to four hours in a row (x2) on your feet, occasionally lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 
Compensation: $9.00/hour