Guest Engagement Guide I (Part-Time)

ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement 403(b) plan

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted gym membership

Free ZooTampa membership

Discounts on attractions and merchandise

Job summary

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is seeking a Guest Engagement Guide with a passion for animals and conservation. In this role, you'll safely operate a safari truck, lead engaging tours, and share educational narratives to enhance the guest experience. Candidates must possess strong communication skills and have experience driving large vehicles.

This position offers diverse responsibilities and requires flexibility in working hours, including weekends and holidays, contributing to an exciting environment at the zoo.

Qualifications

• Valid Florida driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• At least five years of experience driving large vehicles.
• Strong oral communication ability to manage large groups.
• High energy, positive attitude, and team player.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a safari truck and narrate engaging stories.
• Lead guest tours and maintain a charismatic presence.
• Assist with guest accessibility needs during tours.
• Collaborate with departments to enhance guest experience.

Skills

Oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational and time-management skills

Decision-making in fast-paced environments

Ability to engage with diverse audiences

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in education or environmental studies

Tools

Large vehicles

Job description

Guest Engagement Guide – Friday/Saturday/Sunday schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate a 32‑passenger Ford F550 safari truck safely across rugged terrain, narrating engaging stories about animals and conservation.
• Lead guest tours, maintaining an energetic presence and a charismatic persona throughout the experience.
• Assist with loading and unloading of guests, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, ensuring accessibility for all.
• Collaborate with other departments to enhance the overall guest experience and support new staff.
• Perform a high‑quality educational narrative while standing on a moving truck, sharing animal information and conservation stories.
• Drive safari trucks on unpaved roads around animal habitats, maintaining safety protocols and responding to emergencies.
• Track accurate rider counts and maintain documentation of guest interactions.
• Enforce safety rules and zoo policies, ensuring compliance with all operating and safety procedures.
• Promote the zoo’s conservation messages and support the transfer of knowledge from animal care staff and scientists to guests.
• Suggest program improvements and maintain strong working relationships across departments.
• Attend training sessions as required and perform ancillary duties related to tours.

Qualifications

• Valid Florida driver’s license with a clean driving record; at least five years of experience driving large vehicles, preferably a large, automatic transmission truck.
• Current or pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in education, environmental studies, or a related field (equivalent experience may substitute).
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and manage large groups.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a friendly, courteous attitude toward guests.
• Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changing situations while maintaining program integrity.
• High energy and a positive team‑player attitude, with strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Capacity to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to navigate and speak to diverse audiences, including children.

Other Requirements

• Adhere to AZA standards, laws, regulations, and safety guidelines.
• Tolerance of dust, fumes, animal dander, odors, loud noises, motion, and vibrations.
• Comfortable driving safari trucks and golf cart vehicles for extended periods.
• Ability to lead tours, speak to guests for prolonged periods, and interact with children.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and flexible hours.
• Physical ability to stand extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, bend, and move quickly when necessary.
• Clear communication with the general public and ability to use radio, telephone, and computer.
• Willingness to work varied and long shifts, including holidays and weekends.

Benefits

• Retirement 403(b) plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted gym membership
• Free membership to ZooTampa, MOSI, Glazer Children’s Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many Florida attractions
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug‑Free Workplace