Park Services Associate (Custodian, Housekeeping, Part-Time)

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Job summary

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is seeking a Part‑Time Park Services Associate. You will help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment across the park, including rides and attraction areas.

The role requires ability to work evenings, weekends, and long shifts while providing excellent guest service. Typical duties include cleaning, event setup, and supporting guests with a friendly, professional demeanor.

Qualifications

• Availability Part‑Time for up to 24 hours per week, including at least one weekend day.
• Ability to maintain an inclusive work environment with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license to operate organization vehicles.
• Strong hospitality skills such as greeting each guest with respect and proactive interaction.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
• Knowledge of cleaning techniques and equipment for indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Willingness to work evening shifts (5 PM–10 PM) during peak seasonal events.
• Physical ability to perform active duties across a 100+ acre campus, ~10,000 steps per shift.
• Pre‑Employment Requirements: background check, drug screen, non‑DOT physical.
• Composure in fast‑paced or high‑volume environments.

Responsibilities

• Keep the zoo clean and tidy for guests and staff.
• Set up events and operate attractions as required.
• Maintain attraction areas such as Play Park, 4D Theatre, Splash Pad, Animal Carousel, and Train.
• Assist guests and respond to requests while maintaining safety standards.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Flexible schedule

Driver's license

Job description

Application Deadline: 12 April 2026 and/or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged.

Please ensure that your application highlights your experience and qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of this role.

Do you take pride in upholding a clean environment? If yes, then we have an exciting opportunity for you! Join the team at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and become a Park Services Associate (Part-Time). With over 1,400 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants, the Zoo spans over 180 acres. Our top priority is safety, and we are open 363 days a year, come rain or shine.

As a Park Services Associate, you'll create a lasting impression on our guests by providing them with a clean, friendly, and safe environment. You'll be responsible for keeping the zoo clean and tidy, setting up events, operating rides, and managing attraction areas such as the Play Park, 4D Theatre, Splash Pad, Animal Carousel, and the Train.

Your meticulous attention to detail will leave a lasting impression on our guests. You'll be assigned to a specific area, where you'll maintain a welcoming environment both indoors and outdoors. This will include cleaning and washing down attractions, rides, walkways, outside dining areas, picnic areas, and play park areas, both in public and non‑public areas. You'll also be responsible for maintaining cleanliness in restrooms, trash/recycling receptacles, restaurants, gift shops, and buildings. This role consistently provides excellent customer service. You'll need to have patience and be willing to maintain cleanliness standards while responding professionally to requests such as spills, debris overflow, and assisting lost guests. The job requires physical endurance, with an average of 10,000 steps per shift.

If you are ready to help us provide a safe and clean environment for our guests and create unforgettable memories, join us in our mission of "Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places" by being part of our team.

What You'll Bring...

• Available Part‑Time for up to 24 hours per week, including at least one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday).
• Ability to maintain an inclusive work environment with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license to operate organization vehicles.
• Strong hospitality skills such as greeting each guest with respect, courtesy, proactively and positively interacting with guests.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
• Knowledge of various cleaning techniques and equipment to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Willingness to work evening shifts (5 PM – 10 PM) during peak seasonal events October – January.
• Physical ability to perform active, on‑your‑feet duties across a 100+ acre campus, averaging 10,000+ steps per shift.
• Currently hold, or have previously held, a satisfactory status in an unpaid or paid position with Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
• Composure in fast‑paced or high‑volume environments.
• Pre‑Employment Requirements: Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre‑employment screenings prior to their start date. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors. These include:
  • Criminal Background Check
  • 5 panel drug screen
  • Non‑DOT physical examination

Physical Requirements

• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 6‑8 hours on shift.
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
• Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of a 6–8 hour shift, including working in Florida weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds for short distances.
• Ability to work with a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, and small companion mammals.
• Ability to safely operate a motorized cart.

Work Conditions

• Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
• Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
• Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required.
• Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE