Ranger

Houston Zoo; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Houston Zoo, a leading wildlife conservation and education organization, seeks a Zoo Ranger to join the Health, Safety, and Security team. You will patrol grounds, monitor safety, respond to emergencies, and assist with crowd control while supporting guest services and conservation messaging.

Engaging visitors with educational stories and maintaining calm, professional conduct during high-pressure situations are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year of progressively responsible work experience.
• Complete and maintain First Aid, AED and CPR Certifications.
• Must be eligible to obtain a Non-Commissioned Security Officer certification through the Texas DPS, Private Security Bureau.
• No current or prior Class A or B misdemeanors or felony convictions.
• Strong observational and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and composure.
• Familiarity with first aid procedures and emergency response.

Responsibilities

• Patrol zoo grounds regularly to monitor guests, staff, and animal safety.
• Respond to emergencies, including first aid and safety concerns, professionally.
• Monitor surveillance equipment, access points, and restricted areas for compliance.
• Document and report incidents and safety concerns accurately.
• Open and secure facilities before and after guest hours.
• Assist with events, crowd management, and guest flow during busy times.
• Support animal keeper activities by securing paths and assisting transfers.
• Manage lost and found processes and reunification of lost children with guardians.
• Provide exceptional guest service, answer questions, and share information about exhibits and conservation.

Skills

Patrol operations

Guest service

Observation skills

Verbal communication

Emergency preparedness

Defensive driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Zoo Ranger is a vital member of the zoo's Health, Safety, and Security team, responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and security of all guests, staff, and animal residents. Through proactive patrols, engaging guest interactions, and effective emergency response, the Zoo Ranger provides exceptional service to create a safe and enjoyable experience while supporting the zoo's mission of wildlife conservation and education. Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities

Patrols zoo grounds regularly to monitor guests, staff, and animal safety, identifying and addressing potential hazards. Responds promptly and professionally to emergencies, including first aid, lost children, safety concerns, and other incidents. Monitors surveillance equipment, access points, and restricted areas to ensure compliance with safety and security protocols. Documents and reports incidents, safety concerns, and unusual activities accurately and thoroughly. Opens and secures zoo facilities, ensuring all areas are safe and operational before and after guest hours. Valid Driver’s License with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain Houston Zoo’s standards of insurability required. Able to complete and maintain active status for a Defensive Driving course to operate company vehicles. Assists with logistical tasks during special events, including setup, security, and guest flow management. Provides support for animal keeper activities by securing paths, assisting with animal transfers, and ensuring guest safety during animal demonstrations. Helps manage lost and found processes and ensure timely reunification of lost children with guardians. Provides exceptional customer service, answering questions, offering directions, and sharing information about zoo exhibits, programs, and conservation efforts. Engages guests with educational stories and experiences that connect them to the zoo’s mission of protecting wildlife and their habitats. Assists with crowd management and ensure a positive visitor experience during peak times and special events. Stays up to date with zoo policies, emergency response protocols, and departmental guidelines. Participates in regular training sessions to maintain certifications (e.g., first aid, CPR) and develop skills necessary for effective performance. Mentors new Rangers, providing guidance on protocols, best practices, and guest service standards. Promotes the zoo's conservation initiatives by inspiring guests to take action to protect wildlife and reduce environmental impact. Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions. Contributes to other operational priorities as needed.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED). Minimum of one (1) year of progressively responsible work experience. Complete and maintain First Aid, AED and CPR Certifications. Must be eligible to complete and receive a certification as a Non-Commissioned Security Officer through the Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Bureau. (No current or prior Class A or B misdemeanors or felony convictions). Strong observational and problem-solving abilities. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and composure. Familiarity with first aid procedures and emergency response.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.